BA (Hons) Dance course preparation

To help you feel prepared for your BA (Hons) Dance studies, we’ve put together information about where you can expect to learn and other tips on how to prepare for your transition to university. Read on to find out more.

Where your learning will take place:

As a dance student, you’ll enjoy learning in The Arts Centre, home to the Rose and Studio Theatres. In here you’ll find contemporary performance studios which include:

• black box drama studios
• rehearsal rooms
• a theatre reconstruction workshop
• a costume construction workshop
• an outdoor amphitheatre and more.

Prepare for university

We know that you’re aware that you’ll be putting in hard work to study for your course when you arrive. But it’s not just academic skills that you’ll be using once you’re here. And there are a few skills that you might want to start to build now so that you’re a pro when it comes to the start of your studies in September.

• Time management – you may have conflicting deadlines as well as other personal activities to consider. So you’ll want to make sure that you manage your time well so that you can do everything you’d like to do. But, there may be times when you can’t do it all but managing your time well will help you to prioritise which activities are necessary and which you have to miss out on.
• Critical thinking – it’s important to show your true understanding of the topics you cover in lectures. And for some of this, you’ll need to critique the work you’re studying in a professional, academic manner. You may already be completing tasks like this in your current studies, so university will be a chance to enhance these skills. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions.
• Teamwork – some modules may require you to work with others on your course to complete tasks and discuss analytical findings.
• Independent work – in contrary to the above, it’s also important to be able to work independently. The majority of your work will need to be submitted individually so it’s important to take ownership of your learning. And if there is something that you don’t understand, make sure to ask your tutor.
• Self-motivation – you’ll be encouraged to work more independently which means that you won’t have a teacher that chases you up to make sure you’ve completed a piece of work on time. So it’s important that you hold yourself accountable and make the decision to put the work in.

To remind yourself of your modules, please visit your course page:

• BA (Hons) Dance

If you’d like to complete any preparatory reading, you can search for any reading related to your course on our online reading list.

Useful websites:

Researching, viewing and engaging online effectively allows you to be in touch with Dance practitioners and companies throughout the world. Here’s a list of recommended viewing for you to delve into:

• Our lecturers recommend award-winning Company Chameleon based in Manchester who tour internationally and work with many community projects
• Pina Bausch is a very important dance artist to explore and study. The Bausch foundation continues to make her legacy visible, with lots of online sources
• Numeridanse, for some exciting British and European contemporary, urban, jazz, ballet and social dance. be sure to click on all the options to discover a rich, diverse range of work.
• If you’re thinking about the future and careers in the Performing Arts, visit the following websites: Arts Professional and Arts Jobs
• Why not follow key British and European companies and artists on social media to stay up to date with the world of dance. Here are just a few suggestions:
  • Rambert
  • Phoenix Dance Theatre
  • English National Ballet
  • Scottish Dance Theatre
  • Shobana Jeyasingh Dance
  • Rosas
  • Hofesh Schechter
  • Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Watch some live performances:

Where possible we want you to see as much live performance work as you can throughout your degree programme, as this is a key resource in understanding performance practice.

It’s a good idea to maintain a personal journal about the work you see as this will become useful in preparing for seminar presentations, essays, portfolios and other assignments in the future. Remember to note down the title, data and names of key artists.

Whilst at Edge Hill, you’ll have the advantage of being able to see professional touring performance work at the Arts Centre, our on-campus Arts venue. And you should aim to see as much of the programmed dance, film, theatre, music and comedy as possible. Attendance at some performances will be compulsory as part of your modules, for example for the purpose of writing reviews or live performance analysis.

Your first week will be filled with introductory talks, activities and workshops in Dance and some IT to help you settle in. You’ll have time to get to know staff, our wonderful facilities, and your fellow students on Dance and other degree courses.

Materials you may need:

It’s a good idea to wait until you start your course to buy any books or specific equipment as your tutor will be able to provide more details about what is essential. And our library may be able to provide you with reading materials. But there are a few things you may want to consider.

• Academic diary – a staple to help you with your time management as well as upcoming tasks in both your academic and personal life.
• Notepads and pens – all modules are a balance of theory and practice. Therefore, you should always have a notebook and pen with you in all practical sessions.

And of course, anything else that you like to use for your academic studies, like highlighters, flashcards and folders.

In your practical sessions, it’s vital that you can move safely, without restriction and that your tutor can see you, to correct alignment and placing. Therefore, we ask that you come prepared with the following kit:

• leggings or tights with shorts
• leotard/unitard or close-fitting vest top
• corrective supportive underwear
• jogging bottoms and top for warm-up activities and some somatic work
• soft knee pads
• a good pair of running/aerobic trainers. Please note that Jazz, Ballet and Character shoes are optional, but may be useful for some modules and production work, and for clubs and societies.
• Drinking water bottle

Before you arrive, check out our UniSkills workshops. These sessions are designed to help you to build the academic skills that you’ll use throughout your time with us and beyond. Keep an eye on your emails for more information.

Making friends

We understand that sometimes it can feel daunting when you join somewhere new for the first time. But we’re here to reassure you that whatever you’re feeling is normal and perfectly ok. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to find out what activities and clubs/societies are available for you to get involved with. These are the perfect way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passions. Make sure to use our Student Life Portal to keep up to date with all the student events happening at Edge Hill.

Your department contacts: