Course details

Summary

Move your body, move your thinking. Learn through, in and about dance in this comprehensive three-year programme, preparing you for a range of dance-related career pathways.

Programme overview

In the BDanceSt, you’ll grow as an educator, performer, choreographer and researcher. Your award-winning teachers will help you develop confidence in leading others and working in teams. We focus on contemporary, cultural and community dance, interacting with different dance forms and working with people of all ages and abilities. Regular teaching and performance opportunities give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned while building your professional networks. Dance Studies operates in a family-orientated environment where your individual talents and background are valued.

Programme structure

In your first year, you and your classmates will begin to explore and understand your moving bodies, and the choreographic and general creative processes related to dance. You will increase your dance vocabulary and investigate the different ways dance can be taught and learned. Two General Education courses will give you the chance to supplement your studies in subject areas of your choice.

In second year and beyond, you’ll continue to strengthen your personal choreographic style and performance skills. You’ll visit different community groups and develop your teaching and leadership abilities. You’ll learn more about improvisation, technology and professional practices. You’ll develop your business skills and have the chance to research personal areas of interest.

Where could this programme take you?

New Zealand’s professional dance industry requires articulate performers, choreographers, educators, production specialists and directors. Graduates confidently create their own businesses such as dance studios, dance companies and event management companies. Many also gain employment as dance teachers (at early childhood, primary and secondary level) or as production assistants in creative fields.

Jobs related to this programme

• Artistic director
• Arts administrator/manager
• Community dance practitioner
• Dance photographer/journalist
• Dance teacher (Primary school arts specialist)
• Dance teacher (Secondary school dance specialist)
• Professional choreographer
• Professional dancer

Further study options

• Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Studies
• Master of Dance Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Creative practice

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.