The Dance City MA Advanced Dance Performance is a course like no other.

This 43-week program is a practice-based qualification that offers new and recent dance graduates the opportunity to develop their dance practice and technique, learn and develop choreography, and perform their work.

The course has a unique focus on physical theatre and is designed to produce strong, highly employable dancers who will be able to work in a range of settings.

Our MA is 100% practical with NO written work required.

MA participants will be part of a touring company, The Collective. The company is artistically led by David Lloyd, a well-known and highly respected dance artist, choreographer, educator, and producer. David teaches daily technique classes as well as regular workshops and will ensure The Collective is well prepared to perform extensively.

Why Choose the MA Advanced Dance Performance?

  • Increase your earning and employability potential.
  • Learn from leading sector professionals.
  • Access state of the art facilities at Dance City studios in Sunderland.
  • Strong emphasis on practical development and personal progress, with no assessed written work.

How to apply with a self-tape audition

Application Process

To apply for this programme (commencing October 2021), please follow these steps:

  1. On the programme page on the University of Sunderland website, click the big red ‘Apply now’ link in the top right corner. CLICK HERE You will be taken to create a profile within the University’s system. This takes around two minutes and will involve you confirming your email address.
  2. Complete the application form. Most of this is practical personal information. You will also be invited to add a personal statement: please tell us here why you would like to do the MA Advanced Dance Performance. Please don’t worry about this too much; we just want to know that you understand what the course is and have thought about what you would like to get out of it. There will be an opportunity to say more later in your interview if you want to. The form also asks you for a reference – you don’t need to supply a reference now, but they will be asked later, so do check that they’re happy to be listed. Completing the application form will take about 45 minutes in total.
  3. Wait to hear from us. You will be invited to send in a self-tape in place of an audition. We have paused in-person auditions until the Covid situation is clearer. Get in touch with us if you have any questions in the meantime – we are happy to hear from you. Full instructions and a demonstration film will be provided for your self-tape audition once we receive your application.
  4. We will review your tape and get back to you with a date and time for an interview.

Please do get in touch with us if you have any questions about any of this. You can email Dr Gillie Kleiman, BA & MA Programme Leader: gillie.kleiman@dancecity.co.uk. We pride ourselves on our approachability and will be happy to be in conversation.

Self-Tape  

Audition Criteria & How to Apply

Please click HERE to view a welcome introduction from David Lloyd, Associate Artist, MA Programme.

For this audition option, your self-tape submission MUST include the following requirements:

Ballet Technique – Benchmark Phrase

Please record yourself performing this ballet material. As well as demonstrating your fundamental skill, this will also give you the opportunity to reflect your artistry with the material. In many cases this will mean you will dance the phrase exactly, though please feel free to adapt the choreography where needed. 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Credits: Classical ballet is taught by Angela Reay and is core to the MA programme. This phrase is danced by our graduate Emily-Fleur Peake. 

Contemporary Dance – Benchmark Phrase

Please record yourself performing this repertory material. As well as demonstrating your fundamental skill, this will also give you the opportunity to reflect your artistry with the material. In many cases this will mean you will dance the phrase exactly, though please feel free to adapt the choreography where needed. 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Credits: This phrase is from the work Neverland, choreographed by David Lloyd/Mischief Company, which has been a core work for the MA. It is danced by our graduate Emily-Fleur Peake. 

Solo Improvisation – No longer than three minutes

Please share with us a three-minute improvisation. We will have seen your technical ability in the previous two videos, so this is your opportunity to demonstrate your theatrical qualities, your independent approach, and your live response in the moment. We want to see you! 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Improvisation is understood as a key process in the MA programme. 

Short Piece to Camera – No longer than two minutes

This piece should be directly to camera and should include the following: 

  • Your name
  • Reason for applying for this course
  • Your reflections on the self-tape process

This course requires reflective practice, we’d like to see that in action!

Self-Taping Requests

  • Find a quiet room that has no or minimum background noise 
  • Ask who is filming it for you to be aware of shadows and try to avoid them
  • It’s best to avoid wearing thin stripes when on camera – they jump! 
  • Ensure your clothing is neutral – no big logos etc.
  • If you use an iPhone/Smart phone to self-tape, ensure that it is landscape and NOT portrait. See below. 

Scholarships

The University of Sunderland is offering a Skills Boost NE discount, which will reduce the fees for some students by 20%. For more information, please CLICK HERE

Any Questions?

If you have any general questions or queries about the course and the audition process please send them over to adam.dutton@dancecity.co.uk