Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-
To apply for this course, click apply now
Course starts: 18 October 2021Apply now
Close
Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-
To apply for this course, click apply now
Course starts: 18 October 2021Apply now
Develop your dance practice and technique, learn and develop choreography and performance. Be part of a touring company creating exciting new work, led by nationally acclaimed choreographers. Get taught by leading arts practitioners and educators.
Skills Boost NE DiscountThis brand new MA is offered by North East dance organisation Dance City in partnership with the University of Sunderland. The course is delivered by Dance City, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, and validated by the University of Sunderland.
The course is a practice-based qualification which offers new and recent dance graduates the opportunity to develop their dance practice and technique, learn and develop choreography and perform their work.
Dance Technique:
Advanced technical training in ballet and contemporary styles
Complementary techniques – pilates, fitness training, strength and conditioning
Dance Performance:
Rigorous and detailed study of selected repertoire works
Development and performance of 3 x newly commissioned works
Touring of created works
Professional Contexts:
Development and realisation of a choreographed work, delivery of teaching sessions or a cross-arts project (film, installation etc). MA participants will be part of a touring company creating exciting new work, led by nationally acclaimed choreographers. Daily technique classes as well as regular workshops will ensure the company is well prepared to perform extensively across the UK.
The course will be based at Dance City’s flagship venue in Newcastle and brand new studios at The Fire Station in Sunderland. Dance City are at the interface of the professional and education sector and have extensive skills in working with and in the professional sector and within the student marketplace, hosting hundreds of students each year.
All three modules on the MA Advanced Dance Performance take a longitudinal approach with assessment points throughout the year of study. Individual progress, personal development and future employability underpin the delivery and are at the heart of all teaching and learning. As the course prioritises physical and technical development, the modules in Advanced Dance Technique and Advanced Dance Performance are worth 70 credits each.
The modules complement each other and it is expected that you use a cross-curricula approach to all aspects of their learning. For example, classical ballet is taught as a core technique in the Advanced Dance Technique module, however you will not be performing classical ballet pieces when touring, rather you are expected to use the knowledge gained in classical sessions to enhance your contemporary work and to draw on the choreographic explorations required in the Advanced Dance Performance module. By using this approach you are developing an embodied and deep understanding of your technical options and gaining an advanced awareness of your own physicality. Classical ballet is also an important requirement for dancers when auditioning for work with professional companies and so is considered a relevant and realistic employability skill.
Practical sessions are led by highly experienced tutors who are experts in their fields. Detailed and in depth physical exploration into practical concepts is explored and the application of feedback is a necessary part of the learning throughout the course. Tasks are specifically designed to enable you to discover and understand links between techniques, choreographic ideas and abstract concepts. You will be given individual and group feedback which you will critically evaluate in relation to your own physicality and apply it appropriately to your practical work.
As the course progresses you are expected to problem solve and adapt your practices more confidently. Tutors become increasingly removed from technical problem solving and you are expected to apply your knowledge with more awareness of your body and to make positive decisions about artistic style. You are always supported throughout the course but it is vital that you begin to trust your own judgement and this is encouraged as the course evolves.
The course focuses heavily on continuous assessment. You are expected to develop reflective skills using a journal or video diary to assist you in evaluating and analysing your own development. All performances are live graded. At the end of the Advanced Dance in Performance module you will submit a show reel for assessment while the Professional contents module is assessed against the learning outcomes in a mode which you select.
For anyone who has a passion for performing, a degree in Performing Arts can be your path to a fulfilling and hugely engaging career. Here at the University of Sunderland, our Performing Arts department has a proud history of delivering quality degrees that are an immersive, enlightening and interactive experience for students.
Read more about studying Performing Arts
We place a strong emphasis on ensuring you have the skills and experience that will catch the eye of a wide range of employers and prepare you to start your career from the moment you graduate. As a result, our graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in a range of varied and diverse careers including performance, management, education and many more.
Learn how to begin your Performing Arts career
Thinking about a creative degree but unclear about the career prospects? Here are some compelling reasons for a career in the creative sector.
Discover some compelling reasons for a career in the creative sector
We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.
We usually require you to have a good undergraduate degree in a dance or performing arts discipline, relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.
The annual fee for this course is £9,500 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.
Please note that this course is not available to international students.
Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
Use our scholarships calculator to see what you may be entitled to.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
You will develop advanced skills and an understanding about working at an advanced level as a professional dance artist or practitioner in a range of contexts such as health, education and community engagement. You will leave this course with the knowledge required to work at the highest level in the dance sector.
Dance City is a vibrant and friendly place where people come together to take part, enjoy, experience and talk about dance; where professional and aspiring dancers meet, learn and train; somewhere to watch world-class dance performances and somewhere for everyone to come along and get involved in dance.
People come to Dance City to socialise, learn new skills, keep fit and active, train professionally and find out more about dance.
This all takes place under one roof, in the purpose-built dance-house, in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Sign up to receive emails about your subject area.
Using Your Personal Information
The University of Sunderland is collecting this data in order for you to receive information on your chosen subject(s). Your information will be stored securely in our Customer Relationship Management system which is provided by a 3rd party and used only for the administration and provision of this information. Should you choose to opt in to further communications we will also use your information to facilitate other useful marketing information based on your preferences. Further information on how your data is stored and used can be found in our Privacy notice - marketing.