What will I learn on this course?

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is an intensive and exciting 2 year course, delivered by highly qualified teaching staff who cover different aspects of the Performing Arts Dance programme.  The focus of the course is on the study of dance within a vocational context. You will develop the technical, expressive and performance skills necessary to progress onto further vocational or higher education in dance; alongside developing the choreographic, contextual and theoretical knowledge that will enable you to be successful on the course.

How is the course structured and assessed?

The course consists of ten units, spread over four modules of study (Dance Skills Development, The Performing Arts Industry, Personal Performing Arts Profile and Collaborative Performing Arts Project). A range of dance styles will be delivered and assessed in the first year, alongside specialised skills to consolidate a rounded dance performer. In the second year, you will acquire and develop new skills and knowledge related to audition preparation, alongside applying your techniques to a range of dance productions including a final major performance project. There is a significant proportion of research and theoretical work that runs alongside the practical; this is a vital component in allowing students to develop their academic skills and contextual knowledge to the same high level as their practical work.

How will I study?

Students have 14 hours a week on Dance andwill cover Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Street styles.  They will also benefit fromcreative workshops, repertoire classes, audition preparation sessions and body conditioning ranging from Pilates, AcroPad, high intensity interval training (Hiit) and stretch and strength. Students will take part in a variety of assessments and performance projects throughout the two years, performing in a studio setting, at BOA Theatre, in a studio setting, and also the Crescent Theatre.

There is a wide range of opportunity within the Dance Pathway.  As well as extracurricular classes and workshops throughout the year, we audition for a number of performance opportunities such as Can You Dance Regionals and Super Convention, Move It! London, The Super Weekender at the NEC and also smaller regional platforms such as Ignite, Kidderminster, Black Country Dance Hub, Walsall and other platforms.

Past students have gone onto study Dance courses at top vocational schools across the UK and beyond including Bird College, Urdang, Wilkes Academy, London Studio Centre, Laines, LIPA and Universities including Chichester, De Montford University and many others.

Further Learning & Career Options

Students’ experiences at BOA will enable progress to vocational dance training or Degree Courses in Dance/ Musical Theatre, Community Dance, Dance Therapy, or Dance Science. The dance course at BOA enables students to work in areas such as dance performance, choreography, community, arts administration and management and education / teaching.