Dance for Commercial Performance, BA (Hons)

Prepare for a career as a dancer or choreographer for the stage and screen by enhancing your technique in a variety of styles such as commercial, hip-hop, pas de deux, dancehall, waacking, popping, heels dance, house dance, contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap and more.

This course will provide you with the practical and academic skills needed to be a versatile dancer or choreographer across all genres, in turn preparing you for postgraduate study. With training from industry professionals we will prepare you for a future career in the dance industry.

Priding ourselves on our vocational approach to training, this course is predominantly practical, with daily technique training in a variety of styles. You will also gain an understanding of relevant theoretical underpinnings, relating to topics such as stylistic development, choreographic practise and dance anatomy and nutrition. We consider training both academically and practically, geared towards looking at a holistic approach to dancers.

On this course you will also benefit from being part of Creative Arts Weston. Here you will join our exciting and passionate creative community, and you will be perfectly placed to join the arts industry, leading the way as part of the next creative generation.

Duration:

Full-time: 3 years (5 days a week)

Start date:

September 2024

Location:

UCW Academy of Performing Arts at Knightstone Campus

Course codes:

Institution: B20

Course: UCW1

Campus: C

Course fees:

Full-time: £8,900 per year

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Additional information about this course:

Students on this course will need appropriate clothing and footwear for dancing and other types of performing.

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Delivered in partnership

This course is delivered in partnership with...

Assessment

Written

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COURSEWORK

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PRACTICAL

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Performance is at the heart of the course, so you will work with an ensemble and as a soloist to devise and realise original and devised routines, and perform to the dance-lovers in the public.

In recent years, dance students at UCW have performed in professional venues including Loco Klub in Bristol and in our spectacular end of year show in Weston’s Playhouse Theatre.

The course is taught by still-practising dance and performing arts professionals, and you will also learn from expert guest lecturers who will help you develop your online portfolio and encourage you to make a professional network within the dance industry.

You will also gain an understanding of performance physicality and explore the key historical and stylistic developments, practitioners and productions in dance and undertake projects in areas of academic and professional interest.

The programme’s international emphasis extends beyond the syllabus, with students on this course having recently had the opportunity to visit Los Angeles at an additional expense.

The UCW Academy of Performing Arts has also developed a partnership with the Studio School in LA, with students from both institutions collaborating to produce a music video.

The course is taught in the recently-renovated rehearsal spaces and dance studios in the UCW Academy of Performing Arts at our Knightstone Campus. You’ll also attend lectures in the brand new learning and teaching facilities in the University Centre of our Winter Gardens building, which is also in the centre of Weston.

Please contact the course leader Rachel Hickie or UCW’s HEART team if you have any questions. It would also be great to meet you and show you around at our next Open Day.

All of the modules on this course are compulsory and worth either 20, 40 or 60 credits each. Successful completion of all three years is worth 360 credits and will lead to the award of a degree at Level 6.

Year 1:

Ballet 1 (20 credits)
Commercial Dance Technique (20 credits)
Dance Skills (20 credits)
Jazz Dance 1 (20 credits)
Performance and Creative Practice (20 credits)
The Dancer’s Body (20 credits)

Year 2:

Ballet 2 (20 credits)
Commercial Dance Technique (20 credits)
Dance Skills 2 (20 credits)
Jazz Dance 2 (20 credits)
Performance and Creative Practice 2 (20 credits)
Personal Reflective Practice 2 (20 credits)

Year 3:

Dance Independent Study (20 credits)
Professional Dance Projects (60 credits)
The Professional Dancer (40 credits)

This course is taught and assessed via a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, skills classes, in-class performances of devised work, presentations, individual and group work, written assignments and public performances. UCW’s Higher Education Library Plus (HE.LP) team also deliver a series of sessions on degree-level research and academic writing to all first-year students. When not in scheduled lectures and seminars, students are expected to continue learning through independent self-study. This involves reading relevant literature, working on individual and group projects, and undertaking research in preparation for coursework.

This course has an average of 30 hours of scheduled teaching per week.

Assessment is via a combination of practical exams and coursework. The assessment breakdown is 75% practical assessment and 25% coursework. There are no written exams on this course.

Graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate courses such as the Master’s Degree in Dance at Bath Spa University.
Graduates could also seek freelance and contracted dance and choreography roles and, subject to further study, aspire to work in mainstream or specialist dance education.

Industry Insight

Almost a third of dance graduates who enter employment with six months of graduating are employed as dancers or choreographers.

A minimum of CDD at A Level, or a BTEC Extended Diploma at MMP, or a T Level at Pass, or equivalent, preferably in a related area. Applications from those studying two A Levels or alternative Level 3 qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants are also required to attend an audition.

Applicants with a level 5 qualification such as HND, Foundation Degree, or equivalent can be considered for 3rd year entry. Please contact admissions@ucw.ac.uk to discuss your application further.

Quick Stats

Prepare for a career as a dancer or choreographer for the stage and screen and enhance your technique and performance skills in dance styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, dancehall, waacking, house dance and more.

Learn more

Meet our Team

Rachel Hickie

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Rachel is currently the Program Co Ordinator for the Dance for Commercial Performance BA(hons) at UCW. She lecturers in dance and musical theatre, specialising in commercial. She has a Bsc(hons) degree in psychology and a MA in human resource management, specialising in training and development, from the University of the West of England. Whilst studying she found her passion for teaching, choreographing for their street dance competitions crews and winning coach of the year at her university in 2013. She had worked for a variety of university both nationally and internationally. She is an experienced choreographer, now teaching a number of competition teams who compete across the country. Her choreography has brought back many 1st place trophies over the years including at BDO, UDO and SDI street dance competitions. Her routines have also qualified for both World Championships and European Championships on a number of occasions across many competition organisations. Rachel teaches a variety of dance styles in educational contexts, including experience teaching a dance curriculum in schools. She is specialised in Waacking, House, Popping, Dancehall, Hip hop and Commercial, having studied these for many years.

Joe Kennedy

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Joe trained at Italia Conti and worked for a number of years as a professional dancer. His credits include: Tap Specialist in Night of the Dance (Germany), Spirit of the Dance (UK Tour), Tap Specialist in Hot Legs (European Tour), Peter Pan (Millfield Theatre) and performances with Headliners Theatre Company on-board the P&O Aurora. He has also performed at a number of high profile corporate events and in adverts for Film 4, Pringles and Ford Mondeo. Joe has an MA in Dance Technique Pedagogy and holds his Fellowship Modern and Licentiate Tap with the ISTD. He has taught and choreographed jazz, tap and contemporary for a number of professional colleges including Creative Academy, Italia Conti, Morea Performing Arts, Brit School, CPA Studios and D&B College. He now teaches at a number of schools and colleges across the south west.

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Sylvia is currently the HE Section Leader Performance at University Centre Weston (UCW). She oversees the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Sylvia holds a graduate diploma in Musical Theatre and Theatre Dance from the London Studio Centre, a PGCE from Bath Spa University and most recently, completed a MA Professional Practice in Higher Education at Bath Spa University. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is an accomplished singing/voice coach but also teaches ballet and jazz technique, fitness, physical theatre and movement for theatrical practice. Sylvia regularly attends industry events to keep up to date with recent developments and has many high profile connections in the world of show business. Sylvia has over 20 years’ experience on the professional stage as a singer, dancer and actor. Originally from Munich, her career began with the Munich National Opera and credits include Lead Dancer/Singer for “Spirit of the Dance”, roles in tours including “A Chorus Line”, “Chicago”, “Starting here, Starting now”, “West Side Story”; she performed as Lead Production Singer on major cruise ships, and appeared in TV programmes and dance videos internationally.

Beky Humphries

Lecturer

A professional dancer and choreographer based in London. Beky teaches at UCW on the commercial dance course as well as at The Big Act and a weekly open class at Base Dance Studios, whilst currently working in the industry as a dancer and choreographer herself. Signed with 3 Rings agency as both a creative and a choreographer, Beky runs their female agency auditions.  Dance credits include: The Platinum jubilee festival, Felix Jaehn, Sony, Paul Mitchell, Funky pigeon, Trend vision UK tour and she works closely with Christina Andrea, Sharon June, Briony Albert, Gaz Davis and more.  Choreography credits include: LOREAL, The Big Platinum Jubilee festival, Move it MainStage and Crooked colours.

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Joe made the career move from professional dancer to lecturer in 2018 by joining the team at UCW and Weston College. Joe made his professional debut in “Spirit of the Dance” in 1999 and danced the lead of role of Danny Boy, soon taking on the role of Dance Captain, Company Manager, Choreographer and Resident Director for Spirit Productions Ltd. Other performance credits include: “Broadway! A Star Spangled Celebration” (USA), “One World” (UK Tour), “The Osmond’s Christmas Spectacular” (USA), “Tap Dance Fever” (Israel Tour), “Red Hot Broadway” (China Tour), “New Jersey Nights” (UK, Australian and China Tour), “The 12 Tenors” (China Tour), “Shake, Rattle n’ Roll” (USA), “Hooray for Hollywood” (USA) and “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), amongst many others. Joe has worked with a variety of celebrities during his career such as Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Pink and Barbara Windsor and has also choreographed and featured on “The X-Factor” (Israel). Choreography credits include: “Sister Act the Musical” (Theatre Royal, Windsor), “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), “A Christmas Carol” (Theatre Royal, Windsor) and “Revolution” (Israel Arena Tour). Since becoming a lecturer at UCW, Joe has excelled in his teaching qualifications and is thrilled to be able to pass on his skills and knowledge

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Abigail is currently Head of Voice and Singing at University Centre Weston (UCW). Abigail teaches on the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Dance for Commercial Performance and Acting and Performance Making. Abigail has also worked as a guest lecturer at other institutions around the UK. Abigail is currently studying for her Doctor of Education focusing on the vocal education of performing undergraduates. Abigail holds a BEd Mus (Hons) from the University of Plymouth, a MEd from the University of the West of England and is an Estill Master Trainer (EMT). She is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the British Voice Association. Abigail is a self-confessed voice anorak, with a passion for the human voice and its development. Abigail is fascinated by vocal research and vocal scientific developments and regularly attends and presents her research at courses, summits and symposiums in both the UK, Europe and Australia. Abigail is committed to instilling confidence in her students and believe everyone can sing; it is just a matter of giving them the tools to do so!

Eloise Hodder

Programme Coordinator - Performing Arts

Eloise Hodder is the HE Programme Co-ordinator for BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Acting at University Centre Weston (UCW). Eloise delivers on the BA Hons degree in Performing Arts which is validated by Bath Spa University.  Eloise also works as a guest lecturer and examiner both nationally and internationally encompassing a range of institutions from The Brit School, to consultant Actor/Director at L’Ecole d’Architecture Universite de Montreal. Eloise trained as an actor and holds BA (Hons) from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (Franchise University of South Wales) and has a Postgraduate Diploma from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Applied Theatre specialising in Directing. Eloise is also a member of Royal Academy of Dance and the Institute for Learning. Eloise is an actor, director, interdisciplinary performer and educator. She has worked as the director/creator of Trapped (Donmar and Endeavour), received the Jack Petchey Youth Community Project Award for Delicate Rose tour and has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for Gannin’ Yem. Eloise has been an Education Associate for the Donmar, Bush Theatre and Michael Grandage Theatre Company.

Craig Logue

Technician - Performing Arts

Craig is our Performing Arts technician. He has always had a keen interest in Music and lighting technology and holds a BSc in Media technology and an MSc in advanced audio production, both from the University of South Wales. Craig has previous experience as a performer, releasing his own music via Spotify and iTunes among others as well as working in event production for a large Canadian AV company.

Student Spotlight

Meet our team

Rachel Hickie

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Joe Kennedy

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Beky Humphries

Lecturer

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Eloise Hodder

Programme Coordinator - Performing Arts

Craig Logue

Technician - Performing Arts

Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.

Rachel Hickie

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Rachel is currently the Program Co Ordinator for the Dance for Commercial Performance BA(hons) at UCW. She lecturers in dance and musical theatre, specialising in commercial. She has a Bsc(hons) degree in psychology and a MA in human resource management, specialising in training and development, from the University of the West of England. Whilst studying she found her passion for teaching, choreographing for their street dance competitions crews and winning coach of the year at her university in 2013. She had worked for a variety of university both nationally and internationally. She is an experienced choreographer, now teaching a number of competition teams who compete across the country. Her choreography has brought back many 1st place trophies over the years including at BDO, UDO and SDI street dance competitions. Her routines have also qualified for both World Championships and European Championships on a number of occasions across many competition organisations. Rachel teaches a variety of dance styles in educational contexts, including experience teaching a dance curriculum in schools. She is specialised in Waacking, House, Popping, Dancehall, Hip hop and Commercial, having studied these for many years.

Joe Kennedy

Programme Coordinator - Dance for Commercial Performance

Joe trained at Italia Conti and worked for a number of years as a professional dancer. His credits include: Tap Specialist in Night of the Dance (Germany), Spirit of the Dance (UK Tour), Tap Specialist in Hot Legs (European Tour), Peter Pan (Millfield Theatre) and performances with Headliners Theatre Company on-board the P&O Aurora. He has also performed at a number of high profile corporate events and in adverts for Film 4, Pringles and Ford Mondeo. Joe has an MA in Dance Technique Pedagogy and holds his Fellowship Modern and Licentiate Tap with the ISTD. He has taught and choreographed jazz, tap and contemporary for a number of professional colleges including Creative Academy, Italia Conti, Morea Performing Arts, Brit School, CPA Studios and D&B College. He now teaches at a number of schools and colleges across the south west.

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Sylvia is currently the HE Section Leader Performance at University Centre Weston (UCW). She oversees the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Sylvia holds a graduate diploma in Musical Theatre and Theatre Dance from the London Studio Centre, a PGCE from Bath Spa University and most recently, completed a MA Professional Practice in Higher Education at Bath Spa University. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is an accomplished singing/voice coach but also teaches ballet and jazz technique, fitness, physical theatre and movement for theatrical practice. Sylvia regularly attends industry events to keep up to date with recent developments and has many high profile connections in the world of show business. Sylvia has over 20 years’ experience on the professional stage as a singer, dancer and actor. Originally from Munich, her career began with the Munich National Opera and credits include Lead Dancer/Singer for “Spirit of the Dance”, roles in tours including “A Chorus Line”, “Chicago”, “Starting here, Starting now”, “West Side Story”; she performed as Lead Production Singer on major cruise ships, and appeared in TV programmes and dance videos internationally.

Beky Humphries

Lecturer

A professional dancer and choreographer based in London. Beky teaches at UCW on the commercial dance course as well as at The Big Act and a weekly open class at Base Dance Studios, whilst currently working in the industry as a dancer and choreographer herself. Signed with 3 Rings agency as both a creative and a choreographer, Beky runs their female agency auditions.  Dance credits include: The Platinum jubilee festival, Felix Jaehn, Sony, Paul Mitchell, Funky pigeon, Trend vision UK tour and she works closely with Christina Andrea, Sharon June, Briony Albert, Gaz Davis and more.  Choreography credits include: LOREAL, The Big Platinum Jubilee festival, Move it MainStage and Crooked colours.

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Joe made the career move from professional dancer to lecturer in 2018 by joining the team at UCW and Weston College. Joe made his professional debut in “Spirit of the Dance” in 1999 and danced the lead of role of Danny Boy, soon taking on the role of Dance Captain, Company Manager, Choreographer and Resident Director for Spirit Productions Ltd. Other performance credits include: “Broadway! A Star Spangled Celebration” (USA), “One World” (UK Tour), “The Osmond’s Christmas Spectacular” (USA), “Tap Dance Fever” (Israel Tour), “Red Hot Broadway” (China Tour), “New Jersey Nights” (UK, Australian and China Tour), “The 12 Tenors” (China Tour), “Shake, Rattle n’ Roll” (USA), “Hooray for Hollywood” (USA) and “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), amongst many others. Joe has worked with a variety of celebrities during his career such as Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Pink and Barbara Windsor and has also choreographed and featured on “The X-Factor” (Israel). Choreography credits include: “Sister Act the Musical” (Theatre Royal, Windsor), “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), “A Christmas Carol” (Theatre Royal, Windsor) and “Revolution” (Israel Arena Tour). Since becoming a lecturer at UCW, Joe has excelled in his teaching qualifications and is thrilled to be able to pass on his skills and knowledge

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Abigail is currently Head of Voice and Singing at University Centre Weston (UCW). Abigail teaches on the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Dance for Commercial Performance and Acting and Performance Making. Abigail has also worked as a guest lecturer at other institutions around the UK. Abigail is currently studying for her Doctor of Education focusing on the vocal education of performing undergraduates. Abigail holds a BEd Mus (Hons) from the University of Plymouth, a MEd from the University of the West of England and is an Estill Master Trainer (EMT). She is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the British Voice Association. Abigail is a self-confessed voice anorak, with a passion for the human voice and its development. Abigail is fascinated by vocal research and vocal scientific developments and regularly attends and presents her research at courses, summits and symposiums in both the UK, Europe and Australia. Abigail is committed to instilling confidence in her students and believe everyone can sing; it is just a matter of giving them the tools to do so!

Eloise Hodder

Programme Coordinator - Performing Arts

Eloise Hodder is the HE Programme Co-ordinator for BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Acting at University Centre Weston (UCW). Eloise delivers on the BA Hons degree in Performing Arts which is validated by Bath Spa University.  Eloise also works as a guest lecturer and examiner both nationally and internationally encompassing a range of institutions from The Brit School, to consultant Actor/Director at L’Ecole d’Architecture Universite de Montreal. Eloise trained as an actor and holds BA (Hons) from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (Franchise University of South Wales) and has a Postgraduate Diploma from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Applied Theatre specialising in Directing. Eloise is also a member of Royal Academy of Dance and the Institute for Learning. Eloise is an actor, director, interdisciplinary performer and educator. She has worked as the director/creator of Trapped (Donmar and Endeavour), received the Jack Petchey Youth Community Project Award for Delicate Rose tour and has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for Gannin’ Yem. Eloise has been an Education Associate for the Donmar, Bush Theatre and Michael Grandage Theatre Company.

Craig Logue

Technician - Performing Arts

Craig is our Performing Arts technician. He has always had a keen interest in Music and lighting technology and holds a BSc in Media technology and an MSc in advanced audio production, both from the University of South Wales. Craig has previous experience as a performer, releasing his own music via Spotify and iTunes among others as well as working in event production for a large Canadian AV company.

Meet our Team

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