Foundation Degree in Community Dance Practice

UCAS code: W590

Awarding Body: University of Plymouth

Mode Of Study

Full time basis two years.
Part time over three years.

The Programme

This challenging course has been designed to meet the needs of those with a strong interest in creative and contemporary dance and who are intending to work or are already working in the community with a range of groups. Fundamental to the ethos of the programme is the belief that dance is for everyone. Students will be encouraged to challenge perceptions of who can dance, what dance is and what it might be.

The main focus of the programme is the identification of the individual students strengths, experience and preferences and the development and application of these within the Community Dance setting. This approach allows students to follow an individual learning programme in year two, exploring their artistic preferences and potential through a series of community based projects. The focus on discovering your own place and level within the community dance profession is underpinned by contextual studies and reflective practice.

The Programme Content

The course aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for work in community dance practice. Students will examine the history, purpose, place and identity of community dance practice. The skills needed to create, manage and lead creative dance based workshops will be introduced and applied practically in community settings, underpinned by the study of established and emerging principles in the field. The principles and practice of self employment will be studied. Students will experience and apply styles of physical training and choreographic practice in dance appropriate to specific community groups. In the second year students have the opportunity to develop a chosen artistic focus and to initiate, plan and implement community dance projects.

Entry Requirements

Students should have recently completed a Dance Award or BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts (with a dance element) and be able to demonstrate a strong interest in working with creative dance in community settings. We also welcome mature students who are currently working with creative dance movement in a particular sector, such as education or health, and would like to focus on developing employment in a wider community context. Similarly, mature students who can demonstrate experience of and aptitude for creative dance practice and dance leadership are welcome. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Please