Belhaven University

What you'll study

The programme balances advanced technique and creative practice with scholarly inquiry and professional development. Core areas typically include advanced movement technique across contemporary and classical forms, choreographic methods, dance composition, improvisation, somatic practices and injury-prevention anatomy. Students engage with dance history and aesthetics, critical theory, and research methods relevant to practice-led scholarship.

• Advanced Technique and Performance: daily studio classes and performance labs that refine technique, partnering, and stagecraft.
• Choreography and Composition: projects in solo and group choreographic creation, use of choreographic tools, dramaturgy and working with collaborators.
• Pedagogy and Community Engagement: teaching methodology for a range of learners, curriculum design, and supervised teaching practica in schools or community settings.
• Somatics, Anatomy and Injury Prevention: applied anatomy, conditioning, rehearsal structure and strategies for sustainable practice.
• Theory and Research: dance history, criticism, ethics, and practice-based research culminating in a major project, thesis recital or portfolio.
• Professional Development: ensemble direction, repertory workshops, audition preparation, grant-writing and arts management fundamentals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised undergraduate degree; a first degree in dance, theatre, music or another closely related field is typical but not always required. Candidates without a dance degree are expected to demonstrate equivalent practical experience. A recent performance or choreographic portfolio and an audition/interview are common elements of assessment.

• Official academic transcripts from previous institutions.
• A practical audition or video submission showing technical level and artistic range; a choreographic or teaching sample may be requested.
• A statement of purpose outlining artistic goals, research interests and reasons for choosing Belhaven.
• References from academic tutors, professional mentors or employers familiar with the applicant’s dance experience.
• For some applicants, an interview with faculty to discuss readiness for graduate study and a proposed project or focus.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a broad range of professional roles in the dance field. Typical career paths include performing with professional companies, choreographing for stage and screen, teaching in schools and higher education, directing community and youth dance programmes, and working in dance administration or production.

• Professional dancer or company member
• Choreographer for theatre, film, television or independent projects
• Dance educator in public or independent schools, conservatoires or community settings
• Artistic director or rehearsal director
• Arts administrator, producer or curator working with presenting organisations and festivals
• Researcher or lecturer in practice-led dance scholarship

Why study at Belhaven University

Belhaven offers a Christian liberal-arts environment that emphasises mentorship, ethical leadership and creativity. The dance faculty combine professional experience in performance and choreography with a commitment to teaching in small-group settings, enabling close feedback and personalised artistic development.

• Small cohort sizes and close faculty supervision that support individual creative projects and practical training.
• Access to dedicated studio space, rehearsal facilities and performance venues that foster regular public work and experimentation.
• Opportunities to collaborate across theatre, music and visual arts departments, reflecting the university’s interdisciplinary strengths.
• Connections to regional arts organisations and schools for teaching placements and community engagement.
• An emphasis on whole-person formation that integrates artistic excellence with ethical and vocational reflection.