BA Dance Education

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly practical and inspiring BA (Hons) Dance Education degree, designed for passionate individuals who aspire to develop as dancers, artists, practitioners, and/or teachers. This program goes beyond mere technique, focusing on empowering students to share their creativity and passion for dance with others in diverse contexts. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and techniques alongside theoretical aspects of dance, ensuring graduates are confident professionals ready for roles as performers, teachers, choreographers, or entrepreneurs in the dance world. Taught by experienced professionals, the course leverages CCCU's specialist facilities, including modern studio spaces with sprung floors, mirrors, and professional technical booths, providing an ideal environment for honing skills and developing pedagogical understanding.

Curriculum: The BA Dance Education curriculum at CCCU is modular and delivered across two semesters each year, providing a comprehensive exploration of dance from practical, theoretical, and pedagogical perspectives. In the first year (Level 4), students gain a broad perspective on dance education and studies through compulsory modules such as "Frameworks and Perspectives," "From Coralli to Khan: Journeys Through Dance History," "Dance Education: Concepts and Contexts," "The Dancing Body," and "Music in Dance and Dance Education." As the program progresses, students delve deeper into philosophical, pedagogical, and professional issues in dance education, developing research and academic skills. The curriculum covers a variety of dance techniques including ballet, jazz, contemporary (Limón and Release), hip-hop, West African, and South Asian dance. Students also study choreography, different ways of presenting work (e.g., theatre, installation, site-specific, for camera, digital tools), and dance science, body conditioning, and fitness for safe and healthy practice. The final year culminates in a dissertation and advanced module options that connect directly with students' interests and practice.  

Research Focus: The Dance Education program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by academics who are active researchers and practitioners in the field, ensuring the curriculum is informed by current scholarship and professional insights. Notably, Professor Angela Pickard, the first Professor of Dance Education and Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health at CCCU, has been recognized with an International Fellowship Award for her outstanding contribution to dance, medicine, and science. Her research focuses on dance education and training pedagogies within various settings, including ballet and contemporary schools, early years, primary, secondary, conservatoires, and Higher Education institutions, both locally and internationally. Professor Pickard also leads research funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in Critical Dance Pedagogy, aiming to establish an international dance research network for inclusive and diverse dance education practice. This strong research base ensures that students engage with cutting-edge theories and practices in dance education.  

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is deeply embedded in the BA Dance Education program at CCCU, preparing students for successful careers in the dance profession. The university boasts superb links with a range of local, regional, and internationally recognized dance schools and companies, including The Royal Ballet School, Trinity Laban, The Avanti Project, Magpie Dance Company, Loop Dance Company, Cascade Dance Company, Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company, and The Marlowe Theatre. These connections often provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through teaching placements and projects in community or school-based contexts. Students also have access to workshops led by academics and/or ambassadors from the university, which develop practical skills and choreographic/coaching development. Furthermore, the university supports students in gaining work experience through initiatives like 'Arts Extra,' a student volunteering scheme that provides opportunities in arts marketing, stage management, and front-of-house support for on-campus arts and culture events.  

Global Perspective: The BA Dance Education program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by exploring dance from diverse historical, social, and political perspectives, acknowledging the worldwide nature of dance forms and educational practices. Students learn about various dance techniques, including West African and South Asian, which broadens their understanding of global dance traditions. The curriculum also encourages students to engage with different pedagogical approaches for a range of ages and stages, in various spaces and places, preparing them for potential careers in an international context. The research activities of faculty, such as Professor Angela Pickard's work in establishing an international dance research network, further highlight the program's commitment to a global understanding of dance education and its impact on health, well-being, communities, and creative industries worldwide. This broad outlook ensures graduates are equipped to contribute to dance education and practice on an international stage.