Bachelor of Dance Studies

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt) provides a vibrant, multicultural, and highly creative environment that balances practical dance training with holistic theoretical study. The curriculum focuses closely on contemporary, cultural, and community dance styles, encouraging students to work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and technical abilities.

Operating within a family-orientated environment, the programme provides abundant performance and teaching opportunities both locally and internationally. This continuous exposure ensures students naturally apply their craft in real-world contexts while developing active, sustainable professional networks before graduation.

What You'll Study

The degree comprises 24 courses (360 points total) divided into core studio practice, contextual dance research, and professional application.

Year 1 (Stage I Foundations):

• Foundational Studio: Introduction to choreography, technique, and practical movement exploration.
• Dance Contexts: Academic exploration of dance history, safe dance practices, and dance in society.
• Core Studies: 1 x Waipapa Taumata Rau core course + 1 x General Education course.

Year 2 (Stage II Development):

• Intermediate Choreography: Expanding composition skills and understanding diverse cultural dance frameworks.
• Dance Education & Wellness: Investigating teaching methodologies and anatomy/wellness tailored specifically for dancers.
• Community Alignment: Undertaking collaborative local community dance projects.

Year 3 (Stage III Advanced):

• Advanced Performance: Preparing and executing public performance showcases and major choreographic works.
• Research Awareness: Diving into dance research methods, philosophies, and career-oriented creative projects.
• Industry Transition: Preparing business management skills, marketing strategies, and final professional portfolios.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Holistic Approach: Shifts beyond rigid technique drills to treat dance as an academic discipline covering education, health, community development, and research.
• Diverse Frameworks: Heavy emphasis on celebrating diverse cultural identities, indigenous practices, and welcoming creative risk-taking.
• Industry Integration: Taught by active, award-winning professionals and academic supervisors who maintain direct lines to the national and global entertainment sectors.

Entry Requirements & Audition Criteria

• Academic Minimums: Completion of standard NCEA Level 3 (with UE), or an equivalent recognized sub-degree/international high school certificate.
• Further Requirements: Selection into this limited-entry programme is competitive and determined by the following supplemental components:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your complete history of dance training, amateur or professional experience, and community involvement.
  • Written Statement: A short 500-word essay detailing your specific motivations for wanting to join the programme.
  • Group Workshop/Interview: Attendance at a 1–2 hour creative movement exploration and group discussion. Note: No pre-prepared or set choreography routines are required for this audition workshop.
• Profile of Success: Ideal candidates must showcase a healthy physical readiness, an openness to diverse dance genres, a willingness to work collaboratively, and an active commitment to treating dance as an academic pursuit.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 (no individual band lower than 5.5) or equivalent.