Performing Arts - HNC Performing Arts (Dance)

In Partnership with Dance Action Zone Leeds

In Year One students complete a Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 4. This year focuses on developing dancers’ technical ability, performance confidence and creative practice, while introducing the key principles of working within the professional performing arts industry. Students build strong foundations in both practical and theoretical aspects of dance training, preparing them for progression to higher-level study or employment.

The Level 4 course is designed to train performers, choreographers and dance practitioners to a professional standard for those wishing to pursue a career within the dance industry. Students receive professional training across a wide range of dance styles, including Jazz Technique, Commercial Dance, Contemporary Techniques, Classical Ballet and Tap Dance, alongside choreography, body conditioning and community dance teaching. Weekly conditioning classes enhance dance fitness and performance stamina, while also introducing acrobatic skills throughout the course. At selected times of the year, students may also experience aerial and silks training to further extend their physical and performance abilities. The breadth of training ensures students develop as versatile, employable and adaptable performers.

The course benefits from strong links with the professional dance industry, and graduates go on to work in a wide range of employment areas, including professional dance companies, cruise ships, freelance performance and dance teaching. Throughout the programme, students take part in industry-led days where guest speakers such as professional dancers, choreographers, professional artists and former graduates provide insight into current industry expectations and career routes.

The dance techniques delivered have been carefully selected to develop technical and performance skills while building a sound understanding of the industry. Students participate in a variety of internal and external projects, with termly performances ensuring regular opportunities to perform in both live and professional contexts.

Additional external performance opportunities and platforms have included Phoenix Dance Theatre platforms, Youth Dance Platforms, Collaborations with professional dance artists, corporate organisations and commercial advertising projects. Students are given opportunities to apply their studio training to a diverse range of performance environments, including community-based settings, choreographic projects and professional theatre spaces.

All projects and performances are directly linked to current professional practice within the performing arts industry, giving students a realistic understanding of working as a dancer, choreographer and reflective practitioner. Teaching and learning methods are varied and designed to support creative and artistic development while integrating theory with practice. Learning takes place through practical workshops, interactive lectures, rehearsals, performances, tutorials, group discussion, critiques and both independent and collaborative project work.

On successful completion of the Higher National Certificate, students are able to progress onto Year Two and complete a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 5. This further develops professional skills, creative independence and industry awareness. Many graduates then choose to convert their HND qualification into a BA (Hons) degree by undertaking a final further year of training on our BA Top-Up Degree course in Performance Industries.

This course follows the new HN Pearson Suite and students will study the following Level 4 Modules during the year.

Module A: Process and Practice

A1: Concept and Development

A2: Creative Project

The course is assessed through coursework that you produce as you complete each assignment for the Module you are studying, this may include performance pieces, choreographic development, written work, research, presentations and reflective journals which allow you to evaluate your learning and highlight your strengths and areas for further development.

Assessment is ongoing within sessions and will comprise of peer and self-assessment as well as tutor assessment. There are at least 2 formative assessments during each module assignment and 1 summative submission that ends with a final grade.

You will attend three to four days per week plus evening performances and some weekends at times. You will also be expected to see local and national performances to enhance your performing arts knowledge and experience different kinds of performances.