BA Modern Ballet

The first year of study is designed to provide a secure basis in the areas of dance fundamental to Modern Ballet. You will take daily technique classes in classical ballet and contemporary dance (both practical and theoretical) developing a secure foundation on which to build.

The development of self confidence, artistry and performance skills is combined at all times, with a focus on improving and refining your physical technique. This is combined with an emphasis on understanding technique as applied to the individual dancer. You will be encouraged to apply technical knowledge to strengthening individual performance and this forms the basis of assessment in class.

You will be introduced to the history of ballet both practically in Classical Repertoire and in Critical and Contextual studies. The basics of anatomy for the dancer will also be covered, supporting the work in pilates and body conditioning.

In the second year the principal areas of classical ballet and contemporary dance technique are further developed and strengthened. You are given more opportunity to develop the area of dance which suits your individual physicality and interests more.

The important art of creating original dance performance begins with the Introduction to Choreography module and is expanded through the Choreographic Collaboration course. You are expected to utilise your strengthening dance technique to expand the limits of your own performances, whether alone or as part of a group.

Critical and Contextual Studies in the second year requires more rigour and independent research. You are required to research and present a project on a topic that interests you personally.

The Performance in Context module is a development of the first year Classical Repertoire module. It engages the mind of the ‘thinking dancer’ who is required to research, learn, analyse, rehearse and perform a piece of existing repertoire. This provides the conclusion to a year of increasingly independent study and practice.

 

The third year is focused on the physical and intellectual preparation required for the profession and offers increasing performance opportunities. As the year progresses you are expected to take full responsibility for your professional practice including personal development, career management and audition preparation.

If you are presented with an opportunity for approved professional employment throughout the year, work is assessed, where appropriate, in place of its curriculum based equivalent.

The Individual Project module allows for detailed study of a subject area of interest, which should aid professional development and foster increased autonomy. Performance in Context 2 is a development from second year’s project and culminates in a solo piece of current company repertoire.

The Graduation Performance module is designed to develop versatility and confidence, and highlight your individual strengths. It helps preparation for the world of work by immersing you a professional level performance with a variety of dancers and choreographers across different dance genres.

By the course you will have developed strong technique and should be able to work with ease in both classical ballet and contemporary dance contexts.