Update: Applications for September 2025 entry are now open.
The Foundation (FD) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Hons) Degree programmes are designed to develop dancers using highly tuned dance training by a wide, experienced and varied faculty, all prominent in their specialism. Arguably the equal emphasis upon training in these two genres is unique within the UK, and the curriculum is enriched by inputs from guest artists and choreographers from the profession.
Modules on the degree programme include: daily ballet classes, daily pointe work, classical partnering work, coaching, learning performance and classical ballet repertoire. Daily contemporary classes range from teaching of foundational techniques such as those pioneered by Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, through release-based styles and newer techniques such as Gaga. Students also study improvisation on a weekly basis.
Other modules also include Critical Studies which gives students the skills they need to become thinking dancers and choreographers. In addition there are weekly workshops on choreography and improvisation.
Performing plays a key part in the students’ experience and there are regular student choreographic platforms, where students of all years can show their works in the theatre or online. In addition newly commissioned works and re-staged repertory are performed each year, both in the School’s own Anya Linden Studio Theatre and at external venues, both in London and elsewhere.
Many classes are taught with live music in our wonderful facilities.
Each semester every student performs a ballet solo in costume, lighting, and with live music, to an audience including students from other year groups and all teaching staff. In Year 3 students are invited to perform self-choreographed ballet solos if they wish.
Contemporary dance techniques are taught through daily classes providing a grounding in Graham, Cunningham, floor work and release-based techniques, and students begin to study other methods as they progress. Students are exposed to a vast array of choreographic methods through taught classes in first year, and through a diverse range of weekly workshops given by guest artists throughout second year, third year students might well encounter a different style almost every day. This approach builds versatility, and prepares graduates for the wide range of challenges they can expect to face at audition and as professional artists. Third year students learn a contemporary dance solo each term, which is performed alongside their classical solo, and they may opt to create their own contemporary solos.
In the majority of auditions, students will be asked to improvise and/or create dance material based upon set tasks. Improvisation classes for each year group take place weekly, and are often also delivered by guest professionals.
At Rambert School we have a fantastic collection of talented musicians who love playing for dance. Our musicians are deeply passionate about creating a special environment in the dance studio. A wide range of instruments and diverse music is used for both ballet and contemporary dance, helping to create an atmosphere that is often evocative and inspirational.
Contextual work has been carefully put in place to support and enhance students’ learning in the dance studio. This area also promotes key transferable skills, preparing students for professional careers as dancers and also well into the future.
The overarching topics covered in the FD/BA programme are:
Learning to think reflectively and to research independently helps students to form links between theory and practice. It also encourages students to become thinking dancers and deepen their understanding of their art form.
Academic writing encourages students to construct arguments, analyse and evaluate information, structure their ideas coherently and reference their work conforming to recognised conventions. By the end of the BA (Hons) course each student is equipped to carry out their own independent research project, completing a 8,000 word dissertation.
There is an extensive academic support programme in place, including 1-1 tuition for students with specific learning differences such as dyslexia, and English language classes for students for whom English is a second language. This ensures that each student builds their academic skills and confidence in order to develop their own voice.
Wednesday 18 September 2024 2pm
Wednesday 2 October 2024 2pm
Monday 7 October 2024 2pm
Wednesday 16 October 2024 2pm
Monday 4 November 2024 2pm
Wednesday 13 November 2024 2pm
Monday 25 November 2024 2pm
Click here to download our Undergraduate Student Handbook
Full details on course structure, delivery and module information and assessment, learning and teaching methods can be found here:
Foundation Degree Ballet & Contemporary Dance: Foundation Degree Programme Specification
Details on Rambert School policies and procedures can be found here.
On the FD/BA (Hons) Degree Ballet and Contemporary Dance courses you will be registered with both Rambert School and the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. Degrees and other higher education qualifications offered by Rambert School are validated by the University of Kent. The academic regulations, credit framework and applicable general regulations of the University of Kent can be found at the following link: University of Kent regulations.
Please find all key Policy and Procedures related to the FD/BA (Hons) Degree at Rambert School here.
For further information, please contact admissions@rambertschool.org.uk
The information provided on this website was correct at the time of publication, every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.
Rambert School reserves the right to change the information including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of programmes. Any changes to programmes will be available on the Rambert School website so please check the website before applying.
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