The Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance

This is a 3 year course  divided into units.

Students will be assessed twice yearly and on completion and passing of all elements of the course students will graduate with the SLP Diploma. Dance and Drama Award students having passed all elements of the course will be awarded the Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance.   All other students have the option by paying the Trinity examination fee to be entered for this additional diploma.

Technical Dance, Performance, Integrated Professional Studies & Supporting Studies.

All core subjects are taught in depth with integrated supporting studies and  professional practise guiding the students to self –manage and to prepare for the high expectations required to secure professional contracts as a performer. All Students follow a basic first year and may stream to the Dance or Musical Theatre course in year 2.

The course is divided into four units:
  
- Technical
- Performance
- Integrated Professional Studies
- Professional Skills and Practice


Technical

The student must major in 2 dance subjects and minor in 1 subject. The minor can be another dance subject, choreography or singing.


Core Subjects

Supporting Subjects

Classical Ballet

Partnering (classical pas de deux)

Contemporary Dance - Varying Styles

Choreography

Jazz Dance - Varying Styles

Singing 
Acting with movement

Tap 

Pointe Work 

Performance

Understanding Music
Body Conditioning
Yoga
Pilates

Performance Studies

The student will have many opportunities throughout the 3 year course to develop their performance skills, within our studio theatre and in professional theatres and venues nationwide. Choreography under the personal direction in year 2 and 3 of Mr Stuart Avon-Arnold will develop the understanding and skills a dancer needs to work closely with a professional choreographer, developing their own artistic abilities.

  • Acting Through Song
  • Solo Performance
  • Evenings of Entertainment
  • ‘Move it’ London
  • Musical Show
  • All years Summer Show Graduate Showcase – London
  • Festive Concert
  • From Year 2 Professional Pantomime and performances at the Principal’s discretion.
  • All students have experience of the audition process through regular classes from year 2

Integrated Professional Practice 
Develops communication and understanding skills, the ability to review professional productions, and to manage personal projects.

  • Health & Safety
  • Dance  Appreciation
  • Reflective Journals
  • Develop the knowledge, understanding and awareness of the body, how it functions in relation to dance, drama and singing and how to avoid injury

Dance

Within the dance element the following subjects are taught:

Classical Ballet
Classes are held daily with additional pointe classes for girls and specialist boys classes.   Partnering and pas de deux classes inspire students to work at the highest level. Students have the option to take RAD major examinations. Male and female staff members, all former professional dancers, take these classes.

Jazz
The basis of great jazz is a sound technique coupled with the opportunity to develop one’s individual style. All varying styles are taught by male and female staff who are working as either choreographers or performers within the industry. Contemporary Dance based on the Martha Graham technique, Commercial, Street Dance, Hip Hop and Heeled Jazz for girls. Boys have specialist classes. Partnering for double work and lifts.

Modern Jazz Technique
The  weekly class in year one is used to build up a foundation to develop basic disciplines, including rhythm and an understanding of music and anatomical technique in relation to dance.

Tap
Technical Tap classes from basic to advanced and Creative Freestyle are taught. Tap workshops are also taken by West End choreographers. Tap repertoire is an important element of this training and the course offers a strong foundation for the type of tap now required by leading choreographers. Students have the option to take


Singing

All singing staff are classically trained and have knowledge and training in the Estill singing method

Technical classes are taught in groups of four or five students

The following subjects are taught within the singing element of the course:

  • Harmony
  • Sight Reading
  • Music Theory Audition techniques and preparation

 

Acting

  • The following Acting (text-based and devised)
  • Voice and Speech subjects are taught within the acting element of the course

 

Additional Studies

  • Body conditioning, yoga, aerobics, Pilates
  • Injury prevention
  • Personal fitness training and nutrition
  • Voice & Speech
  • Anatomy for the Dancer

 

Part Time 2 Year Professional Dance Course

A two year training which enables young dancers at a high level on entry to study three days per week  for 2 years, allowing them to attain part-time work in order to contribute to funding  their course. Flexibility exists to lengthen the course depending on previous training.
The course will cover the same outline as the 3 year course.  Opportunities to perform and supporting studies will be reduced accordingly.  Students will be assessed twice yearly and on completion of the course students will graduate with the SLP Diploma.

 

This course is accredited by CDET and awaiting validation from Trinity College London.