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Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance)

Bachelor

Learn to choreograph and perform at a professional level by becoming part of the largest full-time dance programme specialising in contemporary dance in New Zealand. You will participate in diverse performances including solo and group work, and work commissioned works by guest choreographers.

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Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Intake Months

Feb

Domestic Fees

$10,800 per year

International Fees

$25,367 per year

About this course

The Contemporary Dance major is the most established, full-time contemporary dance programme in New Zealand, and continues to develop a community of dance artists who contribute innovative choreography and performance excellence to the industry. Unitec's dance graduates are seen in all major productions throughout New Zealand.

With a comprehensive programme covering technique, choreography, dance studies and teaching pedagogies, you'll gain the knowledge, tools and abilities to pursue the range of opportunities available to you as a contemporary dance artist.

Highlights

A rewarding and challenging experience that introduces you to an exciting and varied professional career in dance. Whether you create your own live work or dance on stage or screen, you'll be joining an artistic community that includes many of our graduates.
A focus on live performance, including opportunities to both dance and choreograph.
Daily studio practice under the guidance of industry practitioners with local, national, and international experience.
A close relationship with the New Zealand dance industry and community.
A chance to collaborate with other performing arts students; you'll share classes with actors, directors, writers, production design management and film and television students.

Technique and choreography for stage and screen

With the emphasis on practicality, you'll spend up to six hours a day in the studio, developing your craft in a range of dance techniques including contemporary, ballet, muscle and bone, pilates, yoga, choreography, partnering work and improvisation. You'll also develop skills in dance and multimedia through creating and performing in dance for film.

Performance

Live performance will be an integral part of your studies where you'll get to explore your technique and choreographic craft as an emerging practitioner. Taught by leading contemporary dance artists and choreographers, you'll learn to develop dance projects of your own. You'll choreograph and perform for theatre, events, festivals and film as well as gaining a hands-on understanding of funding and promotion activities. Technology also plays a key role in our learning environment. You'll gain practical experience in lighting, sound, and music design, video editing, costume, props and scenery.

Dance studies, contextual studies and critical practices

Throughout your studies, you'll develop an understanding of dance histories and associated theories in our unique culture of critical studies. Alongside your future industry peers, you'll explore in-depth theoretical and critical thought, integrating theory and professional practice in an exciting cross-discipline environment.

Auditions

Around 100 people apply each year for up to 30 places offered in Year One. All auditions will be held over dates in mid to late October You'll be given clear information at the time of your application about how to prepare. From this workshop, the final selection of trainee dancers is made for the following year.

Find out more about upcoming auditions and interviews

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

At least 3 'C' passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations
42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
- 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
- 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)
- 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

Complete a medical declaration form.
Interviews, submissions, and/or auditions will be required - we'll notify you of what is required.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 731 KB)

International students Academic requirements

As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirement;

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

Complete a medical declaration form.
Interviews, submissions, and/or auditions will be required - we'll notify you of what is required.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 731 KB)

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Professional dancer - Choreographer - Dance and performance artist - Dance teacher - Performing arts manager - Arts administrator

Unitec Institute of Technology