Dance (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time

The course aims to develop innovative, reflective and articulate dance performers, creators and writers, who are well placed to enter the dance industry. Focusing on contemporary dance practices, you will be given a firm grounding in technique, choreography, history and criticism in a nurturing environment. The course is led by a team of internationally reputed teachers and practitioners whose publications and performances are at the cutting edge of choreographic practice and dance research giving you the opportunity to work closely with experts in the field.

In each stage, the course focuses on essential aspects of the dance industry and dance as an academic discipline, including choreography, technique, criticism, facilitation and management.

The course also emphasises the importance of dance in applied and professional contexts, including areas such as dance management, dance therapy, dance education and community dance. There are opportunities for undertaking highly valuable placements in both stage two and three, preparing students for the wider arts industry.

Stage one

In the first stage the degree provides a foundation in choreography, screen dance and the skills of improvisation. Modules designed to improve your dance technique support this work, as does the development of a broad-based knowledge of dance history and analysis.

Stage two

Expanding upon the first stage you are able to study different approaches to choreography (including dance video) and further develop your dance technique as well as being introduced to research methods in dance anthropology.

Stage three

At stage three students are encouraged to become increasingly independent, undertaking practical projects by negotiation. Students may also join the final year company and are expected to operate as professional practitioners, making, managing, facilitating and performing their own work as part of the 'Playgrounds Festival' and in other venues.

• A highly practical course in which at least 80% is taught in a studio environment
• Emphasis placed on the development of each individual's creativity and skill
• Benefit from our well-established links to dance professions and dance research
• Undertake valuable placements
• Tour with the final year dance company

• Dance in Professional Contexts
• Dance Techniques
• The Moving Body
• Dance Theatre
• Dance History and Analysis
  
• Dance, Culture and the Body
• Theorising Dance
  
• Screen Dance
• The Dance Company

The theoretical and practical elements of the course are assessed in a variety of modes such as practical assessments in choreography, dance technique and improvisation, as well as seminar presentation, portfolios and essays. Students are encouraged to reflect upon and evaluate contemporary dance practice.

There are a number of larger and smaller dance studios on campus.

Practical training in the studio, critical reflection in log books and portfolio, practical and theoretical research, work experience.

There is a wide range of career opportunities in the dance industry and dance students develop skills across a variety of possibilities such as dance performance, choreography, dance administration, teaching, criticism and community dance practice.

If students take a fourth dance module in their second or third year, they can choose the Dance in Professional Contexts module which involves a placement component.

What type of technique is taught?

Ballet-based contemporary.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes, there are two public performances every year and a number of in-house shows. Additionally, there is the opportunity to perform in third year students' work.

What about access to studios for rehearsals?

Yes, dance studios can be booked through staff.

Do students undertake trips?

Yes, there are regular trips to performances.

Is there a possibility to take additional dance classes in Northampton?

Yes, there is the possibility to take classes with Northants Dance and other private dance schools.

How many teachers will I have?