Bachelor of Dance (VCA)

The three year Bachelor of Dance course consists of specialist studies in dance as well as theoretical and cross-disciplinary collaborative studies in the Centre for Ideas.
Specialist Studies
Studio practice provides the foundation for developing the dance artist at the VCA. Daily technique classes in ballet and contemporary dance form the paradigm for training versatile, kinaesthetically, intelligent dance artists and are closely interrelated with studies in choreography and performance. Students in their first and second year of study may elect from a selection of Allied Dance Studies, giving them the flexibility to pursue their own interests in contemporary dance or ballet. Allied Dance Studies includes Duo, Pas de Deux, Ballet Repertoire, Contemporary Repertoire, Improvisation and Pointe. Students also undertake studies in Performance Management, Career Planning and Management, Music, Dance Analysis, Kinetic Studies and Production as part of the specialist dance program.

Throughout the course students have regular performance experience replicating the professional environment.

Students are encouraged to take risks and challenge their own practice by engaging with new processes and physical methodologies.

By third year there is a greater emphasis on developing artistic autonomy. By working with emerging and leading Australian choreographers in preparation for the diverse challenges of current dance practice students maximise their potential to become dancers of technical excellence and artistry.

The objectives of the course are:

• to produce professional dance practitioners including performers, choreographers, collaborators and artistic leaders with a high degree of expertise;
• to encourage the simultaneous development of students’ conceptual and technical abilities by providing practical and theoretical dance studies across various aesthetic domains;
• to foster a spirit of inquiry and initiative towards the development of dance;
• to encourage individual talents in both performance and creativity;
• to encourage students to develop an awareness of their relationship and responsibility to their cultural environment and society by providing opportunities for informed critical enquiry, social interaction and cultural exploration during their studies;
• to enable students to prepare themselves for postgraduate study.

The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is six years. Students need to fulfill the course requirements and meet specific prerequisites to proceed to study at the next year level. In order to proceed to the next level a student must complete a minimum of 87.5 points including prerequisites for particular subjects (e.g. prerequisite for Dance Technique 2A is 87.5 points at first year level including Dance Technique 1A & 1B). A student must also meet continuing physical suitability requirements.

The progress of a student will be deemed to be unsatisfactory if he or she:

(a) fails any subject twice; or
(b) fails to complete 87.5 points at any year level.

Any student who fulfills one or more of the above criteria will have failed to meet the minimum progress requirements for advancement to the next stage of the course and will be referred to the Student Progress Committee.

Bachelor of Dance

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have satisfactorily completed VCE or Year 12 equivalent with a study score of at least 25 in English. Applicants will normally have undertaken prior training in ballet and contemporary dance.

Selection Procedures
Applicants are required to undergo a physical examination by a qualified physiotherapist to establish the applicant’s suitability to undertake dance training and to have the Physiotherapy Examination form signed off by the physiotherapist. The Examination report should be submitted to VCA with the Application for Audition form.

At the audition, applicants are taken through practical dance classes over a 5-6 hour period. Selected students may also be invited to attend an interview

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

At the completion of the Bachelor of Dance, students should be able to:

• demonstrate extensive ability within particular contemporary movement and ballet techniques and a high level of kinaesthetic awareness in all their practical work;
• exhibit extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of dance across its various aesthetic domains, including current professional dance practice, relevant skills in allied disciplines and developments in the field;
• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;
• demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication;
• embody an informed respect for the principles, discipline and ethics of the practicing, professional artist;
• demonstrate interpretive abilities in performing new and existing performance work;
• participate effectively as a team member in projects with a shared focus;
• demonstrate with a flexible, imaginative and innovative approach to explore, investigate and resolve unfamiliar problems and challenges;
• confidently communicate, both orally and in writing, opinions, ideas and observations with regard to their dance practice and that of others, in group and individual situations;
• contribute to a range of performing arts environments as artistic collaborators and leaders;
• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;
• independently research and investigate areas of theoretical and practical relevance from a wide range of sources;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance and effectively participate in or contribute to contemporary cultural discourses;
• develop effective planning, management and self-promotional skills.