Higher Dance with Fierce Theatre Schools
Age 14-18
Time Saturday 1.30pm-4.30pm
Dates 3 terms *starting 3rd September 2022*
Course accredited by the Scottish Qualificatons Authority (SQA)
Base MGA Balgreen Campus (207 Balgreen Road, Edinburgh EH11 2RZ)
Take your Dance skills to the next level and gain an SQA-accredited qualification with this Higher Dance course through Fierce Theatre Schools.
Higher Dance is an opportunity to develop skills not just as a performer but also as a choreographer. A good level of Dance experience is required, as you will be studying both Jazz and Contemporary Dance techniques whilst also cultivating creative skills to choreograph your own group piece. Dance history and Dance appreciation through theory classes is also of great importance to developing as artists within the world performing arts.
Students must be aged 14 – 18 years old to take this course, and will have opportunity to complete their SCQF Level 6 (24 SCQF credits) at the end of the three terms. Entry on to the course is by audition and acceptance.
About the course
Students should have a good level of Dance experience for this course. They will be developing their technical skills in a variety of dance genres in terms of the following elements:
- posture and alignment
- use of flexibility
- quality of movement
- performance style
They will also be comparing and contrasting the characteristics of two dance styles and developing their analytical skills through the evaluation of choreographic repertoire.
Course takes place at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts (207 Balgreen Road, EH11 2RZ) on Saturdays, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, with additional required choreography sessions on Sundays.
Course content
The Higher Dance course is divided into three components:
1. Dance Appreciation in Context (30% of final marks)
Students will complete a written question paper under exam conditions, demonstrating their knowledge of two contrasting dance styles and comparing their key characteristics.
Students will develop their analytical skills in order to be able to give a personal evaluative response to a piece of professional choreography.
2. Practical Activity (30% of final marks)
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of choreographic principles. They will investigate a theme or stimulus in detail, plan a group choreography using choreographic devices and structures, and present this on their exam day. Students will accompany their choreography with a choreographic review. This should show a detailed documentation and evaluation of their choreographic process.
3. Performance (40% of final marks)
By the end of the course students must be able to demonstrate refined technical skills and, as part of their exam, perform two tutor-choreographed dance sequences.
Successful pupils who complete the course and pass the exam will achieve Level 6 – 24 SCQF credit points (accredited by SQA).
Course costs
£250 Administration and Registration Fee – payable on acceptance of place
Payment 1 – £100 payable October
Payment 2 – £200 payable December
Payment 3 – £200 payable February
Pay in full at the start of the course and pay £700 for the year including Registration fee.
How to apply
Entry on to the course is by online audition and acceptance. Candidates must be aged between 14 and 18, and have suitable Dance experience prior to joining this course.
To apply, please send our Head of Higher Dance an email at rebeccahunt@fiercetheatreschools.com with the following information: Your full name (and if you’re under the age of 18 the name of a parent of guardian); your date of birth; a contact phone number; your home address.
From there you will be sent the full application pack and information about requirements for auditioning. All auditions are completely FREE of charge and can be done in person at our audition day on July 31st or if you can’t make the day, then online by submitting a video.
Please also email if you have any queries about this course or are unsure whether you can apply, we’re very happy to have a chat with you!
Course dates
Coming soon