MFA Dance Leadership and Community Practice

Introduction

This unique vocational programme is for anyone wanting to work as a dance practitioner in community and participatory settings. It supports your development as a dance leader and facilitator with practical knowledge and skills and an understanding of dance as a socially relevant, creative, applied, and inclusive practice. Opportunities to assist professionals in the field and learn from experienced tutors and professional community artists, supports your development and understanding as a practitioner. Study accumulates in a self-selected area of research into practice where you can develop individual areas of interest and experience, leading to a MA or MFA qualification.

The programme has four key strands:

• Dance leadership and teaching – develop knowledge and skills for working with different kinds of groups. Learn from some of the UK’s leading community dance practitioners and work with Trinity Laban’s renowned Learning and Participation programme.
• Understanding community dance –explore the values and principles of community dance, how it happens, and its impact on individuals and communities. Learn about planning and delivering projects, and the networks and agencies that support community dance provision.
• Artistic development – progress your dance skills and artistic practice in a world-class conservatoire with first-class teachers and facilities.
• Professional practice – encounters with practising artists and their work, supported by our partnerships with some of the UK’s leading professional organisations, facilitates your understanding of how the profession operates, as well as providing valuable contacts and work experience.

Learning and Teaching

Learning will take place in a variety of different contexts including taught sessions, workshops, seminars, tutorials, and individual study and research. Some modules encourage reflection and peer review through sharing of practice. Teaching embraces different learning styles, allowing for a flexibility of response to your needs and abilities. The introduction of visiting lecturers and artists allows you to encounter a variety of views and approaches from current fields of practice.

Applicants are expected to have an appropriate first degree (or an equivalent qualification) or 5 years’ professional experience. Applicants without formal qualification are subject to the Institution’s recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. Decisions are made by the RPL Panel with delegated authority from the Assessment Board. An External Examiner may decide to scrutinise the evidence supporting a claim as part of the Assessment Board process.