Summary

What will my course include?

This course considers and explores a variety of dance styles and performance techniques. The course has a strong emphasis on taking a practical approach to studying this area, as well as developing your analytical approach to your dance work. You will have the opportunity to perform and participate in a wide variety of productions and performance projects. You will attend technique classes in jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary and commercial dance, as well as take part in industry workshops.

Course Structure: Your course criteria will be covered through creative practical projects throughout your 2 years. Each project will provide an opportunity for in-house or public performance during BIPA’s Autumn showcase season, Winter Public and Community show Season, BIPA’s Spring Multi Media Fest and our final Summer Show Season.

YEAR 1:

Project 1: Skills Project – Introduction to essential and innovative Dance skills and technique. You will also develop your research, analytical and reflection skills.

Project 2: Contextual Performance – You will explore a range of performance approaches within your discipline work on a public performance. You will base your work on a theme, cultural issue or social stimuli, and the work will be presented alongside that from other pathways within the department.

Project 3: Multimedia Collaboration – You will take part in the creation of a performance piece designed to be capture on film or camera. You will incorporate live elements of performance in an exhibition of the evolution to performance engagement.

Final Major Project 1: You will develop a final performance that displays the culmination of all the skills you have learnt and talents you have developed over the year. Working on new material, you will create a public performance to round off your first year and complete the Diploma portion of your overall course.

YEAR 2:

Project 1: Progression and Professional Context - you will work on core personal presentation skills and audition technique to develop a repertoire of work that will lead you to the next stage in your training. We will prepare you for UCAS submission, dance and drama school auditions and interviews. We will also give you lots of insight into the professional working of the industry, audition etiquette and performer branding.

Project 2: Specialist study – This project will see you taking more control over the design of a performance project with a specific aim, focus or target audience. Your creative ideas, problem-solving and production skills will really come into their own in this project.

Final Major Project: Full Scale Show Production.

How will I know how I am doing?

How will I be assessed? Your work will comprise of a mix of practical assessments and writing portfolios for digital submission. All your written and research tasks will support your creative projects, and you will have many opportunities to discuss your feedback and progress with your tutor throughout the year. 
 
What Qualification will I get? 
Upon successful completion of your course, you will be awarded a UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts – Dance Pathway. This Qualification offers either 72, 120 or 168 UCAS points dependant on final grade – this is equivalent to 3 A Levels. All of our FE courses are accredited by the University of Arts London. To find out more, and to read the full specifications, please visit: Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts | UAL
https://www.arts.ac.uk/partnerships/ual-awarding-body/qualifications/performing-arts/level-3-diploma-and-extended-diploma-in-performing-and-production-arts

What do I need to join?

You will need to have demonstrated the required performance skills at one of our BIPA Experience Days. You will also need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English or a Merit grade (or above) at Level 2. Exceptional entry may be possible if a high level of skill in Dance can be demonstrated. People aged 19 – 25 without formal qualifications will also be considered.

Get to know us: We have open days, interactive taster days and public performances throughout the year for you to come and see what we do, get involved and get inspired. Follow this link to see our current productions Shows and Performances (sgscol.ac.uk)

Getting onto a course: If you are interested in applying for one of our performing arts training routes, then you will be invited to a BIPA Experience Day where you will work with tutors, demonstrate your skills and talent and get a chance to meet others who share the same dream as you.

What can I do next?

What can I do next? Successful achievement on this course can lead to progression to further training routes at drama schools, dance companies, university or indeed our own BIPA HE courses at University Centre WISE. You could also work directly in the wider dance industry.