BA (Hons) Dance

The University of Lincoln's BA (Hons) Dance degree explores the link between creative practice and the theoretical study of dance with the opportunity to examine disciplines including technique, choreography, performance, teaching, and research.

Dance training at Lincoln focuses on contemporary techniques and works to develop and nurture creative practice. A variety of modules aim to help students to develop transferable skills in preparation for their future career.

The course offers a daily dance class in contemporary techniques, contemporary ballet, commercial-based practices, anatomy and fitness, choreography and performance (live, digital, and site specific) and dance management and production. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge essential to become self-producing artist operating within the dance industry as well as those interested in pursuing a portfolio career within the arts after graduation.

The practice-based curriculum reflects the vocational needs of professional dancers. It gives students the opportunity to engage with practical and theoretical methods to become stronger dancers and more dynamic dance-makers.

This degree is founded in professional practice, and the Lincoln School of Creative Arts is proud to be part of a vibrant community of academics and professional artists. Students can benefit from a visiting artists programme and participate in professional company workshops.

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

How You Study

The course is organised into four strands that develop throughout the duration of the programme and are designed to prepare students for graduation. These are:

• Dance Technique
• Improvisation and Choreography
• Critical Contexts and Applied Practice
• Industry and Employability

This allows students to develop advanced skills in a range of areas to enhance employability prospects.

Initially the course focuses on the fundamentals of technique, choreography and improvisation. It progresses to expand bodily awareness through other areas of dance, such as dance anatomy and fitness, somatic practices, digital/screen-based practice, and contact improvisation. In the final year, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance their skills to refine their own interests or specialisms.

Students can participate in a touring dance company, independent practice as research, choreographic projects, and dance in education. Students will also have the opportunity to attend lectures that consider the market and industry to develop skills for managing, producing, funding, and marketing their own work.

During their studies, students have the chance to gain experience and make industry contacts through a work placement. They have the opportunity to study abroad for one term during the second year at the University's partner institution in Norway, enabling them to experience international approaches to dance training. Students who choose to study abroad or undertake work placements are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Lectures and seminars are supplemented by studio and workshop sessions, which aim to form an understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of dance. Students may also have the opportunity to work away from the University on outreach, performance tours and community-based projects, incorporating technical and vocational skills, in order to experience dance as a creative enterprise.

First Year

• Choreo 1: Improvisation and Composition (Core)
• Collaborative Performance Making (Core)
• Dance Anatomy (Core)
• Dance Studies 1 (Core)
• Dance Technique 1 (Core)
• Screen Dance (Core)

Second Year

• Choreo 2: An Ongoing Research and Performance Lab (Core)
• Choreo 2: Space and Location (Core)
• Dance Contexts (Core)
• Dance Studies 2 (Core)
• Dance Technique 2: Dance and Fitness (Core)
• Dance Technique 2: Somatics (Core)
• Digital Performance (Core)
• Industry Placements: Career planning (Option)†
• Music Theatre (Option)†
• Stage Combat (Option)†
• Study Abroad Dance (Option)†
• The Teaching Artist (Option)†

Third Year

• Choreo 3: Performance (Core)
• Dance Company and Education (Core)
• Dance Management and Production (Core)
• Dance Studies 3: Research Project (Core)
• Dance Technique 3: Performance and Leadership (Core)

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

How You Are Assessed

Most modules on the course are assessed through practical performances and written work that takes the form of notebooks, analytical essays, case studies and reflective reports.

In the first year, assessment is 52.5% coursework and 47.5% practical exams. In the second year it is 50% coursework and 50% practical exams. In the third year it is 42.5% coursework and 57.5% practical exams.

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

How You Study

The course is organised into four strands that develop throughout the duration of the programe and are designed to prepare students for graduation. These are:

• Dance Technique
• Improvisation and Choreography
• Critical Contexts and Applied Practice
• Industry and Employability

This allows students to develop advanced skills in a range of areas to enhance employability prospects.

Initially the course focuses on the fundamentals of technique, choreography and improvisation. It progresses to expand bodily awareness through other areas of dance, such as dance anatomy and fitness, somatic practices, digital/screen-based practice, and contact improvisation. In the final year, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance their skills to refine their own interests or specialisms.

Students can participate in a touring dance company, independent practice as research, choreographic projects, and dance in education. Students will also have the opportunity to attend lectures that consider the market and industry to develop skills for managing, producing, funding, and marketing their own work.

During their studies, students have the chance to gain experience and make industry contacts through a work placement. They have the opportunity to study abroad for one term during the second year at the University's partner institution in Norway, enabling them to experience international approaches to dance training. Students who choose to study abroad or undertake work placements are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Lectures and seminars are supplemented by studio and workshop sessions, which aim to form an understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of dance. Students may also have the opportunity to work away from the University on outreach, performance tours and community-based projects, incorporating technical and vocational skills, in order to experience dance as a creative enterprise.

Dance graduates are well-placed for a wide variety of careers, including performance, choreography, community arts leadership, education, and arts management.