The MA Performance Dance has grown from a longstanding tradition of postgraduate study in dance at Chichester. Offering dance graduates as well as dance artists, at different stages of their artistic lives, the chance to undertake a Masters Degree or Post Graduate Diploma in the UK’s leading Practice as Research department.[ae1] The programme enables students to develop their dance practice as a performer working intensively with a wide variety of established and up and coming international choreographers and performing with the University’s touring performance company: mapdance.
Course content
The MA performers route is led by mapdance company Artistic Directors, Yael Flexer and Detta Howe.
Working intensively with international guest choreographers, students develop their technical and performance skills and deepen understanding of the creative process through experiencing varied choreographic methodologies and artistic approaches.
mapdance operates as a professional company with daily technique classes and rehearsals. From mid-February to May, the company tours nationally and internationally whilst also offering educational workshops.
The 2016/17 Repertory includes new commissions and from Shobana Jeyasingh, Lea Anderson, Hagit Yakira and Cai Tomos.
The Techniques for Performance module accompanying the repertory module (and compulsory for performers route) focuses on excellence in contemporary dance performance involving daily technical training in various dance techniques including release and contemporary techniques, contact improvisation, pilates and Ballet work. This module normally runs autumn and spring semesters.
The MA Performance Dance operates in the context of a professional performance programme and a series of presentations by visiting artists and researchers.
Guest lecturers on the MA have included practitioners and curators all working at the edges of dance research.
There are also opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research with interactive technologies or to market yourself professionally as an artist using DVD and website technologies.
Audition Dates 2017:
28h February, 28th March and 23rd May.
Fees and Finance
Auditions for the post-graduate mapdance programme are currently available.
To apply for 2017-2018, please contact Admissions
To find out more about MA Performance Dance visit mapdance
Home tuition fees 2017
MA Performance Dance - Full Time including dissertation £10,440
Alumni Discount 10% for students applying within five years of completion of an undergraduate course at Chichester: £9396
Overseas fees 2016 are £14,450
Find out more in the application pack here, application form and reference form.
Where this can take you
This course is suitable for you if you are a recent graduate or a dance artist who wishes to extend their technical and performance skills (and have completed a recognised BA degree).
It will offer you …
o an opportunity to work with international established and up and coming choreographers reflect on your professional practice and prior training
o intensive technical training through a variety of contemporary techniques, Pilates, contact improvisation and Ballet
o an opportunity to tour the repertoire across the UK and internationally
o an opportunity to develop your teaching skills within the context of a touring company
o time to deepen your understanding of your professional skills through practice, research and scholarship
o professional Development
o deepening your ability to articulate what you do in written and spoken form
o a stepping-stone toward PhD study
You will develop skills in…
o performance
o technique
o teaching in the context of a touring company
o choreographic methodology and critical thinking
o working independently (via dissertation projects)
o research and the articulation of that research in writing
It will give you…
o tools and skills to support you in the transition to professional practice
o extensive experience of working with established choreographers alongside touring and networking that can aid you in gaining work as a performer or in establishing your work as an independent artist
o a qualification that can aid in obtaining work within educational and HE institutions
o preparation for further study i.e. PhD or professionally-related qualifications
Work placements
There are opportunities to engage with cutting edge research into interactive technologies and to market yourself professionally as an artist using DVD and website technologies.
People you'll meet
Now in its 11 year mapdance is directed by co-artistic directors Yael Flexer and Detta Howe.
This year the company is commissioning choreographers:
o Shobana Jeyasingh
o Lea Anderson
o Hagit Yakira
o Cai Tomos
Indicative modules
The MA in performance includes three core modules: Repertory, Techniques for Performance and Reflective Practice.
The postgraduate diploma includes two core modules: Repertory and Techniques for Performance and an optional module.
Repertory Module:
The repertory module: mapdance encompasses intensive creation periods with international guest choreographer. Students develop their technical and performance skills and deepen understanding of the creative process through experiencing varied choreographic methodologies and artistic approaches. Operating as a professional company with daily technique classes and rehearsals, the creation periods begin in Sept through to February. From mid-February to May, the company tours nationally and internationally whilst also offering educational workshops.
Techniques for Performance Module:
The Techniques for Performance module accompanying the repertory module (and compulsory for performers route) focuses on excellence in contemporary dance performance involving daily technical training in various dance techniques including release and contemporary techniques, contact improvisation, Pilates and Ballet work. This module normally runs autumn and spring semesters.
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment on the MA performers route is based on four core modules, Repertory (60 credits), Techniques for Performance (30 credits) Reflective Practice (30 credits) and Dissertation (60 credits).
Assessment on the postgraduate diploma performers route is based on two core modules, Repertory (60 credits), Techniques for Performance (30 credits) and one optional module.
Assessment Techniques for Performance is continuous, that is process based.
Similarly the Repertory module is continuously assessed however the assessment is comprised by marks given by guest choreographers during the creation process and marks given by both Artistic Directors in rehearsal and on tour assessing both process and performance.
Applications & Course Pre-requisites
Application to the course is made by completing the online application form and completing the additional requirements.
You will also be invited to attend an audition and an interview.
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