top of page
Introduction
This course provides a platform for you, as an aspiring dance artist, to begin your career in the commercial dance and performing arts sector. You will have an opportunity to develop the skills and understanding of the industry that you will need to foster in order to work professionally and take advantage of the increasing demand for skilled, versatile and reliable performers.
This intensive degree prepares dancers for the commercial dance industry in a practical, studio-based learning environment, offeringthe opportunity to acquire and develop essential technical and artistic skill through professional training.
Led by staff with a wealth of professional experience, you will work alongside your peers on an interdisciplinary campus, honing your technique and performance skills through a number of dance projects.
The course develops skills that will assist you in creating work opportunities or gaining work in the commercial dance creative industries. One of its key strengths is the broad cross-section of tutors from the creative industries who will work with, support and assist you in your studies.
Several modules are shared with other WAVDA performance programmes. Collaboration is important and working on multidisciplined projects will broaden your horizons and vocational possibilities.
UWTSD ranked 1st in Wales for Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Why choose this course?
If you want to study commercial dance practically and learn about the current dance industry then this is the course for you. This course prepares you for a career within the commercial dance industry, no matter what your background or dance experience is.
You will discover your identity as an artist through studying a wide variety of dance forms, building on varying dance techniques and performance skills, such as:
• Hip Hop
• House
• Funk
• Waacking
• Voguing
• Ballet
• Tap
• Jazz
• Contemporary
The course provides opportunities to work with current practitioners and choreographers working within the industry to develop projects and performances.
Throughout the three years you will gain relevant insight into the industry, preparing you for employment after graduating.
Overview
Throughout the three years, you will be taught by professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing all important industry links.
We will help you to become your own unique dance artist with an excellent understanding of the current dance industry and the skills to sustain your own creative career.
Year One
This year will focus on your understanding and development of a diverse range of dance techniques required for the commercial dance industry. You will build upon your skills, whilst learning about all important fitness, nutrition and injury prevention in order to withstand the demands of the industry. This year will culminate in a performance project that will be led by a guest choreographer.
Year Two
This year will build upon, stretch and challenge the skills you’ve learned from the previous year. You will gain extra skills within workshops from studying specialist areas such as acro and circus. Focusing on audition technique, you will gain invaluable insight into audition processes and work within a collaborative project.
Year Three
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to develop your own dance piece with guidance from tutors. You will work towards a showcase/showreel, whilst learning how to present yourself as a dance artist. The course will culminate in a large-scale performance project.
After you graduate, we will continue to support you throughout your career.
Modules
Year One – Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BA)
• Acting Class (10 credits; compulsory)
• Commercial Dance 1 (30 credits; compulsory)
• Contemporary Dance 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
• Dance Training 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
• Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Performance Project (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two – Level 5 (Dip HE & BA)
• Audition Technique (10 credits; compulsory)
• Changemakers: Building your Personal Brand for Sustainable Employment (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Collaborative Project (20 credits; compulsory)
• Commercial Dance 2 (30 credits; compulsory)
• Dance Laboratory (20 credits; compulsory)
• Dance Training 2 (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Three – Level 6 (BA)
• Creative Industries (20 credits; compulsory)
• Final Production (30 credits; compulsory)
• Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Professional Practice for Performance (30 credits; compulsory).
Entry Criteria
120 UCAS Points
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
Assessment on this programme is by a range of methods offering opportunities to present learning in a variety of different ways throughout the course. A number of the methods include performances, portfolios, mock auditions, classroom assessments, podcasting, essay writing and presentations.
Career Opportunities
This course is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to be a successful dance artist. As a BA Commercial Dance graduate, you will be prepared to undertake roles such as:
• Performer
• Choreographer
• Touring
• Digital Dance
This degree also opens up an array of other opportunities in other fields by developing key transferable skills throughout the three years.
bottom of page