Dance and Drama BA Hons (Dance) with Kingston University London

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Dance and Drama degree at Edinburgh College is an intensive industry training course vaildated by Kingston University. Challenge your potential as you immerse yourself in the art of Dance and performance through a range of techniques. This is a university-level course that will ensure you are prepared to an industry standard to progress into a career as a portfolio artist.

You will develop a range of transferable skills to equip you for the demands of a competitive world. Dancers have the ability to influence society and this course aims to show you how you can become a part of that influence. You will critically engage in industry practices and learn how to take a simple performance idea and bring it to life. Throughout the course, you will gain essential experience in professional environments and make crucial connections with industry professionals. 

Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) has a range of exceptional professional facilities including the Pass studio theatre as well as dance, acting and aerial studios. Many of the BA Performances take place in external venues such as Festival Theatre Studio, Traverse Theatre and Assembly Roxy. 

Spotlight Membership

The BA course is also a member of the Spotlight Graduate scheme, our BA students can apply to become Graduate Spotlight members during the first term of the year. 'Spotlight is the industry's leading casting platform helping to connect performers, agents and casting directors. Spotlight graduate membership is the stamp of professionalism that puts you in the best place to promote yourself to the industry as you complete your training. 

Further Performance Opportunities 

First Footing - In house dance production in The PASS Theatre

Cross Currents - Dance end-of-year show, where BA students  work with internal and external choreographers to showcase and celebrate their skills in a venue in Edinburgh City. 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival - The BA cohort have the opportunity to showcase their work on a platform which runs as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 

Babel FAST Festival - Students have the opportunity to devise and perform at this International theatre festival in Romania. They are also able to participate in workshops delivered by well-known artists from around the world and get free entry into all of the shows in the festival programme. 

Please see the audition information below.</

Core Modules are:

• Access to Professional Workplace. Module leader, Rosalind Hoyte
• 21st-century choreography. Module Leader, Hannah Mason
• Production Project: Making a Performance. Module leader, Ashling Findlay-Carroll
• Ensemble Performance. Module leader, Eleanor Morrison

You will also participate in classes to develop your skills in:

• Body Conditioning for Performers
• Study Skills for Performing Arts
• Fundamental Dance Techniques - Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Commercial
• Audition Technique
• Personal & Professional Planning
• Website and Portfolio Building

Placement information

Access to Professional Workplace - Enables students to organise and undertake a placement with a professional organisation in a career path of their choice with in the Performing Arts Sector:

• Dance education
• Community dance management and delivery
• Event organisation
• Dance company management
• Outreach
• Creative
• Social Media/Marketing

This module allows you to gain a greater understanding of current practice and expectations when working in the professional perfroming arts sector with a range of contexts and settings, allowing you to start to define who you are as a practitioner, artist or creator. 

How the course is assessed

• You will be assessed through practical, portfolio, presentations and written assessments

Number of days per week

• 5 days per week

Entry requirements

• HND Dance Artist or Professional Dance performance (Graded Unit A/B result)
• HND Musical Theatre with a Graded unit A/B result

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Audition Process 

Our BA Audition consists of 2 stages - Application and Statement, Practical Audition & Interview

Stage 1: Complete the application form 

• Please upload your response to the following question within your application in the personal statement section.

Written Task: 500 words that address the following question: 

Question: If dance is a reflection of the world in which we live and our position in it – what do you want to say? Who do you want to say it to? And how will you say it? 

Stage 2: Audition, Workshop and Interview

Technique Class:

You will participate in a technique class that will incorporate Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. We recommend wearing dancewear, tying long hair up, appropriate footwear and the removal of any jewelery.

Creative Workshop:

You will be taken through a series of improvisational and directed creative tasks to review your creativity and how you work with others.

Interview:

You will be interviewed by two of the BA staff who will ask you a series of questions to further assess your suitability for the course.

Following your attendance at audition a decision will be sent to you as soon as possible, this will not be during the audition day but we aim to send audition decisions within 7-10days. Unfortunately due to the high number of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback.

If you have any questions please email the DramaDanceBA@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Applications must be fully submitted before an Audition or interview date is sent out.

PRACTICAL AUDITION DATES: 2pm - 4pm

Friday 2nd Feb

Friday 23rd Feb

Friday 22nd March

Friday 19th April

Friday 24th May

Friday 14th June

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Progression and Articulation Routes

• MA in Dance Science at Edinburgh University
• MEd Learning and Teaching in the Performing Arts at RCS
• PGDE at Edinburgh Napier University, University of Edinburgh
• MA Programme at Institute of the Arts, Barcelona

Career options

• Teaching
• Performing
• Choreographing
• Directing
• Dance Management
• Community Dance Artist