Dance Artists HND

Course overview

Dance Artists HND is a creative and technically challenging 2-year course designed to make you industry-ready as you progress towards a career in the dance sector. Push your artistic potential as you engage in professional training from experienced dance staff at Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS).  

This course will develop your skills in several dance techniques and teach you commercial dance styles, choreography, teaching skills and contextual subjects. There is also an opportunity to work on a project in collaboration with HN1 actors.

Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) offers a range of exceptional professional facilities, including the PASS Studio Theatre, dance studios, acting studios, and aerial studios.

This course has a primary focus on teaching and creating dance projects, and you will complete a practical work placement in your second year of the course. This will be made available through PASS industry connections. Immerse yourself in the art of dance as you gain essential experience in professional environments and make crucial connections with industry professionals. You will work with a variety of client groups of varying ages and abilities to create workshops, events, and projects, gaining essential and practical experience. The course will ensure your progression into the professional industry or further study, such as our in-house degree program.

Additional Opportunities at PASS

First Footing - In-house dance production showcasing all students in a Christmas showcase.

Cross Currents - A dance showcase in an external venue in central Edinburgh, where students work with both internal and external choreographers to create a dynamic production.

Turin Project - In partnership with Edinburgh Carnival

An all-expenses paid trip for selected students to work internationally on a variety of projects across the performing arts in the following destinations.  

• Cuba
• South Africa
• Caribbean
• Costa Rica
• Brazil

Site-Specific Project -  Collaboration with HND Acting in an external venue

Students will work creatively in an external venue, supported by highly trained staff, to create a site-specific performance within 5 days.

Professional Portfolio Session

Head and Action shots, Showreels and Guest Workshops

For more information, please follow us on: 

Instagram: @passdance 

Facebook: @PASS-Dance 

Email: dance@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

• Practical Performance Opportunities
• Choreography
• Dance Technique: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
• Graded Unit
• Performance and Production
• Theoretical Knowledge
• Body Conditioning
• Professional Guest Workshops

Placement information

• You will have an opportunity in year 2 to work in a sector of the professional industry and gain key experience in a job role of your choice.
• Students have also had the opportunity to participate in Cultural Exchange Trips with the Edinburgh Festival Carnival to South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Cuba, where they have worked with arts organisations in various contexts. 

How the course is assessed

• You will be assessed through practical performance, workshops, blogs/vlogs, online portfolios, academic assignments and creative outcomes.

Number of days per week

• 4 to 5 days, but you will be expected to work out with College class hours.
• Please note that during show rehearsals, you will be expected to attend full-time if needed.

Entry requirements

• Two Highers
• SCQF Level 6 in Dance or equivalent
• Based on a practical audition, we look for potential, commitment, energy and focus
• Must be physically and academically able to take part fully in all practical and theoretical classes

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Please read the following carefully and provide the requested evidence for consideration for our HND program.

Stage 1: Complete the online application form, including the following:

Answer the following questions in the personal statement section of your application form. 

• Why do you want to study at PASS on this course? 
• What previous experience do you have that will support your application, and who inspires you? (Please think about choreographers, companies, dancers, etc), You have 500 words. 
• Fully complete the application, providing all relevant information, including previous qualifications. 

Stage 2: Invitation to Audition and Information Session and Creative Workshop (2- 3 hours) 

Technique Class:

You will participate in a technique class that incorporates Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. We recommend wearing dancewear, tying long hair up, and wearing appropriate footwear, as well as removing any jewellery.

Creative Workshop:

You will be guided through a series of improvisational and directed creative tasks to assess your creativity and collaboration skills.

Tour – Course Overview with Q&A

You will be given a tour of our facilities and a course breakdown, including details on funding, support, and what happens next. You will be encouraged to ask questions where possible.

Following your attendance at the 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 7-10 days. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback.

PRACTICAL AUDITION DATES:

Granton Campus

• December 2024
• January 2025
• February  2025
• March 2025
• April 2025
• May 2025

Allocated dates will be given once applications have been completed.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at dance@edinburghcollege.ac.uk 

Remember, we are looking for potential, not perfection, so please do your best. 

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Progression and Articulation Routes

• BA (Hons) Dance and Drama Degree accredited by Kingston University
• 1 Year top-up at Dance College, London
• 1 year BA (Hons) Professional and commercial dance top at Bolton University
• 1 year BA (Hons) Dance Performance Addict Dance Academy

Career options

• Dancer
• Teacher
• Facilitator
• Dance artist
• Arts administrator
• Choreographer
• Community artist
• Dance development officer