Dance Education (N0215A310020)

Programme objectives

The Master’s programme in Dance Pedagogy provides education in the area of dance pedagogy, which encompasses the development of the student’s didactic methodological thinking within the scope of the selected specialisation (Folk Dance, Classical Dance, or Modern and Contemporary Dance) as well as pedagogical proficiency based on intensive practical experience. The system of instruction urges students to conduct their own research on movement, and it provides space for developing their creativity and artistic expression. In the form of a discussion, students perfect their method of considering and examining the issues of dance pedagogy and training in the 21st century in the Czech and world contexts. Future dance pedagogues who have had intensive practical experience in dance guided by a university programme in dance pedagogy will contribute in a distinctive manner to the development of dance education. Through their pedagogical engagement within the scope of leisure activities, they will also contribute to the broader education of society in the field of dance, which nowadays is a fundamental prerequisite for the existence of professional art and respect for it.

Profile of a programme graduate

Graduates of the Master’s programme in Dance Pedagogy have systematically deepened their specialist methodological and didactic knowledge in the selected specialisation, which logically ties together and develops their creative pedagogical skill, thinking and comprehensive consideration of movement based on anatomical knowledge of the body which they mastered in the Bachelor’s programme.

Programme graduates are able to provide qualified instruction in dance techniques and specialist repertoire according to the selected curriculum (Classical Dance, Modern and Contemporary Dance, or Folk Dance) for various age groups and at all levels of professional dance interpretation.

They are able to perceive the role of the dance pedagogue not only from the narrowly specialist point of view of dance instruction, but also from the perspective of pedagogical psychology, and they appreciate their responsibility for the overall development of the dance artist. They must be able to define goals and to select methods and procedures. The fundamental values in instruction should be mainly the following: the ability to motivate, communication skills, empathy, respect and trust, openness, a positive approach, continuous self-education, the search for new paths and approaches, and self-reflection. Graduates shall have consolidated their conviction in the effectiveness of pedagogical engagement in accordance with this value orientation and in terms of the principles of communication in a democratic society.

Programme graduates shall have acquired a more detailed overview of the development of dance in the second half of the 20th century and in the beginning of the 21st century, as well as the fundamentals of dance management and production. Students learn to contextualise their specialist topic and to perceive their selected field in the contexts of dance generally as well as with respect to other artistic fields and to 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 pose questions and 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 as well as 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 task 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.

Rules and requirements for creating study plans

General information about admission process

Contents and evaluation of the entrance examination to the Master’s programme in Dance Pedagogy.

The entrance examination will consist of an interview on specialist issues, on the applicant’s intended specialisation in the Master’s programme, and on his or her proposal for the Master’s thesis project. In the presented proposal, the applicant in the field of dance pedagogy must demonstrate knowledge of the context of the given area. The specialist issues encompass knowledge of pedagogical methods of dance instruction and the methodology of the selected dance technique at the level of a graduate of the Bachelor’s programme, as well as familiarity with educational systems, dance institutions and prominent personalities.

The applicant shall submit two pre-prepared exemplary binders, each containing a methodological exposition with a focus on the selected specialisation. The applicant shall also present his or her Bachelor’s thesis project.

The admissions committee shall assess the applicant with an overall score, consisting of an evaluation of knowledge of dance techniques (classical, modern, folk), pedagogical talent and interest in the field preferably demonstrated by pedagogical experience, knowledge of music theory, overview of the history of dance and ballet, general cultural knowledge, stage experience – all minimally at the level of a graduate of the Bachelor’s programme.

After the entrance examination, the admissions committee shall rank individual applicants according to their average scores and shall recommend for admission those applicants who ranked within the admissions target and who earned the minimum score for the Dance Pedagogy programme of study.

The requirements 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.

Applicability to other types of academic programmes

Parts of the state final examination and their contents

Other academic duties

Characterisation of professional practice

Anticipated job placement for graduates (typical employment)