Ignite Dance - Level 3

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
• Alternatively, completion of a Level 2 qualification in the subject area, with an overall Merit profile

Please note: During this process, individual circumstances where students do not fully meet the entry requirements may be considered.

Once we have received your application you will then be invited to an audition where you will complete classes in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. You will also need to perform a short solo which best showcases your talents.

Upon successful completion of your first year of training, you will receive a UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Dance).

Then, after successful completion of your second year, you will receive a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Dance).

During the two years learners will focus on technique developing and refining performance skills. Learners will apply these skills to expand their knowledge and understanding of all dance styles. The skills learnt will enhance and develop them as aspiring performers, whilst preparing for vocational schools and university auditions. Learners will also have the additional option of Musical Theatre/Acting extras available to them.

• Classical Ballet technique
• Contemporary technique
• Physical Theatre
• Tap dance
• Commercial/Hip-hop
• Jazz dance
• Fitness/body conditioning
• Choreographic skills
• Audition techniques/practices

Over the two years learners will undertake units on

Year 1

• Principles of performance
• Engaging with an audience
• Introduction to professional practice
• Critical and contextual awareness
• Production skills
• Performance skills
• Preparation for specialist study
• Collaborative performance project

Year 2

• Developing performance and production skills
• Preparing for progression
• Exploration of specialist study and context
• Extended project

• Practical technique classes
• Workshops
• Practical performances
• Audition and development rehearsal
• Self-tapes
• Written logs
• Vlogs or digital portfolios

There are no exams with UAL qualifications. All modules are assessed at pass/fail only until your final module, the Final Major Project -  in which all the knowledge and skills you have developed over the course are put to use in a project designed by you and the tutors to showcase your unique skills and thus maximise your potential in terms of your final grade.

There are multiple opportunities to gain work experience within the industry, through performing within our own and other theatres across the midlands and UK.

You will also participate in regular trips to theatres to watch live performances.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of at least three performances a year. We also run two performance companies, which is via audition.

Additional opportunities include:

• CYD
• MOVEIT
• UDance
• Black Country Dance Hub

Your course will help you build on your English and maths skills in a practical setting. All Ignite students will participate in activities that require these skills throughout their two years training; through submitting written documentation to support practical assessments and working in an industry-grade theatre and production arts workshop.

Tutorial is a program of essential topics affecting you as a potential employee and member of a community. You will cover topics to improve employability skills, mental fitness (both for you and those around you) and much more. It is an essential part of your personal development.

As part of you weekly timetable, you will be expected to take part in Tutorial. This consists of a 1-1 meeting (at least 3 a year) and Personal Development activities that develop you both personally and professionally. Part of the focus is to raise digital Standards and take part in Employer Engagement Activities such as guest speakers, logging Work Experience and in person and online networking.

We work with Student Experience, Careers and your Curriculum team to ensure your Tutorial elements link to your industry area and to create opportunities to develop key skills for profile raising as well as enabling you to create competitive applications and CVs.

Tutorial is also an opportunity to check in with you as part of a group and individually. You can discuss any issues you might be having that affect your learning and essentially identify strategies and support available to you.

We pride ourselves on outstanding success and progression rate. 100% of our students who apply obtain places with the UK’s most prestigious dance and musical theatre courses. These include Wilkes, Urdang, Laban, Northern Contemporary, Bird, Performers College, Italia Conti and many more.