Masters Degrees in History of Dance, United Kingdom

Summary

This new postgraduate programme is the only one in the UK to investigate the interconnections between philosophy, history and dance.

Recognising the renewed interest in historical and philosophical enquiry by current dance scholarship and practice, this programme helps emerging and experienced dance practitioners and scholars locate their work effectively within philosophical and historical approaches for the advanced study of dance.

Our programme offers an in-depth, critical exploration of concepts, assumptions and theories underlying dance practice. You will gain an in-depth understanding of dance in the context of philosophy and history and you will learn to debate with critical insight issues of concern within dance and movement analysis. You will also develop your critical thinking on dance practices and issues from philosophical and historical perspectives. The programme incorporates Anglo-American Analytic as well as Continental schools of Philosophy; and Realist-Empiricist as well as Poststructuralist approaches to History.

The Department is home to the internationally-recognised Centre for Dance Research, which foregrounds the research of dance as cultural and artistic expression beyond, and including, theatre performance. Through seminars, forums and conferences involving staff and international invited guests, the Centre supports a compelling research culture.

We also have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations. In easy reach of London’s vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students.

Content

In this programme, you will take a compulsory research methods module, the programme core module Philosophy and History of Dance and your Dissertation module. Flexibility is built into the programme, so you can also choose some of your modules to suit your interests and needs.

In the module Ways of Knowing, which is shared by all dance postgraduate taught programmes, you will be introduced to research methods including ethnography, analysis, and practice-as-research.

The module Philosophy and History of Dance explores different methodological approaches, with a particular emphasis on the nature and value of historical and philosophical enquiry in dance.

The module Dissertation is an individually tutored module that allows you to delve deeply into a research project that reflects your interests and experience in dance.

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Summary

In this new programme, you will explore the relationships between dance and society.

You will be encouraged to challenge your thinking about dance within a framework of conceptual, political and social ideas throughout dance history. Engaging in rich discussions with an international dance community, you will examine dance, dancers and dancing through sociological and political lenses. You will be introduced to a range of concerns about dance, dancing and performance: from the body in society, to issues of representation, and relations of power.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field of dance in our supportive teaching community and with students from all over the world. Our holistic teaching approach will help you gain a strong foundation in understanding of the political and sociological implications for how dance functions in society. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of dance and the dancer as a social and political construct. This programme also provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon your experiences and develop creative ideas to gain a critical perspective in practice and theory.

The Department is home to the internationally-recognised Centre for Dance Research, which foregrounds the research of dance as cultural and artistic expression beyond, and including, theatre performance. Through seminars, forums and conferences involving staff and international invited guests, the centre supports a compelling research culture.

We also have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations. In easy reach of London’s vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students.

Content

In this programme, you will take a compulsory research methods module, the programme core module of Politics Sociology and Dance and your Dissertation module. Flexibility is built into the programme, so you can also choose some of your modules to suit your interests and needs.

In the module Ways of Knowing, which is shared by all dance postgraduate taught programmes, you will be introduced to research methods including ethnography, analysis, and practice-as-research.

The module Politics and Sociology and Dance encompasses theoretical perspectives that engage with hegemonic and resistive issues relating to dance as a social and economic practice.

The module Dissertation is an individually tutored module that allows you to delve deeply into a research project that reflects your interests and experience in dance.

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Your programme of study

If you want to keep the traditions of the past alive across your culture this programme may interest you whether you are from Scotland or live in Scotland. The programme can lead to teaching and further research or you can be involved in bringing the past alive and re-inventing traditions in new events for the future. Examples of traditions which contribute significantly to their economies are Uphelia on Shetland and The Fireballs ceremony in Stonehaven which is also replicated in towns in Northern England such as the Tar Barrels ceremony at Allendale. All of these ceremonies come from traditions within cultures that came to Britain in our past and they offer us unique understanding about the life and times of ancient civilisations.

The course will develop a broad-based understanding of how Ethnology and Folklore evolved, and of their approaches to the major genres of study: material culture, custom and belief, oral narrative, song, childlore and games, sports and pastimes. You learn how to research into the cultural past across all art forms and cultural traditions.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1
History and Core Genes of Ethnology and Folklore
Intellectual Backgrounds and Methodologies

Semester 2
Oral Traditions
Scottish Context and Practical Field Work

Semester 3
Dissertation in Ethnology and Folklore

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/86/ethnology-and-folklore/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• The programme is taught by the Elphinstone Institute a centre for the study of Ethnology, Folklore and Ethnomusicology
• The degree is recognised by the Arts and Humanities Council
• You are taught by experts who guide you to learn about our past and how it shapes our future

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• 12 Months or 24 Months
• Full Time or Part Time
• September

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:
• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:
https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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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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Whether you are an established choreographer intent on refining and hot-housing your practice, a dance artist looking to retrain or a recent graduate from a performance-related subject, this course will give you the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to produce exciting choreography.

A range of modules will allow you to explore your practice and create a bespoke programme of study that allows you to interrogate your artistic interests and make several new pieces of choreography. You will engage with the latest academic research and insights and learn how to apply this to real-world situations, developing the skills to respond to a brief, curate inventive work for festivals and events, and to collaborate on or initiate interdisciplinary and experimental projects.

You will explore traditional and alternative settings for dance and performance, from the studio and theatre to galleries and museums, and you will have the opportunity to work with groups in the community developing new choreographic methods that may require participatory, immersive or specialised collaborative approaches.

You will share ideas and experiences with fellow students from a range of backgrounds, collaborating, critiquing and engaging with each other's choreographic identity.

Visit the website https://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/MCHOR/

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Your career opportunities will be varied and personal to your ambitions as a choreographer. You could go on to further develop your specialism and find your identity as a professional choreographer, work as an independent artist leading your own work or responding to commissions, or you could become the artistic director of a company. Your course will also prepare you to lead on community projects or take up roles such as festival programmer or festival producer. You could also work as a dance critic or movement director.

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

You will be taught by a small, dedicated dance team of industry professionals who perform, create and write alongside teaching. They are engaged with leading choreographers, dance companies and festivals nationally and internationally, and their insights will feed into your learning. Professional curators, producers, choreographers and dramaturgs will be invited to share their experiences and inspire your learning.

You will have access to our dance studios at Headingley Campus and black box spaces at City Campus, as well as studios at Northern Ballet and Yorkshire Dance. All of these spaces are of a professional standard and will allow you to explore working in a range of settings and atmospheres. We will also encourage you to explore alternative spaces such as galleries, museums and the outdoors as venues for your work.

Beth Cassani

Senior Lecturer

"Watching choreographers push their ideas and challenge their practice as postgraduate students is fascinating and exciting. I feel privileged to be directly involved in fostering choreographic talent and supporting the critical development of the artists who will shape the choreography of the future."

An independent choreographer, Beth is a specialist in contemporary practices and in mentoring emerging artists. Beth has created commissioned work for Scottish Dance Theatre and Company Chameleon. She has taught company class for DV8, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Swedish Dance Theatre amongst others. Her awards include a National Critics’ Choice award, a Herald Angels award and the Peter Darrell Choreographic Award.

Facilities

-Beckett dance studios
Our Leeds Beckett performance spaces include dance studios at Headingley Campus and black box spaces at City Campus.

-Yorkshire dance studios
You will also work in the dance studios at Yorkshire Dance, based in the centre of Leeds.

-Northern Ballet studios
As a choreography student, you will work alongside two professional dance companies and benefit from the facilities at Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre's centre for dance.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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