Programme overview
Lead the Way in Contemporary Dance with Unitec.
Unitec’s Contemporary Dance major is the most established, full-time undergraduate programme in Aotearoa, fostering a vibrant community of dance artists who shape the industry with innovative choreography and performance excellence.
With a comprehensive curriculum that includes Contemporary Dance, Street Dance, Ballet, Choreography, Improvisation, Haka Toi Aotearoa, and Professional Practice, you'll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to embrace the diverse opportunities available as a Contemporary Dance artist. Take your place in Aotearoa’s thriving dance landscape with Unitec.
Highlights
- Learn from Aotearoa’s Finest: Our teachers are not just educators—they are practicing professional dancers and choreographers who are leaders in their fields.
- Build Industry Connections: Forge meaningful relationships with industry professionals, opening doors to future job opportunities.
- Benefit from Esteemed Partnerships: Learn Street Dance from The Projekt Team, New Zealand's premier Street Dance collective, and Haka Toi Aotearoa from the renowned Atamira Dance Company.
- Develop Your Artistic Voice: Create and choreograph your own work while refining your unique perspective.
- Receive Creative Mentorship: Enjoy three years of scaffolded support to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
- Gain Industry Experience: Participate in a comprehensive third-year secondment programme, working with prestigious companies like The New Zealand Dance Company, Footnote NZ Dance, and Atamira Dance Company.
- Collaborate in Film Projects: Engage in significant dance film projects alongside Screen Arts students and faculty, blending creativity across disciplines.
- Perform Live: Take the stage in professional theatres, collaborating with accomplished choreographers to bring stunning performances to life.
- Collaborate Across Arts Disciplines: Share classes and experiences with actors, directors, writers, editors, and screen arts students, fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment.
This comprehensive experience sets Unitec Dance apart, ensuring you’re prepared for a thriving career in the ever-evolving world of dance.
Technique
At Unitec Dance, practicality takes centre stage. Spend up to three hours a day in technique class honing your skills and expanding your repertoire. Explore a diverse range of dance techniques, including Contemporary, Street Dance, Ballet, Muscle and Bone, Somatics, Contact Improvisation, and Haka Toi Aotearoa. This hands-on approach ensures you develop a deep connection to your craft, preparing you for the diverse demands of the dance industry.
Choreography
Unitec Dance is renowned for its exceptional choreographic curriculum, where creativity meets practice. Choreography integrates seamlessly with the technique curriculum, offering a well-rounded learning experience. You'll develop hands-on expertise in choreographic processes, improvisation, collaboration, solo, duet, and group projects, as well as experimental performance practices. These skills culminate in in-house showings and captivating public performances, ensuring you’re ready to excel in your own choreographic pursuit.
Contextual studies and professional practice
At Unitec Dance, your studies extend beyond the studio, immersing you in a rich culture of critical studies. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of dance histories and associated theories, delving into in-depth theoretical and critical thought alongside your future industry peers. This unique cross-discipline environment allows you to seamlessly integrate theory into your practice, broadening your perspective as an artist.
To set you up for a successful career, Professional Practice classes provide essential skills in portfolio careers, self-employment, contracting, CV writing, grant applications, and effective communication. These tools ensure you graduate not only as a skilled dancer but as a well-rounded, industry-ready professional.
Auditions
We offer flexible audition options to make the process accessible for everyone. Upon applying, you'll receive detailed instructions to help you prepare.
Group Auditions: Held in Auckland and Christchurch, these are a great way to showcase your talents in a relaxed and friendly collaborative setting.
Individual Auditions: Can’t travel? We can come to you! Auditions can take place at your high school or dance studio.
Online Auditions: Available year-round, providing convenience and flexibility for prospective national and international students.
With approximately 20 places available in Year One, each audition is your opportunity to demonstrate your curiosity, potential, and creativity. Are you ready to take the first step towards joining Aotearoa’s premier dance programme?
Auditions
Admission to Unitec's Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance) is by audition.
Step 1:
Apply to join the programme enrol.ac.nz
Step 2:
Attend a group, individual or online audition
Group auditions Auckland (you only need to attend one)
Sunday 14th September 9.00am-4.00pm
Sunday 19th October 9.00am-4.00pm
Location: Auckland Academy of Dance
Group audition Christchurch
Saturday 11th October (time and location TBC)
Online auditions available all year round.
Individual auditions available on request.
Contact Discipline Leader for Dance Katie Burton for more information kburton@unitec.ac.nz
Industry connections
Getting practical experience before you graduate is really important. Study contemporary dance at Unitec and you’ll benefit from our relationship with a range of industry organisations.
We're also affiliated with the Beijing Dance Academy.
- The New Zealand Dance Company
- Footnote Dance Company
- Atamira Dance Company
- Projekt Team
- Tempo Dance Festival
- Auckland Arts Festival
- The Pacific Dance Festival
- Foster Group
- Body Island
The department also has connections to the Oryza Foundation for Asian Performing Arts and Creative Coalition.
Facilities
Our contemporary dance facilities at Unitec are currently housed at Auckland Academy of Dance on Portage Road in New Lynn, our Mt Albert Campus, and offsite venues.
Students will perform in several live performances at various locations, and have access to equipment and technical resources, academic support, and health services.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirement;
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements
- Complete a medical declaration form.
- Complete an online audition - we'll notify you of what is required.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 731 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
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| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Dance Practice 1A(PASA5221) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable the student to understand the relationship between fundamental theoretical concerns and choreographic and performance practice. This course focuses on collaboration and establishing the fundamental habits and methodologies appropriate for contemporary dance choreography and performance. |
| Dance Practice 1B(PASA5224) | 30.0 credits (0.250 EFTS) | To enable the student to understand complex and multilayered aspects of the choreographic process and performance environment. This course focuses on establishing fundamental habits and methodologies appropriate to contemporary dance choreography and performance. |
| Contemporary Dance Techniques 1A(PASA5225) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce students to the fundamental theories, concepts and techniques of contemporary dance practice. The course focuses on building capability for dancers in a range of dance techniques and to build habits and attitudes required for the profession. |
| Contemporary Dance Techniques 1B(PASA5228) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to apply the fundamental theories, concepts and techniques of contemporary dance practice. The course focuses on continuing to build capability for dancers in a range of dance techniques and to build habits and attitudes required for the profession. |
| Professional Development 1(PASA5902) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce students to the basic professional practices associated with the performing and screen arts industries and their own professional development. This course focuses on building capability for students in self-management, communication and presentation, as well as academic literacies such as text analysis and academic writing. |
| Contextual Studies 1(PASA5903) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will develop a broad understanding of the history, contexts, language and relevant theoretical frameworks of performing arts and screen arts. Students will acquire skills in critical and analytical literacy through engaging in research and project work focused on performing and screen arts practices in Aotearoa and beyond. |
| History of Dance(PASA5921) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to examine, reflect and discuss the historical development of dance languages and theories in order to situate themselves in a wider dance context. This course focuses on placing selected movements and developments of production and performance in the context of the student’s specialist discipline. There is a focus on experiencing professional art making in the community through field trips and site visits. |
