BA (Hons) Diverse Dance styles
IRIE! dance theatre presents a BA (Hons) Diverse Dance styles, a new and exciting course presenting African, Caribbean, Contemporary and Urban dance forms equally. Working with a team of professional dancers, educators and guest artists, you will experience a diverse and exciting training programme; preparing you technically and creatively for work in the creative industries as performers, choreographers, community practitioners, educators, dance managers and producers.
IRIE! dance theatre was founded in 1985 with the primary aim to heighten the profile of Black dance and dancers in Britain. The company is Britain's leading dance Theatre Company working in the field of African and Caribbean dance fusion. Its musical orientations are drawn from African and Caribbean drumming and percussion, Reggae, Ragga, Calypso and Soca. From the start, IRIE! has been at the cutting edge of fusing Caribbean dance as part of its choreographic expression and has developed a dance vernacular that is instantly recognised as the IRIE! style. In parallel, the company delivers local and national training and outreach programme reaching over 4,000 participants on an annual basis. In January 2007, IRIE! relocated to the new Moonshot Centre in New Cross, South East London. Moonshot is a £3m refurbishment of a disused community Centre with excellent dance studio's, meeting rooms and shower and changing facilities.
The new BA (Hons) Diverse Dance styles is unique in that students will study in a professional environment, in residence with the performance company and an array of independent artists providing opportunities for involvement in external projects and career development. Whether you want to audition for work, start up your own business or work for a larger arts management company, there will be professional practitioners to guide you, enabling you to network and present yourself to the most suitable audience.
Course Content
Year 1 (Level 4)
The first year provides a solid foundation in African, Caribbean, Contemporary and Urban dance forms, underpinned by information on health, fitness and injury prevention. Theory will cover the historical and cultural context of each form, through lectures, seminars and research. Choreographic modules will encourage the development of individual movement language supported by the study of recorded and live performance work. The year will introduce a range of career pathways alongside performance opportunities.
Year 2 (Level 5)
The second year builds on the foundation of Year 1 while extending technical training through the introduction of a repertory module, looking at key works in the repertoire of current companies. Creative and leadership skills are developed through a group choreographic project, encouraging independent and collaborative work in preparation for future employment. Links will be made with professional practice as working methods and key works are explored. During Year 2 a Site-Specific Performance will be created in a London landmark, former sites used by IRIE! have included a museum, church, nightclub, market square and park.
Year 3 (Level 6)
The third year will focus on employment options through the performance company, Connectingvibes. The year will be divided into three pathways, to include performance, education, or arts management. Guest practitioners including choreographers, marketing and teaching experts will work with Year 3 students to promote professional practice, including an online portfolio and independent project. There will be networking opportunities, including the Re: generations International conference with One Dance UK. The course will ensure that graduates are fit for purpose, able to work professionally in a range of contexts including performance, education and community arts.