Performing Arts

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Welcome to the School of Arts and Digital Industries

Studying Performing Arts

Be a part of a vibrant dance department, rated number one for dance research in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Our MA framework celebrates diversity. Our postgraduate provision of
interconnected – yet distinctive – programmes introduces exciting new
angles on the study of dance. Roehampton Dance offers explorational
pathways which engage fluidly with the multiplicity of dance in a global
world. Our contemporary approach enables you to study dance through
distinct perspectives: anthropology, history, philosophy, politics, sociology
and cultural heritage, and by researching and creating performance
and choreography.

Each programme offers new and provocative ways of thinking that
challenge how people understand and practise dance. You will also have
the opportunity to collaborate in a supportive community with worldleading
thinkers in dance. We are keen for our students to share in our
current investigations in dance research, practice, and teaching as we
meet the demands of making and exploring dance in the 21st century.

We have excellent links with dance companies and creative organisations.
In easy reach of London’s vibrant dance scene, the campus has superb
studios and a state-of-the-art theatre for dance students. With its
unparalleled ensemble of expert faculty, a lively hub of students and
an established history of research excellence, Roehampton Dance is
one of the world’s top destinations for postgraduate study in dance.

Course highlights

Choreography (MFA)

Module highlight: Choreography

Through a collaborative and constructive laboratory environment, this module will enable students to interrogate their existing choreographic practice. Weekly questions, tasks and assignments will encourage students to investigate choreographic identity and to question the shifting roles of ‘a choreographer’. Workshop tasks and provocations will sit alongside site, museum and gallery visits to develop crafting dexterity, personal resources, skills and versatility.

The module also seeks to develop students’ working knowledge of dramaturgy and their capacities of observation, responsiveness and critical awareness in constructing self/peer review and feedback.

This year-long module operates as a series of practical workshops, laboratory tasks, offsite visits, feedback sessions, seminars and tutorials. Key assessment points will be allocated during the year – typically at the end of each term alongside an ongoing portfolio of smaller assignments.

Find out more

Click on the courses below to find out more

Choreography (MFA) Choreography and Performance (MRes) Choreomundus: International Master in Dance Knowledge, Practice and Heritage Dance and Embodied Practice (MFA) Dance Practice and Performance

Where will you study?

All practical dance classes take place in studios in the Michaelis Building, located at the southwestern corner of our parkland campus. All our dance studios have sprung floors and underfloor heating. During the annual student-led Footprint Dance Festival the campus as a whole becomes a hub of dance performance and activities.

Alumni successes

Roehampton’s dance alumni have gone on to success in many areas of dance, including as choreographers, dancers and educators.

Christopher Hird (BA Dance): Director of Education for the Sarasota Ballet
Dr Rowan McLelland (MA Dance Anthropology): dance educator and researcher
Evangelina Kolyra (MFA Choreography): choreographer
Akosua Boakye BEM (BA Dance): dance educator; founder and Director of AkomAsa Performing Arts Academy; British Empire Medal recipient
Shaun Dillon (BA Dance): choreographer, dancer and educator; founder and Artistic Director of Dillon Dance Company; One Dance ‘Rising Star’, 2018

Who you’ll learn from

Professor Sara Houston

Sara Houston trained at the Laban Centre for Music and Dance and was awarded her PhD by Roehampton. Her research focuses on community dance and political issues around dance, particularly dance for people who feel marginalised in society. Her prize-winning research into the benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients, conducted in collaboration with the English National Ballet, has won international recognition. Her book on the subject, Dancing with Parkinson’s, was published in 2019.

In addition to her research, Dr Houston is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Societies

Roehampton Students’ Union runs dozens of societies where you can meet likeminded students to explore hobbies and interests. This includes various dance-focused societies like the Roehampton Dance Society, the BBoy/KPop Dance Society, Competitive Dance Team and various other groups dedicated to music and performance.

The annual Footprint Dance Festival organised by second- and third-year students, is a week-long celebration of dance on campus, featuring performances and talks by students and academics.

Student Life

Being a student at a campus university in London gives you the best of both worlds. We are lucky enough to have a 54-acre parkland campus to call home, and are only 30 minutes from central London.

We offer plenty of opportunities for you to get involved through playing sport, music, volunteering, or joining one of over 50 student societies. We also have catering outlets, across campus, and each College has social spaces where you can meet up with your friends and relax.

Our campus is close to Putney, Hammersmith and Wimbledon, which each have wide a range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. With central London so close, you can easily access the wealth of culture, entertainment and dining options the capital has to offer.

Find out more about student life

Accommodation

We guarantee accommodation for all new students accepting a place to study with us by the guarantee deadline and offer some of the most affordable student accommodation in London!

Why live on campus?

We offer something for everyone from single rooms in large flats to en-suite rooms in smaller flats whether you are a postgraduate or undergraduate student.
All-inclusive bills so no hassle and easy to budget.
Living on campus means you will be close to the gym, acres of landscaped gardens, shop, bar, catering, esports, societies and even our resident chickens!
We can accommodate a range of special requests, including 'quiet' flats, single-sex flats and flats dedicated to postgraduate students.
When you join us, you'll be looked after by your friendly College staff, which include dedicated wardens and flat reps
For peace of mind, our accommodation is accredited by: The Student Accommodation Code
We have a free, dedicated student bus service to Barnes Station and Wimbledon, and facilities for bicycle storage on campus, and ebikes to hire.
All our private and secure rooms are on-campus, with 24/7 security and plenty of catering outlets and shops to choose from on campus and locally

View our on-campus accommodation

Support services

At Roehampton we are focused on ensuring you succeed, and have a wide range of support services to help you at every step of your journey.

Wellbeing – our team are able to provide personal wellbeing support, professional counselling and mental health support. Each college has a Student Wellbeing Officer and a College Warden, the latter is available after hours for all on campus students.

Medical – we have an on-site NHS medical centre which provides doctor and nurse-led services.

Disability and dyslexia – we encourage students to let us know about specific needs so we can work with you to tailor our support.

Financial – we have a wide range of scholarships, and a student hardship fund for those students in financial difficulty.

Chaplaincy – our diverse community is reflected in our multi-faith chaplaincy and we have a number of spaces for worship.

Study support – all students have an Academic Guidance Tutor, as well as access to library support and online study resources.

View more about student support

Next Steps

Next steps

Performing Arts

Digital Open Day

Welcome to the School of Arts and Digital Industries

Study Dance at Roehampton