Diploma in Professional Dance

Comprehensive training in dance styles and techniques used in today’s performing arts industry as well as an opportunity to explore individual creativity. The course progresses over three academic years. New subjects and levels of complexity are introduced each year working to create a greater sense of the artist as a whole. Skills in musical theatre are taught along with dance to create a rounded performer.

validated by:

Core subjects:

Ballet: Fundamental to the study of dance and supports all other dance techniques taught at the Academy. It develops physical skills, poise, confidence, accuracy, fluency and expression.

Contemporary: A variety of styles taught, though Cunningham and Graham are predominant. Cunningham to complement Ballet training and Graham to challenge the range of movement vocabulary and develop a clear understanding of weight, movement and ‘centre’.

Jazz: A strong grounding in technique and an exposure to a wide range of styles provides students with a competence in the range of Jazz use. Students acquire the versatility to be adaptable to choreographic demands employed today in the theatre, TV and commercial fields.

Musical Theatre Jazz: To broaden knowledge of styles and repertoire, as well as learning vital skills such as writing a Swing Map ready for the industry.

Street: An exposure to the current commercial dance scene which includes styles such as hip-hop, house and vogue-ing alongside many others, all centred around a Jazz technique. Performance is an important part of this strand.

Tap: Work in Broadway/West End styles and American Rhythm technique, learning to use the whole body unprompted and use the foot as a complex musical instrument. There is emphasis on improvisation and choreographic skills in a variety of styles with the ability to apply advanced technique.

Supporting Subjects:

Body Conditioning: There is a focus on aerobic fitness and core strength, postural alignment and abdominal strength. Students gain an individual understanding of how to apply these to dance disciplines and in their personal life.

Partner Work: Introduced only after the student has gained knowledge of body awareness and strength. The work builds up reflex time, stamina and the ability to dance as part of a team. Taught in modular form covering Classical Pas de Deux, Voice and text and Jazz Duet.

Choreography: Introduced from the 2nd year to broaden the students’ understanding of dance and widen their creativity.

Musical Theatre Studies: Includes classes on acting, singing and audition practice aimed at creating a rounded, versatile performer.

Specialist workshops: Offered in Year 3 to help expand the student’s horizons and understanding of other non-mainstream dance styles.

Performance

There are several opportunities each year for students to develop performance skills in preparation for professional employment after their graduation.

Professional Practice

In addition to striving for a strong technical and artistic standard the student needs an understanding of self-management and promotion relevant to the profession. This will be covered by:

Career Management | The Healthier Performer | Health and Safety | Production Skills | Development Skills

Students will learn about the history of the profession and how to use research as a tool both to gain employment and to give depth to their work. This is covered by:
History of Dance | Reviews of Professional Production | Music Theory for the Performer

Third Year Project: To design and present their own concept for a new piece of theatre, musical theatre or dance | Reflective Journals