Dance at BSU

DANCE

DANCE

Join a vibrant, artistic community of dancers studying at one of the UK’s top creative universities.

Studying dance at Bath Spa University (BSU) will provide you with a uniquely diverse range of experiences that will help you discover your potential and develop into a creative, confident dance artist. We thrive on encouraging our students to be curious, to explore new ideas, to challenge themselves and to make the most of the wide range of opportunities that are presented to them.

When you choose to study with us, you will join a community of students and staff who will champion each others’ successes and face challenges together. You’ll be taught by a passionate team of experienced lecturers and professional artists who will support you at every stage of your journey.

Come and join us.

The BSU Dance Team

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion means that we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

“I

cannot thank Bath Spa enough for the amount of ways they prepared me for my future. Not only did the course develop my physical technique and performance skills, but it also allowed me to grow as a creative artist.”

Jasmine Hall

BA (HONS) DANCE

INSPIRING CREATIVITY

Turn your passion for dance into a career with a dance degree at BSU.

On this exciting, fast-paced course, you’ll immerse yourself in a unique artistic environment. You’ll learn the practical techniques you need to become a versatile dance artist, have the opportunity to make exciting new work for both live and digital performance environments, and gain the confidence to push yourself to discover your individual talents and interests.

Institution code – B20

3 years full-time – W500

Location

Newton Park

Entry requirements

Typical offers for this course are in the range of BBB-BCC for A-Levels, DDMDMM for BTEC or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. No specific subject required.

We look for individuals from diverse backgrounds with strong practical skills and a passion for dance, and who demonstrate they are:

– A strong and confident performer

– Creatively open-minded and willing to take artistic risks

“The dance course has really allowed me to discover all the potential I have to offer to the world. For me, this isn’t just about dance. It’s about discovering who I am and what my purpose is whilst doing what I love.”

Raquel Dos Santos BA (Hons) Dance graduate, choreographer, performer and owner of Bath School of Dance

– A good team player with a strong work ethic.

Relevant postgraduate courses include:

– MA Dance

– MA Creative Producing

– MA Directing

For more information about BA Dance, contact Course Leader Sarah Alexander at: s.alexander@bathspa.ac.uk, or Subject Leader Michelle Elliott at: m.elliott@bathspa.ac.uk

BA DANCE: TECHNIQUE AND PERFORMANCE

Our Dance degree has a strong practical focus, and you’ll take part in daily technique and performance sessions. These rigorous, practical studio-based classes are designed to help you develop your understanding of your body as an expressive tool so you can develop your artistic intelligence.

“Bath Spa University encouraged me to discover new depths in myself. I found beautiful friendships, insightful guidance and a new outlook on the world of dance and art that inspires me every day.”

Sophie Navarro, International BA (Hons) Dance Graduate

The programme offers a broad foundation in dance practice, drawing on a range of techniques including Cunningham, Limon, release, floor-based work, Ballet and improvisational approaches. Alongside this, you’ll develop skills in Hip Hop and related styles which gives you a varied technical base that supports your growth as a versatile and adaptable dancer.

PARTNERING WORK

Contact improvisation, ensemble skills and partnering workshops introduce you to the physical adventures of moving with other bodies. Developing a heightened awareness of both your own body, and those of your fellow performers, within the performance space, along with a responsiveness to others will be essential to these explorations. Understanding the ethical issues that need to be considered when working in close physical and creative collaboration with others is also a key concern of this area of study.

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SOMATICS

Developing your understanding of safe dance practices is vital to help to ensure that you can work in a sustainable and ethical manner. You’ll gain knowledge of key principles in health and wellbeing and learn about the importance of safe studio practice, rest and recovery, and the role of nutrition for dance training.

Practical classes in experiential anatomy and physiology will allow you to explore the neuromuscular-skeletal systems and their application to human movement. You’ll also focus on the ways you can use somatic tools that allow you to develop a sense of whole-body consciousness. These approaches will help you to develop a reflective and holistic understanding of yourself as a unique individual.

BA DANCE: EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY

DANCE MAKING

Exploring creative ideas is central to the ethos of dance at BSU and you’ll be encouraged to make new creative work for both live and digital performances. As part of your weekly timetable there are regular practical classes in dance making that will encourage you to play with new choreographic approaches and take risks with your work. You’ll have the chance to make work as both an independent artist and to work alongside your peers in a collaborative context. Each year there will be regular opportunities for you to present your work to live audiences in a range of different performance settings.

Throughout your time at BSU you’ll deepen your understanding of how dance can be used to process and communicate ideas about a range of social, cultural and political experiences.

In the studio you’ll investigate ways artists might imagine and present themselves from the personal /psychological to the controversial/political. In an age defined by an interest in visual selfrepresentation you will consider how creative performance can be a form of self-portraiture.

YEAR 3 PERFORMANCE COMPANY

In your final year you can opt to join our dance company V3nture. This will give you opportunities to perform in dance works created by both professional artists and your peers. You‘ll also be able to work

as an independent dance maker to create a large-scale production in the theatre. Your final degree show work allows you to work alongside the Theatre, Festival and Events Production team and will be presented in SparkFest, the official fringe of the international Bath Festival.

PERFORMANCE INTENSIVES

Each year you will take part in a performance project with a visiting dance artist or company. During these weeks you’ll come off your daily timetable to work full time on developing a new work for a live, public event. The intensives will allow you to immerse yourself in a challenging and stimulating environment that will deepen your understanding of the demands of working as a performer.

Through the learning of repertory and new choreographic material you will gain an insight into the importance of being adaptable, attentive and physically and mentally resilient when working in a professional environment. You can find more details and examples of the artists and companies we have worked with on page 14.

“The best thing about the course was the constant creative stimulus and the attitude I developed through the course. I was always accompanied by very supportive lecturers that provided us with contacts, strategies and tips to get into the professional world. After graduating I immediately started teaching and choreographing.”

DANCE AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

At BSU we believe in pushing boundaries, exploring creativity in all its forms, and ensuring that our graduates have the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the modern world. This is why digital learning is embedded throughout our teaching, and why BSU has earned a reputation for being at the forefront of developments in dance and digital technologies.

Throughout your dance studies you’ll have opportunities to experiment with cuttingedge technology, imagining ways it can be used to enhance and develop the way we view and experience movement.

You’ll investigate the relationship between dance and filmmaking through the exciting hybrid genre of Screendance, and have the chance to explore multimedia composition, real-time interaction and digital installation work. You’ll make performance work for a range of digital spaces which will provide you will new creative possibilities, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and motion capture.

BSU has partnered with Adobe to become an Adobe Creative Campus.

We understand the importance of equipping our students with the digital skills necessary to help them make noise in the modern world, and this exciting partnership brings with it access to the entire Adobe Creative Suite for all Bath Spa students. You’ll learn how to use the industry-leading apps, including Photoshop, InDesign and Adobe Express, to enhance your creative practice with everything from video editing and photography software to programmes to help you create a striking CV and an unforgettable portfolio.

Usually, this Adobe package would cost students £62 per month or £745 per year, but as a BSU student, you get it free.

Students can purchase a licence for one year at a discounted rate (50% off the non-student rate) after you finish your studies.

Scan here to visit the Creative Cloud website

MA DANCE

EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES

Immerse yourself in an exciting and challenging artistic environment where you can develop your practice within an international community of dance artists.

This Master’s programme is designed to build your knowledge and skills of creative dance forms and will appeal to entrepreneurial dance artists who are keen to develop their own practice. At the programme’s heart is the exploration, development, and fulfilment of your creative interests. You will hone your knowledge and skills through practical interface with a diversity of artistic

contexts including live performance work, immersive technologies, screendance, and practice as research.

The course sits within a dynamic community of artistic learners as part of the School of Music and Performing Arts. You’ll be supported in developing the necessary collaborative skills to enable you to create alongside others working both within and beyond dance.

Alongside your practical investigations you’ll build your understanding of dance as a cultural, social, and political phenomenon. The interplay between critical investigation and your own creative outputs will be actively encouraged.

You can learn more about the MA Dance course at:

In addition to your core MA modules, you’ll have the opportunity to diversify your movement practice through a series of enrichment classes led by our dance faculty and professional dance artists from the UK and beyond. Our current offer includes flying-low, contact improvisation, somatic practices, Cunningham and release-based technique, ballet, and performance-focused workshops across a host of dance genres.

full-time or two years

A dance-based first degree (2:2 or above) or a relevant professional qualification/experience equivalent

www.bathspa.ac.uk/pg-dance

For more information about MA Dance, contact Course Leader Anna Heighway at: a.heighway@bathspa.ac.uk, or Subject Leader Michelle Elliott at: m.elliott@bathspa.ac.uk

bath.spa.ma.dance

GUEST ARTIST PROGRAMME

The Guest Artist Programme (GAP) is one of the most exciting and distinctive features of the dance programmes at BSU. Right from the start of your studies you'll meet professional artists in practical studio-based workshops that allow you to immerse yourself in stimulating new ideas. GAP will enrich your teaching and learning experiences whilst also providing you with vital access to professional networks. It is specifically designed to connect you with the work and interests of a wide range of professional artists and companies.

Each artist and company offer their own unique perspective on dance as a creative artform, which will help you to expand your horizons about the possibilities of the discipline. GAP aims to expose you to lots of new ways of thinking, moving and

making so that you can choose the ones that you are most interested in.

As part of GAP, The University Theatre programmes professional dance performances. This ensures that you will have the chance to see some of the most exciting new work being produced each year. Previous companies/artists who have been part of GAP include; Alleyne Dance, Ekleido, Alex Gosmore, Company Chameleon, James Wilton Dance, Jonathan Goddard, Impermanence Dance Theatre, Protein Dance, Seke Chimutengwende, TrashDollys, Van Huynh Company, Kapow Dance Circus Theatre, Lea Anderson, Kennedy Junior Muntanga, Neon Dance, Ben Duke’s Lost Dog, Rambert, Jean Abreu, Theo Clinkard, Vincent Dance Theatre and Botis Seva.

You can find out about the work of our graduates at:

CAREERS

At BSU we’ll do all we can to nurture your talent, develop your passions, and help you on your journey to a rich and rewarding future. We know that creativity, curiosity and confidence are key to success in the jobs market or in setting up a business, and we embed these skills and attributes in all our teaching.

As part of your studies you’ll be able to take part in work placements. Our students have completed placements with many professional organisations including Ballet Cymru, Hofesh Shechter, Pavilion Dance, ITV, The Egg Theatre, Impermanence Dance Theatre, Circomedia, Untold Dance Theatre and Jean Abreu Dance. As part of your degree you could also study abroad at one of BSU partner universities.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore industries and careers you may never have considered before, meet prospective employers at careers events, and during your studies you’ll have the chance to learn from practicing experts in their fields.

We recognise that not everyone’s career path will be the same, that your journey may not follow a traditional route, and that you may even choose to pursue more than one career. Our dedicated Careers and Employability Team will encourage and support you to continually explore your options and experience different pathways to progression. Our support doesn’t end when you graduate either.

We understand that continuing your creative practice after university can be challenging, which is why we work with local studio providers to help support new creative graduates with work space needs. Our Grad Support Unit can also help with career coaching, specialised resources that cover freelancing and self-employment and ways to support you in becoming your own boss, and paid graduate placement schemes.

Our dance graduates work in a range of professions including: performance, choreography, community dance work, teaching in a range of educational settings, dance movement therapy, arts management and film making.

Whether they’ve continued their education or progressed to the professional performing arts, our dance graduates have gone on to do amazing things. BSU dancers emerge with a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between technical, creative and critical modes of enquiry in dance.

“The Professional Practice module allowed me to network with amazing guest dance artists and gave me an indepth insight into their journey within the dance industry. Within this module I was able to complete a placement with a contemporary dance company who I am now working for, so the constant connections are brilliant!”

Rhiann Ashley, BA (Hons) Dance Graduate

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Studying dance at BSU opens up a world of possibilities. As part of your course you can spend time abroad, learning about a different culture, learning a new language and broadening your horizons, all while working towards your degree.

BA Dance student Mercedes Vincent spent a semester abroad in Taiwan, studying at the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA).

You can find out about our international opportunities here:

HERE SHE SHARES HER EXPERIENCE:

WHY DID YOU WANT TO DO A PLACEMENT ABROAD?

I’ve always wanted to go abroad and learn new ways of dancing. I want to be able to take my dancing abroad in the future so having this opportunity before I start my career is really helping me decide where I want to take myself.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU?

Most days I start between 8.30am and 10am and I finish after 5pm every day. As well as the dance classes I have been able to take up martial arts and language classes which is something I’ve always wanted to try. This opportunity has definitely made me want to continue learning Taiwanese even after I return to the UK so I will be signing up for some lessons. It is also very practical-based so I can focus on my dancing.

WHAT ARE YOU ENJOYING THE MOST?

I’m loving trying new things - not only in the lessons but also going out and seeing places around Taiwan. I’ve made some great friends from all over the world, and we all go out for food and see different places together. All the new experiences have really broadened my view on things.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND DIFFICULT?

The biggest challenges were settling in when I first got here and the language barrier as some of the classes are only taught in Taiwanese. Fortunately though, because it’s dance, I can follow along with movement which makes things a little easier.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD?

I would recommend it one hundred per cent! It’s something that isn’t easy, but it’s something you’ll never forget and you’ll learn so many new things. Plus, the further you go from home the more different it’ll be.

OUR COMMUNITY

When you join BSU you aren’t just joining a university, you’re joining a community of creative and curious thinkers, doers and makers. A community where you’ll be encouraged and supported to explore your interests, to innovate, to push boundaries, and to become the best you can be, so that you can graduate with confidence.

We value each and every one of the diverse individuals that make up the Bath Spa community, and we are committed to making sure our University is a safe space where everyone can feel free to be who they want to be.

We believe that students from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to study and thrive in higher education, and we are dedicated to helping people develop skills today that will set them apart in the future.

We put our people, communities and environment at the heart of everything we do. We’re a certified social enterprise, and have a 1st class rating from People & Planet for our commitment to sustainability.

We are passionate about empowering our students to change lives for the better through higher education, and it’s this unwavering commitment that has made us the Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion.

Here at BSU we know how important it is to make the right choices that will move us towards a green and sustainable future. That’s why the University is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

CAMPUS AND FACILITIES

As a Dance student, you’ll be taught at Newton Park – BSU’s main campus – which is set in acres of idyllic English countryside just four miles from Bath city centre.

Dance facilities at our Newton Park campus include three fully-equipped dance studios, the University Theatre, a Mac video editing suite, additional rehearsal spaces for independent study, and access to green screen film studios.

Our largest dance studio is equipped with mirrors, sound system, a fully sprung floor and projection facilities. The studio has a full lighting rig and is used regularly as a performance and teaching space exclusively for Dance, with easy access to shower and changing facilities.

KEY FACTS

• Fifteen minutes on regular bus service to Bath city

• Close to cycle path between Bristol and Bath

• State-of-the-art facilities and a historic past

KEY FACILITIES

• University theatre, dance and performance studios

• Commons building with television studios, Apple Mac suites and communal study space

• University library

• Students' Union building with gym, bar and kitchen

• On-site student accommodation

Within the University Theatre we have light and airy studios with sprung flooring. These have convenient access to the main theatre space, dressing rooms and full technical support. The studios have projection equipment installed and one of them benefits from mirrors.

Also at Newton Park you’ll find historic buildings such as the Georgian Main House and the castle, as well as Bath’s only purpose-built concert hall, ultramodern academic buildings, industrystandard digital and studio facilities, our library with dedicated subject librarians to support you in your studies, some of the halls of residence and our award-winning Students’ Union with its bar, gym and many clubs and societies. With excellent facilities and a blend of the traditional and the modern, it’s a tranquil, reflective and safe place to learn and live.

STUDENTS’ UNION

Having a positive, valuable time at university is about the whole you, not just your studies and preparing for the world of work.

Your time at university isn’t just about studying. It’s also about meeting new people and forging new relationships; exploring new interests and pursuing your passions. The Bath Spa Students’ Union (SU) is a great place to start meeting new people. As well as a great social space, it offers all kinds of clubs and societies for you to join.

JOE WILSON Students’ Union President

From cocktails to cosplay, Doctor Who to dance, and feminism to football, whatever you’re into (or have always wanted to try!) there’s bound to be something for you to get stuck into.

BATH SPA DANCE SOCIETIES

For students who want to get involved in even more dance activities outside of their course there is a fantastic range of SU societies that offer opportunities to take part in social teams and competitions in different styles (tap, jazz, hip hop, commercial, contemporary, ballet to name a few!).

“The SU dance societies have been such a fantastic way to meet lots of new people and forge new friendships. I’ve been a key member of the BSU dance team Titans and have been able to take part in the annual showcase and travelled around the UK to compete in events. It’s been a really rewarding part of my time at BSU”.

Daisy Powers-McGuire, BA Dance graduate, now working professionally as a dance teacher.

EVIE TREMBATH Vice President Education

MADDIE SIMMONS Vice President Opportunities

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

BOOK AN OPEN DAY

Experience Bath Spa University for yourself at an Open Day!

Book your place www.bathspa.ac.uk/opendays

ORDER AN UNDERGRADUATE GUIDE

Find out more about Bath Spa and the exciting courses we offer www.bathspa.ac.uk/undergraduate

CONTACT THE DANCE TEAM

The programme teams are always happy to arrange to talk to you online, in-person or on the phone to help you with questions and queries:

Sarah Alexander Programme Leader for BA Dance s.alexander@bathspa.ac.uk

Anna Heighway

Programme Leader for MA Dance a.heighway@bathspa.ac.uk