This exciting and practical course encourages students to develop their own unique performance style and language of dance / movement through the study of a range of contemporary dance techniques and innovative choreographic processes.  Students study a broad range of contemporary dance technique including Graham, Cunningham, Limon, contact improvisation, and release.  Core studies in Ballet are supplemented with Jazz, Street Jazz, Tap and body conditioning.  Introductions to a broader range of dance styles are offered to supplement the students experience of dance such as African dance, capoeira, Butoh and social dance styles. The course encourages the exploration and development of the students own movement language with the emphasis on the development of performance skills to professional standards.  It also explores the relationship of contemporary dance to visual practice and interdisciplinary performance.  The course has a close relationship with sister production courses, aiming to create performance work of the highest quality and present it through public events and promoters such as the Brighton, Chichester, Arundel and Edinburgh main and fringe festivals.  Students also have numerous opportunities to present their work at a range of regional venues.

 

 

Dance techniques Classes

Contemporary techniques inc; Graham, Cunningham, Limon, Release and New dance. Syllabus and freestyle Tap, Lyrical Jazz, Street-jazz, Classical Ballet, and Jazz and Ballet Pas de Deux, African and Capoeira,

(Contemporary techniques, Ballet, Tap and Jazz, and are graded at 4 levels from basic to Advanced.)

 

Movement classes

Contact improvisation and Physical theatre Techniques.

 

Body Maintainance

Body conditioning, Pilates, Alexander Techniques, Aerobics and Yoga.

 

Performance Techniques Classes

Audition techniques, improvisation, characterisation and performance skills.

 

 

Contextual studies

History of Dance Theatre, Contemporary performance in context, C.V Development.

 

The ten core units are underpinned by written submissions where appropriate research tasks are set for each unit and the practical work undertaken is analysed and evaluated. This analysis, research and observations on individual personal development are documented in project books, Professional development profiles and reports.

Within the course the students are given plenty of opportunities to demonstrate how their training is paying off through the many productions. These inc numerous opportunities to present work at the Northbrook Theatre, many in house productions in our numerous studio venues and one if not more opportunities to perform professional Theatre venue in either London, Brighton or the region. This opportunity is open to both year one and two students. Over the last few years we have also made it possible for students to perform as part of the Brighton Fringe and the Edinburgh Festival. We are constantly looking for new venues and festivals for our students to be a part of as we feel that these types of industry experience are invaluable.

 

Progression opportunities

 

BA (HONS) Theatre Arts one year top up Degree Specialist discipline focus – (Contemporary Dance)

 

Progression is individual for each student and all options are discussed in depth through tutorial with the course leader at an appropriate point in the year. Many students who want to continue with their training enter the third year/B.A Top up course at Northbrook. Students can apply to do the final year of their degree elsewhere or a one year post graduate course at another theatre school/college/uni. For some students it is possible that they need no further training and can enter the industry to audition for agents/productions, or create their own performance work.

 

Work experience?

 

The work experience unit for the Contemporary Dance students is considered an integral element in the development and preparation of professional performers. The work experience can take the form of a placement with a professional performance company or as a commission from a regional venue in the creation of a new performance work. The aim of these productions is to gain experience in working with different production teams in different professional venues. We also work towards the students gaining audition experience through workshops and lectures with Professionals working within the industry. Towards the end of the second year We support the students in finding auditions which may be suitable for them and if appropriate encourage them to attend.

 

Where / what students have progressed to do?

 

Progression is individual for each student and all options are discussed in depth through tutorial with the course leader at an appropriate point in the year. Many students who want to continue with their training enter the third year/B.A Top up course at Northbrook. Students can apply to do the final year of their degree elsewhere or a one year post graduate course at another theatre school/college/university . For some students it is possible that they need no further training and can enter the industry to audition for agents/productions.