BA (Hons) Dance (Commercial)
Programme Leader – Lisa Cottrell
Validated by – Bath Spa University
Who is the programme for?
The three-year BA (Hons) Degree in Dance (Commercial) is designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and creative ability to gain and maintain lasting careers as a professional commercial dancer.
This linked with our extensive industry contacts provides our students with all the tools to thrive in the world of dance.
Where will this course lead?
At the MGA Academy of Performing Arts, we prepare our students for sustainable successful careers within the dance industry through hands on, vocational based training.
Successful completion of this course can open doors to numerous amazing progression routes, with previous graduates finding employment opportunities in many industry roles including:
- UK & European Theatre Tours
- The Cruising Industry
- Music Concerts & Tours
- West End Musicals
- Music Videos
- Choreography
- Teaching
- Film
- Movement Director
Students have also progressed onto Postgraduate study upon completion of this course
Programme overview
The BA (Hons) Dance (Commercial) is a three-year intensively taught vocational training programme. Across the three years all students will study
- Commercial Heels
- Jazz (Mattox Horton, Luigi)
- Hip Hop. Studio and live performance technique.
- Aerial
- Commercial Dance
- Musical Theatre Jazz
- Ballet
- Choreography
- Contemporary Dance
- Tap (British / American)
- Acting and Singing
- Entrepreneurship and business for the professional performer
- Anatomy and Kinesiology for the healthy dancer
- History and critical theory for the professional performer (the reflective practitioner)
Degree structure
The BA (Hons) Dance (Commercial) is taught full-time over three years. The programme is made up of 360 credits, 120 per year, which are divided into modules which are either 20 or 40 credits each.
The programme develops progressively over the three years.
Technical Skill -Year 1 is focussed on the development of the technical and intellectual skill required for Acting`.
- Commercial Dance 1. 40
- Ballet and Contemporary1. 20
- Acting and Singing 1 20
- Anatomy and Kinesiology. 20 credits
- Writing and Research for the Arts. 20 credits
The Performer – Year 2 is focussed on building on the skill developed in year 1 and developing integrated performance skills
- Commercial Dance 2. 40
- Ballet and Contemporary 2. 20
- Acting and Singing 2. 20
- Performance and Interdisciplinary Project. 20 credits
- Theatre Historical and Contextual Studies. 20 credits
The Professional – Year 3 is focussed on developing advanced performance skills and advanced professional expertise in preparation for launch into industry
- Performance – Commercial Dance. 40 credits
- Professional Performer. 40 credits
- Entrepreneurship and Professional Studies. 20 credits
- Independent Research Project. 20 credits
Teaching and learning
All MGA undergraduate programmes share a common approach to teaching and learning. The central theme is learning by doing. Students will spend the majority of their time in the studio where their skills will be developed by MGA’s highly experienced professional staff.
This practical way of learning is supplemented by lectures and seminars supporting other professional areas such as Anatomy and Kinesiology, Historical and Contextual Studies, and Entrepreneurship and Business Studies.
We realise that all of our students are individual creative artists and wherever possible we adapt our teaching to their individual needs and aspirations with all students receiving one to one tutorials where progress is discussed and action plans developed.
Assessment
Each module has specific learning outcomes. These outcomes are evaluated through assessment tasks. All assessment tasks are mapped in detail against the learning outcomes. Assessment tasks, together with dates and times are normally published at the beginning of the teaching year.
Assessment tasks vary according to the learning outcomes. They can include group performance presentations, solo presentations, written assignments, and contribution to public performance projects.
Feedback
As well as formal written feedback given for each assessment tasks, feedback is also given informally during most practical teaching sessions. All feedback is designed to be positive and contrastive and enhance the learning experience.
Entry requirements
Degree Course applicants should have 84 UCAS points including qualifications at SCQF Level 6 (Higher / A Level / Other). Applicants should be aged 16 years or over.
Entry onto all our courses is by online registration.
You will be contacted within two weeks of receipt of your audition submission.
Natural aptitude, potential and attitude will be key considerations throughout the application process.
Fees, finance and funding
For more information on tuition fees and available funding visit our Fees and funding page.