Performing Arts - HND Performing Arts (Dance)

In Partnership with – Dance Action Zone Leeds

At Mechanics’ Performing Arts, we deliver a full-time Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), designed to train performers, choreographers, and dance practitioners to a high standard. This course builds on skills learnt on our Level 4 HNC programme and allows students to experience and undertake roles such as Choreographer, Performer, Teacher and those in Production. This course is ideal for those wishing to pursue a professional career within the dance industry. Students receive comprehensive dance training in Commercial, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Choreography, Conditioning, and Community Dance Teaching.

The units you will study have been carefully selected to develop your technical and performance skills, build a strong understanding of the industry, and provide excellent preparation for further study or employment. Students take part in a variety of internal and external projects, with termly performances designed to offer as many performance opportunities as possible.

Performance platforms have included Phoenix Dance Theatre Platform, Fresh and collaborations with professional dance artists, corporate organisations, and commercial advertising projects. Your training will allow you to apply your studio experience to a diverse range of performance environments, including community-based settings, choreographic projects, and professional theatres.

Through practical classes, you will develop a broad range of dance performance techniques inspired by the work of recognised choreographers. You will grow as technical dancers through a variety of classes that enhance strength, flexibility, and versatility. Weekly conditioning classes support the development of dance fitness and new skills, with opportunities to explore acrobatics throughout the course. At certain points in the year, students also undertake aerial and silks training to further enhance their skill set.

All projects and performances are closely aligned with the performing arts industry, providing a realistic experience of working as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and theorist. A range of teaching and learning methods are used to support your creative and artistic development, integrating both practical and theoretical study. Independent and collaborative learning is encouraged through practical workshops, interactive lectures, resource-based learning, individual and group tasks, tutorials, discussions, critiques, performances, and rehearsals.

We maintain strong links across the industry, and our graduates now work in a wide range of professional contexts, including cruise ships, professional dance companies, freelance performance, and dance teaching. Students also benefit from industry-led days, where casting and talent agents, professional artists, and former graduates share current insights into what is required for a successful career.

Many of our graduates progress to a BA (Hons) by completing an additional year of study on a BA Top-Up course.

This course follows the new HN suite and students will study the following modules

Module B: Professional Creative Practice

B1: Personal Professional Development

B2: Professional Project

The College assesses you through the coursework that you produce as you complete each unit, this may include performance pieces, choreographic development, written work, research, and a reflective journal which allows you to evaluate your learning and highlight your strengths and areas for further development.

The majority of units have some form of performance-based assessment attached that focus on a range of performance skills and genres.

HNC Performing Arts (Dance)

A successful audition and interview.

Those with previous experience or learning that is relevant may be eligible via our APL process for accreditation towards this course.

All applicants are required to audition consisting of an interview and a dance class including a creative task. You will need to prepare a dance solo of your choice that showcases your ability and style. This should be 1 and 1/2 minutes in length.

The HNC and HND courses are recognised as a qualification in their own right or can be combined with a top-up degree to obtain a full honours degree like our BA (Hons) Performance Industries course. Alternatively, you can study a PGCE or Certificate in Education to progress to teaching.