Dance Education (B0215A310010)

Programme objectives

The objective of the part-time mode of study is to enable active dancers or dance teachers to pursue a systematic university-level pedagogical education. Students who will concurrently be able to pursue the profession of an active dancer and thus acquire essential interpretive experience will receive a methodologically grounded education in the area of dance pedagogy, and may select one of four specialisations: Classical Dance, Modern and Contemporary Dance, Folk Dance or Dance Education. Dancers and pedagogues who have already established their profile at lower levels of the education system will become familiar, from both practical and theoretical perspectives, with other dance techniques, styles, methods and didactics for all age categories. They will acquire an overview of the historical development of dance as well as essential knowledge for a future professional pedagogue in the areas of pedagogy, psychology and voice training.

The balance of contact teaching and self-study will help to deepen and methodologically ground practical experience acquired through intensive engagement in theatrical or professional practice. The university-level theoretical background thus becomes a benefit for students’ activity in theatrical practice. Conversely, students can apply findings from this practice when studying the methodology of the selected dance technique or while developing independent works.

Future dance pedagogues who complete intensive dance practice corrected by a university programme in dance pedagogy will contribute in a distinctive manner to the development of dance education.

Profile of a programme graduate

Graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Dance Pedagogy in a part-time mode of study have acquired the skills of methodological and didactic thinking as well as a comprehensive understanding of movement supported by anatomical knowledge of the human body. They have also developed creative skills based on a deepening of their practical dance experience and theoretical knowledge in the selected area of focus.

Programme graduates are able to provide qualified instruction in dance techniques and to manage a specialist repertoire according to the selected curriculum (Classical Dance, Modern and Contemporary Dance, Folk Dance, or Dance Education). They also have an overview of the history and theory of dance, thanks to which they perceive the selected field in the context of dance generally, as well as from the perspectives of other artistic fields and culture.

Programme graduates possess broad knowledge of the history, theory, concepts and methods of the art of dance and the selected field, and they know how to apply this knowledge in artistic/creative dance practice. They know how to seek out, classify and interpret information or sources of inspiration relevant for addressing a specific problem or for creating an artistic rendition on an assigned topic. They know how to use dance terminology and the basic technology of the given field, and how to secure the execution of a public artistic performance organisationally and with respect to copyright and technical considerations at a level appropriate for the field. They are able, within their field and according to the general assignment and allocated resources, to coordinate the activities of a creative team in the production of an artistic work of a smaller scale and simpler nature, and to be responsible for its results. They are able to take into consideration the ethical dimensions that may be involved in addressing certain problems. They are able to communicate information concerning the nature of specialist issues in the area of dance and non-verbal theatre, as well as their own opinions on how to address such issues, to experts and laymen alike and in a comprehensible and convincing manner. Graduates are able to cooperate efficiently and harmoniously on collaborative projects in a team and coherently summarise the opinions of other team members. They are able to transact within the scope of their specialist knowledge and skills in at least one foreign language. They are able to independently acquire additional specialist knowledge, skills and competencies, mainly based on their practical experience but also by independently studying the theoretical findings of the field.

General information about admission process

Knowledge of dance techniques at the mature level of a dance conservatory graduate; pedagogical talent and interest in the field documented by professional pedagogical or artistic practice; knowledge of music theory; overview of the history of art, dance and ballet; general cultural knowledge; stage experience welcomed.

Specific admission requirements:

The admissions proceeding consists of two eliminative rounds:

1st round

The applicant should submit the following materials to the Department of Dance together with the application:

1. A professional CV with emphasis on the applicant’s attained level of dance education.
2. A cover letter with emphasis on the applicant’s intended focus.
3. Documentation of a multiple years’ professional interpretative and/or pedagogical practice in the field.
4. A video sample of one the applicant’s own pedagogical performances.

The 1st round will take place in absentia based on the submitted documents. Selected applicants will be invited to the 2nd round of the admissions proceeding.

2nd round

This round will take place in person. Its contents are:

1. A test on general and specialist knowledge of dance and music.
2. A pedagogical-psychological test.
3. A pedagogical performance according to the planned area of focus.
4. An interview on specialist pedagogical issues.