MA Black British Dance and Performance

Welcome to the MA in Black British Dance and Performance at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. It is an honour to have you join this journey of discovery, innovation and transformation.

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is a leading cultural organisation dedicated to amplifying Black arts, culture and heritage through a diverse array of programmes, exhibitions, festivals and educational initiatives. Over the last 15 years, Serendipity has established itself as a leading voice in the international arts and heritage ecology. Serendipity nurtures practitioners throughout all stages of their careers, creating unique holistic spaces that platform high quality artistic work, alongside critical thinking and sharing of best practice, contextualised by knowledge of the past.

Black dance is more than movement; it is history, culture and resistance. It tells stories that have often been overlooked, bringing new perspectives to the stage and challenging dominant narratives. By shifting the lens through which we view dance, we can redefine the discourse and establish a space where Black artists’ voices are heard, valued and celebrated.

This programme offers you the unique opportunity to engage with international professionals in the sector, learning from pioneers and contemporary visionaries who are shaping the future of Black dance. You will push the boundaries of your own dance vocabulary, exploring new methods, expressions and techniques that reflect the richness and diversity of the Black experience.

Beyond the studio and stage, you will harness a deeper understanding of funding and policy; essential tools for sustaining and growing your practice. Understanding the structures that support the arts will empower you to navigate the industry with confidence and advocate for meaningful change.

At Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, we believe in the power of dance to inspire, challenge and connect. We are proud to deliver this MA in partnership with Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) as the validating body for the programme.

As an Honorary Fellow of NSCD, I have seen first-hand the significant role the school has played for over three decades in nurturing creative excellence, critical thinking and professional leadership within dance. It is a privilege to contribute to this academic legacy through a programme that centres Black British dance and performance.

I look forward to seeing how you embrace this journey, challenging conventions, breaking barriers, and contributing to the evolving landscape of Black British dance and performance.

Welcome to a space of creativity, critical thinking and boundless possibilities.

Pawlet Brookes MBE CEO and Artistic Director Serendipity

Institute for Black Arts and Heritage

ABOUT SERENDIPITY INSTITUTE FOR BLACK ARTS AND HERITAGE

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is a leading cultural organisation dedicated to amplifying Black arts, culture and heritage through a diverse array of programmes, exhibitions, festivals and educational initiatives.

Our mission is to celebrate, preserve and support Black creative expression, whilst promoting social change, community engagement and diversity within the arts sector. We actively support both emerging and established Black artists, foster creative entrepreneurship, and encourage meaningful cultural dialogue within communities.

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is based in the centre of Leicester in a Grade II listed building steeped in over 160 years of local history containing:

Studio Box – a multifunctional space for classes, seminars and performances.

Dialogue Box and Reference Library – a meeting space housing bespoke collection of over 525 publications documenting Black arts, heritage and cultural politics, with a dedicated section for Black dance.

The Living Archive – a growing archive featuring photographs, ephemera, periodicals and objects pertaining to both Black British history and artistic practice across the Diaspora.

As independent publishers, Serendipity curates and shares expert voices in Black arts, heritage and cultural politics, safeguarding the legacy of trailblazers by documenting their knowledge for the future.

Serendipity hosts a varied range of events throughout the year from Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) and Black Dance Uncovered Summer School, through to the Annual Windrush Day Lecture and Black History Month. Leicester is one of the UK’s most central and also most diverse cities, showcased throughout its rich cultural calendar of activities.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS AND ACCESS TO LEADING PRACTITIONERS

The MA in Black British Dance and Performance offers a unique opportunity to engage with an international network of artists, choreographers and academics who are shaping the global discourse on Black dance. Through a curriculum that values Diasporic connections, students will explore the richness of African, African Caribbean and Latin American dance traditions and their impact on contemporary performance.

This programme provides direct access to leading practitioners who have dedicated their careers to celebrating and advancing Black dance. From Africa to the Caribbean and across the Americas, our network includes visionary artists and scholars whose work challenges conventions and redefines performance on a global scale. Through guest lectures, workshops and international collaborations, students will gain insights into diverse practices, histories and aesthetics, deepening their understanding of movement as a form of cultural storytelling.

At the heart of the programme is the recognition that Black dance is a living, evolving art form that transcends borders. Students will engage with pioneering research and groundbreaking works that celebrate the contributions of African, African Caribbean and Latine artists. These connections will not only expand their artistic vocabulary but also provide a global perspective on funding, policy and opportunities within the sector.

By participating in this programme, students will join a growing network of artists and academics committed to pushing the boundaries of Black dance and performance. Whether through international residencies, collaborative projects or exposure to industry leaders, they will be equipped with the tools, knowledge and connections to make a lasting impact in the field.

This is more than an academic journey; it is an opportunity to be part of a global movement that celebrates, elevates and reclaims Black dance as a powerful artistic and cultural force.

MA IN BLACK BRITISH DANCE AND PERFORMANCE

Programme Overview

The MA in Black British Dance and Performance is a pioneering programme delivered by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. Designed for artists, researchers and practitioners, this part-time course critically examines the evolution, representation and impact of Black British dance and performance within artistic, social and political landscapes. The programme is ideal for those seeking to engage in discourse on Black dance, develop curatorial practice, and contribute to new and existing frameworks within the field.

Course topics include:

• Government and policy

• Funding bodies and international connections

• Terminology

• Representation

• Examining case studies

• Programming and audience development for culturally diverse work

Course Structure

The MA consists of six taught modules plus a final independent research project. Each module is designed to explore various aspects of Black British dance and performance, from historical influences on curatorial practices to contemporary critiques. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical engagements.

The course is part-time, taking place over three years with three taught modules per year, with a focus on the research project in the third year. The course delivery is a multifaceted course bridging the gap between distance learning and in-person, providing a flexible learning model that delivers course practical skills development.

STAGE 1: MODULE BREAKDOWN

Module 1: Changing the Gaze: Shifting the Landscape Around Language, Terminology and Representation

(30 credits)

• Identify key Black British dance artists and their influence.

• Analyse legislation and policies impacting Black dance in the UK.

• Examine language, terminology and representation in media and cultural practice.

Module 2: Case Studies of Festivals (15 credits)

• Investigate key Black dance artists and their impact.

• Analyse media representation in cultural practice.

• Critique culturally diverse dance festivals.

Module 3: Black Dance Uncovered: Summer School (15 credits)

• Critically evaluate techniques in a daily diary.

• Analyse Diasporic vocabulary in Euro-Western contexts.

• Choreograph a solo or group piece based on intensive learnings.

Module 4: Curated, Programmed Festivals (15 credits)

• Study leading Black British dance artists and their influence.

• Examine culturally diverse festivals.

• Design a Black dance programme.

STAGE 1: MODULE BREAKDOWN

Module 5: Let's Dance International Frontiers (15 credits)

• Evaluate masterclass techniques and contributions.

• Identify historical elements within the festival.

• Analyse choreographic approaches.

• Conduct an artist interview.

Module 6: Changing the Lens (15 credits)

• Justify dance performance selections.

• Conduct extensive primary and secondary research.

• Develop a coherent argument reflecting critical analysis.

STAGE 2

MA Research Project (60 credits)

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This programme is ideal for:

• Recent graduates wishing to increase their knowledge and sector insight.

• Dance practitioners, artists and choreographers interested in Black British dance.

• Curators and producers exploring diverse programming.

• Researchers examining race, culture and performance in the UK.

• Cultural policymakers and educators engaging with decolonial discourse.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Graduates of this MA programme will be well-equipped for roles in:

• Dance curation and festival programming.

• Arts and cultural policy development.

• Higher education and research.

• Dance performance, choreography and criticism.

APPLICATION PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the MA in Black British Dance and Performance (Part-time, three years) are submitted online through our admissions portal.

Applicants are required to provide:

• A completed application form

• A personal statement (1,000 words) outlining their interest in the programme, artistic and academic background, and how the course aligns with their career aspirations.

• A CV detailing relevant experience in dance, performance or related fields.

• A digital portfolio or video submission showcasing their dance practice, choreographic work or research.

• Two references (one academic and one professional).

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which can be conducted in person or online.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the programme, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in dance, performance studies, or a related field. Candidates with significant professional experience in dance or performance may also be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

• A demonstrated interest in Black dance, performance and cultural practice.

• Strong written and practical communication skills.

We welcome applications from dancers, choreographers, producers, educators and academics looking to expand their understanding of Black British dance and performance.

FEES AND FUNDING

• UK Students: £8,127 (£2,709 per year)

• International Students: £18,000 (£6,000 per year)

Fees cover tuition and participation in core tuition-based activities delivered by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. Additional events, resources, travel and accommodation are not included.

A range of scholarships, bursaries and funding opportunities are available elsewhere to support students. Applicants are encouraged to explore external funding sources and our admissions team is available to provide guidance.

KEY DATES

• Application Deadline: End of July

For all key dates for the MA in Black British Dance and Performance, please visit www.serendipity-uk.com for further details or contact admissions@serendipity-uk.com to speak to a member of staff.

COURSE DELIVERY: LEARNING FROM LEADING PRACTITIONERS

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

The MA in Black British Dance and Performance is delivered by a distinguished faculty of artists, choreographers, academics and industry leaders who bring a wealth of expertise in Black dance and performance. Through a dynamic mix of masterclasses, dance dialogues, lectures, conferences and film screenings, students will engage with cutting-edge research and practice that shape contemporary Black dance.

This programme is designed to foster both critical discussion and embodied practice, allowing students to develop their artistic voice while gaining insights into the historical, cultural and political contexts that influence Black dance.

• Pawlet Brookes MBE – CEO and Artistic Director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, Pawlet leads discussions on policy, funding and the development of Black dance in the UK and beyond.

• Ronald K Brown – Founder of Ronald K Brown/ EVIDENCE, A Dance Company. Brown's work is a pioneering blend of classic and traditional forms grounded by compelling ancestral narratives.

• Brenda Edwards MBE – Pioneering dancer across techniques who paved the way for Black dancers in British ballet companies.

• Tony Graves – Former Associate Professor of Arts and Festivals Management at De Montfort University.

• Thomas Prestø – Founder of Tabanka Dance Ensemble, Thomas specialises in African and African Caribbean dance techniques, blending tradition with innovation to create powerful narratives through movement.

• Marlon D Simms – Dean of the School of Dance, Edna Manley College and Artistic Director of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica.

• Sharon Watson – A visionary leader in contemporary dance and CEO of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Sharon brings expertise in choreography, leadership and advocacy for diversity in the arts.

• L’Antoinette Stines – The creator os L’Antech (L’Anyah Reggae Technique), a Caribbean Contemporary dance technique which synthesises African influences, Caribbean folklore and Jamaican dance.

• Melissa M Young – An independent creative director and Horton Technique instructor.

COURSE STRUCTURE

LET’S DANCE INTERNATIONAL FRONTIERS (LDIF)

• Masterclasses – Practical sessions led by leading choreographers, offering hands-on experience in diverse movement styles.

• Dance Dialogues – Engaging conversations with industry professionals on the evolution of Black dance and performance.

• Lectures and Seminars – Academic explorations into the history, theory and impact of Black dance.

• Conferences – Opportunities to present research, network with international scholars, and engage in discussions shaping the future of the field.

• Film Screenings – A curated selection of films that document and celebrate the legacy of Black dance artists and movements.

As part of the programme, students will have exclusive access to Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF), an annual festival curated by Serendipity, showcasing cuttingedge Black dance from across the world. LDIF provides a platform to engage with international artists, attend performances, participate in discussions, and network with global practitioners.

BLACK DANCE UNCOVERED: SUMMER SCHOOL

DIGITAL BLACKCENTRIC WEEK

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive Summer School, featuring immersive workshops, choreographic labs and mentorship from leading artists. The Summer School is designed to push creative boundaries, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and refine technical and conceptual approaches to performance.

Digital BlackCentric Week is an annual online event, that provides the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge conversations, development and innovative work that utilises technology as a creative tool. As students will be members they will be able to access the full programme. Digital BlackCentric Week continues to build stronger relationships and networks across organisations in the UK and the international dance sector whilst establishing a living legacy for Black dance.

Through these unique opportunities, students will not only expand their artistic and academic knowledge but also gain invaluable real-world experience within the professional dance sector, ensuring they are wellequipped to contribute meaningfully to the future of Black dance and performance.