The Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Dance is a taught programme designed both for students who have just completed vocational or undergraduate programmes, and also for those who already possess some professional experience, and are working as dance artists - as choreographers, teachers, or performers. The course offers a programme of considerable breadth and depth, giving students a context for their continuing training and development.
During the course (which can be taken full- or part-time), practical work is accompanied by theoretical and written projects. Research Lab is a compulsory core course: this multi- and inter-disciplinary course stimulates practice-based research, linking theory with practice and giving students the insight and breadth of experience to place their practice in a wider context. Students also undertake subsidiary studies to support their chosen specialisation. Courses are available in a variety of practical and theoretical subjects. Normally these include Alternative Techniques (Yoga, Aikido), Dance Video, Improvisation, Live Projection in Performance and Somatics. Some courses may involve specifically designed projects and assignments to support collaborations between students who are specialising in different areas of study.
Assessment
Postgraduate students are assessed in different ways depending on the area of study. Types of assessment include presentations of practical work (studio or theatre based), written work, lecture demonstrations, and presentations of group projects. All assessments are supported by thorough written and verbal feedback and individual tutorials.
Performance opportunities
This will vary according to the specialisation chosen. EDge, the Postgraduate Performance Company, tours nationally and internationally, performing works by world-renowned choreographers. Students on the Apprenticeship scheme will have the opportunity to perform in a professional company, working alongside professional dancers. Choreography students show their work in the Robin Howard Dance Theatre as well as in studio and site-specific contexts. Advanced Dance Studies students perform in studio settings, in the Robin Howard Dance Theatre and may also work on short-term projects with professional companies.
MA Studies
Students who gain the appropriate grades during the Postgraduate Diploma are eligible to apply to complete a Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance by undertaking a period of independent research. The work presented for assessment can be practical and theoretical, or wholly written. All London Contemporary Dance School degrees are validated by the University of Kent.