BA (Hons) Ballet Education

The BA (Hons) Ballet Education is a full time modular programme which provides an opportunity to gain a degree and prepare for a career in dance teaching.

Content
The programme combines the study of ballet and dance with teaching, to provide students with a unique dance teacher education. Each module is an integration of practical and theoretical study through a combination of technique classes, repertoire workshops, choreographic workshops, lectures and seminars. Whilst ballet remains a focus, the programme is designed to locate ballet within a broader concept of dance, providing a wider platform for a career in teaching.

Year 1 (FHEQ Level 4)
Modules: Ballet: Fundamentals of Technique, Introduction to Dance Science and Somatic Practice, Frameworks for Dance Analysis, Ballet Repertoire, Dance History: Repertoire, Techniques and Styles and Introduction to Dance Teaching

In the first year, most of your time will be spent dancing in order to secure your own technique and to learn about dance through selected repertoire. You will also take part in visits to observe dance teaching in schools (public and private sector), community dance projects and dance company education.

Year 2 (FHEQ Level 5)
Modules: Technique and Performance, Ballet: Genre and Style, Choreography and Somatic Practice, Dance Science and Somatic Practice for Teaching, Dance Teaching: Theory and Practice, Teaching Placement 1 and 2

As a second year student you will continue to work on your own dance skills, develop your choreographic skills and study dance from historical, scientific and critical perspectives. You will undertake two Professional Placements in which you will teach a group of students yourself. Throughout, you will be supported by qualified, experienced staff from the placement school or organisation and staff at the RAD.

Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6)
Modules: Performance Practice*, The Creative Teacher/Choreographer*, Ballet Practices: An International Perspective*, Dissertation, Education Studies, Professional Placement (Part 1) and Career Preparation, Professional Placement (Part 2) [*denotes Option Modules (students choose one out of the three)]

In the final year you will be able to choose whether to focus on performance, choreography or critical studies. You will undertake a dissertation which is individually tutored and draws on knowledge and skills gained at Level 4 & Level 5. Teaching skills are developed through a final professional placement supported by theoretical study of education policies and practices relevant to the dance teacher. The Professional Placement and Career Preparation module prepares you for entry to the world of work and today’s professional dance environment.

Delivery
The programme is three years full time and delivered across two semesters each year. In Year 1, students spend most of their time in classes, lectures and workshops at the RAD. In Years 2 and 3, the amount of independent study increases, as does the number of hours spent ‘off-site’ on teaching placements.

Assessment
Modules are assessed through a variety of practical examinations, written assignments and assessment of teaching.

Award
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of BA (Hons) Ballet Education validated by the University of Bath.

Further Study and Career Development
Students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education may apply for a place on the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD) programme and study for this award alongside their degree.

Following successful completion of the BA (Hons) Ballet Education, graduates may wish to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching.