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Subject guide

Dance

If you're fascinated by the art of expression through movement, pursuing Dance as a part of your higher education can be an enriching experience. As a field of study, Dance goes beyond just learning steps and routines, embracing a robust exploration of the historical, cultural, and theoretical facets of this performing art. Whether your interests lie in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, or global dance traditions, studying Dance could pave the way to a myriad of career opportunities - from performance and choreography to dance education and therapy. Ultimately, this field fosters creative expression, discipline, and the understanding of human movement, contributing significantly to personal growth and professional opportunities.

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Dance study and career guide

Dance

If you are drawn to the expressive, artistic confluence of music and movement, then a journey into the world of dance within the realm of higher education might be the perfect pathway to meeting your educational needs and realizing your career aspirations. An exploration into the world of dance at a tertiary level can shape you into an adaptable, creative, and disciplined individual. Its study goes beyond choreography and performance; it's an immersive fusion of multiple art forms, cultural heritage, physical education, and theoretical knowledge that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal development. Whether your aim is to become a choreographer, dance instructor, performer, dance therapist, or delve into dance scholarship, pursuing dance in higher education can equip you with the skills, connections, and in-depth industry knowledge essential for achieving success in your chosen path in the dance sector.

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Dance Program goals

Embarking on a program in Dance involves honing your artistry while exploring the rich history and theory of dance. It provides you with the necessary skills and understanding to push boundaries, experimenting creatively, and establishing a unique, authentic voice in the world of dance. A Dance program aims not just to nurture your physical abilities but also to broaden your perspective about the transformative and interactive nature of dance, bridging cultures, and communicating stories. It equips you to flourish as a versatile and innovative performer, choreographer, educator, or researcher in the dance scene. Whether your ultimate goal lies within traditional dance forms, contemporary expression, or a blend of both, studying Dance will guide your steps in the right direction.

  • Develop technical competence in various dance forms.
  • Establish a strong foundation in choreographic principles and dance composition.
  • Gain profound understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts of dance.
  • Nurture creativity and critical thinking in creating and interpreting dance works.
  • Enhance performance and presentation skills in a variety of settings.
  • Prepare for opportunities in dance-related professions, postgraduate studies, or specialized training.
  • Promote lifelong appreciation of dance as a form of personal expression and social interaction.
Dance Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

Embarking on a program in Dance empowers you not only with the technical prowess of this artistic discipline, but also develops your creativity, communication skills, and critical understanding of cultural and historic contexts of dance. Such comprehensive knowledge broadens your career opportunities whether as a professional dancer or in the diverse sectors of arts management and education. Rest assured, the educational journey you undertake in Dance goes beyond perfecting steps, as it cultivates mindful performances that engage, educate, and touch people's lives.

  • Gain proficiency in dance techniques native to numerous styles and disciplines
  • Develop an advanced understanding of cultural, societal, and historic contexts of dance
  • Enhance artistic expressiveness and creativity through performances
  • Acquire skills vital for choreography, including spatial design and movement invention
  • Develop communication skills to effectively convey artistic intent
  • Prepare for career paths in teaching, arts administration, and professional performance
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
Photo by This is Engeneering on Unsplash

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Dance

Embarking on a higher education program in dance requires an array of pre-existing skills and experiences. Regardless of whether you aspire to be a professional performer, a choreographer, or a dance educator, you'll need to cultivate a solid foundation in dance prior to pursuing advanced studies. A significant amount of prior dance training, usually in various genres, is typically expected. It's helpful to have performance experience, whether it's in a community theater, dance company, or high school productions. Understanding how dance performances are produced, including knowledge of choreography, lighting, and stage design, can also be beneficial. On top of dance-specific skills, colleges and universities often look for students who display commitment, discipline, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with others.

  • Substantial prior dance training in various styles and genres
  • Experience performing in front of an audience
  • Understanding of the production aspects of dance performances
  • Ability to demonstrate commitment and discipline to the art of dance
  • Capacity to show creativity and collaborative skills
What experience do I need to be able to apply for Dance illustration

Dance careers

Are you passionate about dance and looking to turn your passion into a fulfilling career? Post graduation in the field of dance offers a plethora of opportunities. You could become a dance performer, exploring the thrill of dancing on stage for an audience. Consider being a choreographer creating intricate routines for music videos, movies, TV shows, or live performances. If you enjoy teaching, you could coach aspiring dancers, developing their talent and ensuring the art of dance lives on. Even fields like dance therapy or artistic consultancy comprise of utilizing dance practices for mental health or advising organizations and productions on the artistic nature of dance. While these are only a few options, the possibilities are almost endless!

  • Dance Performer
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Instructor
  • Dance Therapist
  • Artistic Consultant
  • Dance Company Manager
  • Dance Photographer/Videographer
  • Dance Critic/Journalist
  • Dance Notator
  • Dance Historian

Remember, as a postgraduate in the field of dance, your career can unfold in multiple wonderful ways. With the right knowledge, skills, and experience, you can find a path that not only suits your passion for dance, but also brings immense personal satisfaction.

As a postgraduate in dance, your earning potential is promising and can be quite versatile, reflecting the variety of career options in this field. Dance postgraduates can find rewarding opportunities as dance instructors, choreographers, professional dancers, dance company managers, or dance therapists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for choreographers was $26.73 in May 2024, and for dancers, it was $23.97 in May 2024.

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After pursuing post-graduate studies in the field of dance, you open up avenues for multiple career paths. You could engage in performances or choreography, tapping into your creative genius to tell stories and evoke emotions through movement. As a dance educator, you are equipped to teach at various levels, from elementary school through to universities or specialized dance schools. Dance therapy is another avenue where your expertise could be valued, helping individuals to improve their mental and physical health. There's also scope for a career in dance administration or management, where you could contribute to the field from behind the scenes, managing dance companies, organizing festivals or overseeing community outreach programs. While these opportunities can be rewarding, it's meaningful to remember that a career in dance might take patience and perseverance. However, your passion for the art form, coupled with a postgraduate degree, can lead you to an enriching career in this captivating world of dance.

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