Attain the knowledge and tools to open a window into dance in any period and in any part of the world.

Explore the place of dance in society from the perspectives of those involved as dancers, dance makers, teachers and/or audience members. By studying these perspectives, you will learn how different people around the world understand dance and how dance influences their value-systems.

MA Dance Anthropology investigates dance from a non-Eurocentric perspective, placing the practices and values of the dancers into socio-cultural and comparative understanding. At the heart of the programme, is a focus upon ethnographic approach in dance to experience first-hand different cultural approaches to dance practice. You will interpret your findings from the field in light of contemporary debates in dance anthropology.

It will interest you if you wish to study non-Western, folk, social, or ritual dance practices, but the approach can be applied to ballet or Western theatre dance, too. This course provides a way to contextualise dance practice and deepen your understanding of dance and specific practices that helps define our humanity.

The Department is home to the internationally-recognised Centre for Dance Research, which foregrounds the research of dance as cultural and artistic expression beyond, and including, theatre performance. Through seminars, forums and conferences involving staff and international invited guests, the centre supports a compelling research culture.

We also have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations. In easy reach of London’s vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students.