MA/PgDip Dance: Performance and Professional Practices

This course is a professionally focused course, co-designed and co-delivered with industry partner Joss Arnott Dance. You will explore dance performance in a ‘company model’: as a dancer in a small ensemble, you will work with a collection of international choreographers to co-produce a programme of new performance works. The student company will tour nationally under the artistic direction and guidance of Joss Arnott and a wider team of dance professionals.

You will not only focus on contemporary dance performance at the highest level, but also address the wider needs of the dance professional. As such, the course includes modules on teaching/pedagogy and small scale touring, widening your skills and knowledge for your portfolio career. You will be involved in the production and workshop delivery as part of the tour, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and experience to expand your professional opportunities upon graduation.

This prestigious and highly selective programme has industry collaboration at its very heart and mirrors working environments in the creative industries. Join us to expand yourself as a performer, an artist, a collaborator and a well-rounded dance professional in the thriving cultural scene in Salford and Manchester.

You will:

• Develop as a performer through opportunities to work with Joss Arnott and top international choreographers
• Enhance your ability as both a professional dancer and dance professional, developing your skills as a creative entrepreneur and enabling you to pursue a sustainable career in dance
• Be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and performance scene in Salford and Manchester, and expand your creative horizons in a national tour

You can also find helpful FAQs, learn more about student life at Salford or explore all our Dance courses. Continue reading to understand more about this MA Dance: Performance and Professional Practice course.

WHAT ABOUTAFTER UNI?

Graduates will be able to work in a range of environments within the cultural sector. This may include career opportunities as:

• A freelance dance artist
• A performer with established dance company/companies
• A dance animateur
• An arts administrator
• A creative educator/lecturer

CAREER LINKS

This programme has links with a number of industry bodies, including:

• Joss Arnott Dance
• The Lowry
• HOME
• Dance Manchester
• Ludus Dance

In addition, we have an annual dance artist-in-residence scheme which has engaged with companies such as Company Chameleon, Hawk Dance Theatre, Kapow Dance Theatre, along with many independent dance artists. These schemes bring workshops, apprenticeships, performance and project opportunities, mentoring opportunities to our dance students. We also hold two intensive masterclass weeks each academic year, hosting a range of national and international dance artists to work with our under- and postgraduate dance students, recently including work with choreographers Gary Clarke and Gemma Nixon, among many others.

As part of the annual tour, your will also be performing at a range of UK venues and the industry professionals at each. In addition to personal networking, this will strengthen your understanding of the ecology of venues for dance performance in the UK.

Students can also exit with PGDip awards.