Module: DAN6201-40 Professional Practise 

Level: 6

Credit Value: 40

Module Tutor: Luke Antysz

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.antysz@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is designed to assist you in preparing for a successful transition from the university to the workplace or further study. Your continuing, progressive technical training is an essential part ensuring you are physically prepared. In addition, you will gain knowledge and experience of potential career routes and complete a work placement to enable you to develop into a successful and enterprising individual within your chosen field. Your identification of transferable skills, within and beyond the discipline of dance, will be considered in the light of future employment opportunities and challenges. Research, investigation, organisation, communication and self-promotion are some of the key elements of this module. 

2. Outline syllabus:

Regular and rigorous technical training classes will encourage you to critically engage with current expectations of dance practitioners in the professional environment. You will build on your stylistic and technical ability, whilst considering how to present yourself at auditions, interviews and other employment related scenarios.

You will gain an overview of potential employment routes after graduation by participating in an extensive series of practical workshops with visiting practitioners. You will participate in classes and lectures, lead by practitioners who specialise in various specialisms within the dance sector, e.g community dance practice, dance for screen, inclusive dance, dance for health and wellbeing, youth dance, dance in education, arts funding, CVs and showreels). 

You will be expected to undertake a 40 hour work placement(s) and simultaneously prepare for your future through the construction of a professional development presentation. Throughout the module you will be required to consider and develop your individual career goals through critical reflection, self analysis and career planning. This will include building the skills necessary to promote yourself creatively within your chosen field. We encourage an environment of exchange of knowledge and skills, from one learning situation to another, be it between modules or between the workplace and the university, so that you start to perceive yourself as a professional in preparation for the realities of the workplace.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The technique component will be taught through regular practical classes with a variety of tutors, and here you will have regular feedback to help develop your individual reflection and evaluation. The careers programme of lectures, seminars, presentations, and practical workshops will offer an overview of the possible work routes available for you, and a range of issues relating to the dance related workplace. You will also be expected, as part of selfdirected learning, to undertake a 40 hour work placement. Professional Development Planning reviews will be an opportunity for you to receive feedback on your plans and progress made.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Practical Skills Assessment 1 (equivalent of 3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Practical Skills Assessment 2 (equivalent of 3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation (equivalent of 4000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%