Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[BPSA]

7, 360 3.0
Full-time for three years
Starts February
30 places
First round of interviews in October
CA2222
Mt Albert campus
NZ$ 8199

International fees

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Programme summary

Learn to choreograph and perform at a professional level by becoming part of the largest full-time contemporary dance programme in New Zealand. Participate in a diverse array of performances, ranging from solo and group work to commissioned works by guest choreographers.

The Contemporary Dance major is the most established, full-time contemporary dance programme in New Zealand, and continues to develop a community of dance artists who contribute innovative choreography and performance excellence to the industry. Unitec’s dance graduates are seen in all major productions throughout New Zealand.

With a comprehensive programme covering technique, choreography, dance studies and cutting edge digital dance technologies, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools and abilities to pursue the range of opportunities available to you as a contemporary dance artist.

Highlights

• A rewarding and challenging experience that introduces you to an exciting and varied professional career in dance. Whether you produce your own cutting-edge live work, dance for stage, screen or the fashion industry, or have a role in film and television, you’ll be joining an elite group that includes many of our graduates.
• A focus on live performance, including opportunities to take part in performances in front of a live audience.
• Up to six hours of studio practice a day under the guidance of experienced national and international industry practitioners.
• Staff who are among the world’s finest dance artists and choreographers.
• A close relationship with the dance industry: we’re members of a variety of organisations, including DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand).
• A chance to collaborate with other performing arts students: you’ll share classes with actors, directors, writers, performance technology, and film and television students.

Technique and choreography

With the emphasis on practicality, you’ll spend up to six hours a day in the studios, developing your craft in a range of dance techniques including contemporary, ballet, dance choreography, Pilates and yoga.

Performance

Live performance will be an integral part of your studies where you’ll get to explore your technique and choreographic craft as an emerging practitioner. Taught by leading contemporary dance artists and choreographers, you’ll develop numerous dance projects of your own. You’ll choreograph and produce dance works for theatre, events, festivals and film as well as gaining a hands-on understanding of funding and promotion activities.

Digital dance technologies

Technology plays a key role in our learning environment. You’ll gain practical experience in sound and music design, video editing, costume, lighting, props and scenery. You’ll also develop skills in dance and multimedia through creating and performing in dance for film.

Dance studies and critical practices

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop an understanding of dance histories and associated theories in our unique culture of critical studies. Alongside your future industry peers, you’ll explore in-depth theoretical and critical thought, integrating theory and professional practice in an exciting cross-discipline environment.. 

 

Interview/audition

Around 80 people apply each year for the 24 places offered in Year One. All auditions will be held over Labour Weekend. You’ll be given clear information at the time of your application about how to prepare. From this workshop, the final selection of trainee dancers is made for the following year.

Please note: If you’re not sure that you’re ready to audition for this highly competitive programme yet please look at the Certificate in Communication and Media Arts.