Dance: Urban Practice BA

The course provides practical and theoretical knowledge, including hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the field, which can lead to careers in dance choreography or dance therapy. It supports skill development in various dance careers such as researcher, choreographer, performer, or arts management, with networking opportunities from industry links. Modules cover a wide range of dance forms like hip-hop, contemporary, capoeira, African contemporary, Afro-house, bharata natyam, kathak, and kalarippayattu, along with choreography, performance, health and fitness for dancers, and screendance. Students engage in advanced technical skills, sociocultural contexts, improvisation, and collaborative projects, including film and video practice with music and theatre students. The program includes work placements, community dance workshops, and professional development through enterprise and employability activities like business plans and event production. In the final year, students undertake a compulsory written dissertation, a placement with a dance organisation or company, and a full-length play performance to a public audience. Opportunities arise from links with partners such as East London Dance, Breakin' Convention, and The Source, allowing collaboration with professional artists like Kenrick Sandy and Hofesh Shechter. The course emphasizes kinesthetic awareness, embodied historical knowledge, and career preparation through the Career Zone and Mental Wealth programme.