Dance Education (B0215A310016)

Programme objectives

The Bachelor’s programme in Dance Pedagogy provides education in the pedagogy of dance, which includes practical experience with various dance techniques and styles, and the methods and didactics of dance education with a focus on folk, classical, or modern and contemporary dance, as well as an overview of the historical development of dance. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the knowledge and skills which constitute the basic corpus of dance pedagogy.

Students will receive a methodologically grounded education in the area of dance pedagogy, and may select one of three specialisations: Classical Dance, Modern and Contemporary Dance, or Folk Dance. They 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.

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 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, or Folk Dance). 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; knowledge of music theory; overview of the history of art, dance and ballet; general cultural knowledge; professional pedagogical or artistic experience welcomed.

Specific admission requirements:

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.

The admissions proceeding consists of two eliminative rounds:

1st round

1) For the 1st round, the applicant shall prepare for pedagogical demonstration a written elaboration of two combinations of dance techniques in the area of classical dance, modern and contemporary dance, or folk dance. The applicant shall submit the written elaboration of these two pedagogical samples to the committee.

2) A written test on general cultural maturity, the history of dance and ballet, and music theory.

3) A practical examination on dance techniques (classical, modern and contemporary, folk).

2nd round

1) An interview on basic knowledge of the system of a dance technique (classical, modern and contemporary, or folk dance); requires a methodical approach to the analysis of individual elements.

2) An interview on dance pedagogy (preparation and execution of lessons, attitude of the pedagogue toward students, interest in the field, overview of developments in the area of art, etc.).

3) Demonstration of the applicant’s two pedagogical samples, of which the written elaboration was submitted in the 1st round.

The conditions of the admissions proceeding, including designation of the method by which points are awarded, their range and the admissions target, are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean, which is subject to approval by the academic senate of the faculty.

If not enough applicants receive the required number of points, the admissions target will not be met.

Foreigners who are applying for the standard Czech-language programme (costless tuition mode) must submit a confirmation of Czech language proficiency at the B1 level according to CEFR from an accredited institution.