Course Overview
This is a two-year full-time programme at Levels 4 and 5.
In year one you will complete a Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 4.
On completion of your Higher National Certificate, you will complete a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 5.
At Mechanics’ Performing Arts we deliver a full-time Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) that is designed to train performers, choreographers and dance practitioners at a higher level for those who wish to pursue a career within the dance industry. This course provides professional dance training in Commercial, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Choreography, Conditioning and community dance teaching.
We have close links to many areas of the industry and our graduates are now working all around the world in a variety of different employment areas including on cruises, professional dance companies, freelancing, dance teaching. Our students take part in industry led days where artists from across the industry, such as casting and talent agents, professional artists and our own graduates come and inform our students of current aspects needed for a successful career in today’s industry.
Through practical classes you will develop a wide range of dance performance techniques drawn from the work of world-renowned choreographers. You will grow as technical dancers, experience a range of dance classes which will increase your strength, flexibility and versatility. Dancers undertake weekly conditioning classes to improve their dance fitness and develop new skills.
A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to encourage and facilitate your creative and artistic development and bring together practice and theory. Independent and collaborative learning will be encouraged through use of practical workshops, interactive lectures, resource-based learning, individual and group work, tutorials, discussion, critiques, performances, and rehearsals.
Course hours typically stand at 15 hours contact per week of lectures, rehearsals, workshops and self-directed study. This can increase during performance weeks and will require evening work and on occasions and some weekends. You are also required to undertake conditioning classes to improve strength, flexibility and stamina to help you develop.
In addition to the course contact hours, students will need to undertake at least 10 hours per week directed & self-directed study/ practice. The course is typically split 75% Practical Work 25 % Classroom.
You will have classes with students in your own discipline and classes with students from other performances disciplines.
What You Will Study
Units:
- The Performing Arts Industry
- Professional Development
- Contemporary Dance 1
- Ballet 1
- Tap Dance 1
- Jazz Dance 1
- Commercial Dance 1
- Choreography 1
- Attendance Expectations
You will attend College three to four days per week plus evening performances and some weekends. You will also be expected to see local and national performances to enhance your performing arts knowledge and experience different kinds of performances.
- How You Will Be Assessed
The College assesses you through the coursework that you produce as you complete each unit, this may include finished, performance pieces, choreography development, written work, your research, and a reflective journal which allows you to evaluate your learning and highlight your strengths and areas for further development.
Assessment is ongoing within sessions and will comprise of peer and self-assessment as well as tutor assessment.
- Entry Requirements
64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related subject.
OR
An Access course.
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English Language (or equivalent qualification) is required.
Those with previous experience or learning that is relevant may be eligible via our RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process for accreditation towards this course.
All applicants are required to audition consisting of an interview and a dance class including a creative task.
- Fee Information
£7,400
- Further Study
Progression to HND Performing Arts (Dance), which can be studied at Wakefield College.
