Contemporary Dance FdA
This exciting foundation degree will enable you to develop the skills needed for a successful career within the contemporary dance world and related industries. The course has a strong practical focus and will develop your fundamental skills and understanding through an exploration of technique, choreography and performance.
Work placement opportunities and links with professional dance artists and the industry are an important feature of the course, aiming to expand your understanding of current professional practice in the UK and Europe. You will also develop project management skills, gain teaching experience and undertake self-employed work.
Professional dancers, choreographers and independent practitioners of dance and other disciplines contribute to the course, providing students with a valuable opportunity to be in regular contact with specialists who are working in the field.
Areas of study
Practical dance classes form the basis of the programme of study. A range of different contemporary dance techniques are covered and you will take part in dance performances. Choreography modules and projects allow you to explore your own creative potential and will help you to develop confidence in your own individual choreographic language. You will be encouraged to investigate your own choreographic work as well as exploring the work of current contemporary dance choreographers.
In addition to the practical elements, contextual and historical studies help to develop your critical thinking, enabling you to place your own work and that of current contemporary dance practitioners into a wider context.
You will be encouraged to explore potential career paths and options in dance and, in year 2, you undertake a work placement and/or study project. The placement and negotiated study modules in year 2 also enable you to focus on your particular area of interest. Suggested options include choreography, dance administration, dance in the community, dance in education or the creation of an interdisciplinary project.
Syllabus
Year 1
- Principles of Movement
- Choreography - Developing a Choreographic Language
- Historical and Cultural Studies in Dance and the Related Arts
- Applied Principles of Movement
- Dance Performance project
- Dance Teaching and Education
Year 2
- Exploring Physical Intelligence
- Choreography - Critical Perspectives
- Professional Dance Practice in the UK and Europe
- Two modules from:
- Work placement
- Negotiated study (topic agreed with tutor)
- Interdisciplinary performance project
Career and progression opportunities
Graduates will be well equipped to go straight into employment or to further their studies in dance with a BA (Hons) top-up course.
Related Courses
Performance and Visual Arts (Dance)
UCAS code
W540 (campus code L)
Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Location
Sussex Downs College (Lewes)
Typical entry requirements
Individual offers may vary
UCAS tariff:
Minimum 160 UCAS tariff points from relevant A-level or BTEC national qualification.
Other:
Good practical dance skills. All prospective students will be required to attend a practical dance audition and interview. Candidates holding private dance school examinations should demonstrate this on their application. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may be able to demonstrate their suitability through relevant work experience and/or private dance school examinations.
Find out more
Tel: (01273) 483188
Email: clare.coleman@sussexdowns.ac.uk
