Dance BA (Hons)

Program Overview

De Montfort University's Dance BA (Hons) cultivates a distinctive creative voice through practice-based training in dance techniques, choreography, performance, teaching, and research. Housed in the Centre for Excellence in Performance Arts, the program offers industry-focused connections, cutting-edge facilities, and a dedicated team of experienced dance staff. Graduates are prepared for a range of dance-related careers, including roles as educators, performers, choreographers, managers, and producers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Aims to cultivate a "distinctive creative voice" through practice-based training in dance techniques, choreography, performance, teaching, and dance research.
• Blends rigorous artistry with industry-focused connections and opportunities.
• Guided by a dedicated team of experienced dance staff who are active practitioners and researchers in the field.
• Offers the opportunity to participate in the annual University Dance Festival, showcasing original choreography and energetic performances.

Outline:

• Year 1: Focuses on developing foundational skills and understanding through modules like "The Responsive Dancer," "Rethinking Dance," "Space, Place and Connections," and "Ensemble Performance and Production."
• Year 2: Builds on the first year with modules like "Style, Production and Artistry," "Applying Your Practice: Dance Artists, Communities and Education," "The Healthy Practitioner: Wellbeing and Self-management," and "Digitising Your Artistic Voice."
• Year 3: Allows students to specialize in specific areas of interest through modules like "Facilitating Practice: Teaching and Leading Dance," "Industry practice: Choreography, Performance and Producing," "Personal Research Project," "Professional Practice: Moving into Industry," and "Creative Media in Performance."
• Culminates in participation in the Dance Festival, showcasing the culmination of students' learning and creativity.

Assessment:

• Utilizes a varied mix of assessments to evaluate student progress and skill development.
• Includes solo and group choreography and performance work, individual and group presentations, teaching practice, classwork, viva voce exams, blogs, portfolios, marketing packs, action plans, and reflective and evaluative essays.
• Emphasizes the development of a broad range of skills and knowledge, preparing students for success in their chosen career path.

Teaching:

• Employs a blend of practical classes, seminars, workshops, discussions, tutorials, rehearsals, theatre and community visits, screenings, and performances.
• Emphasizes active, experiential, and reflective learning through practice.
• Led by an experienced team of dance staff who are all active practitioners and researchers in the field.
• Provides students with access to current research and trends in the dance world.
• Benefits from DMU's designation as a Centre for Excellence in the Teaching and Learning of Performance Arts.
• Offers access to expert technicians and rehearsal space, facilitating the creation and development of artistic projects.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for a range of dance-related careers, including roles as educators, performers, choreographers, managers, and producers.
• Provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the ever-changing demands of the dance profession.
• Boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates working as heads of school and college dance departments, university lecturers, community dance practitioners, the former Director of Dance at Arts Council England, and award-winning choreographers.
• Offers opportunities for postgraduate studies in Performance Practices MA and Choreography MA in collaboration with FABRIC (Dance4 and DanceXchange together).

Other:

• The course offers a paid placement year option, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience in a professional setting.
• Utilizes the "Universal Design for Learning" (UDL) approach, providing a wide range of support, facilities, and technologies to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.
• Employs DMU Replay, a technology that provides students with anytime access to audio and/or visual materials of lectures, allowing for personalized revision and learning.
• Provides access to the award-winning DMU Global program, offering international experience opportunities through on-campus activities, UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips, volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Conclusion:

The Dance BA (Hons) at De Montfort University appears to be a comprehensive and well-structured program that provides students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to pursue a successful career in dance.

UK

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

EU/International

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £15,750