Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Dance

What is Dance?

A degree in Dance is all about studying and practising various dance styles, from classical ballet to contemporary dance, hip hop, and more. During this academic programme, you will explore technique, choreography, performance, and dance history. Naturally, Dance has a big focus on physical training and practical artistic expression, but it also includes theoretical learning, so by the end, you will fully understand this beautiful art.

Dance specialisations

The most common specialisations of a Dance degree include:

• Ballet,
• Contemporary Dance,
• Choreography,
• Dance Science,
• Dance Education.

The specialisation you choose depends on whether you are interested in practising dance, designing choreographies, studying it from a scientific point of view, or teaching others how to dance.

What will you learn during a Dance programme?

Enrolling in a Dance programme provides an exciting mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. During a Dance degree, you work with both your body and your mind, engaging both your creativity and your logical mind. If you're still wondering why Dance is a good degree, here's what you'll gain:

• learn various dance techniques, including ballet, contemporary, or jazz,
• develop body strength, flexibility, coordination, and awareness,
• understanding of dance history,
• refine your choreography and performance skills,
• study anatomy and the effects of dance on the human body.

Common courses include:

• Dance History and Contexts, a chance to learn about the traditional, ethnic, societal, and ceremonial dances,
• Contemporary Dance and Choreography, where you'll explore the latest theories and tendencies in dance like storytelling and dancing from emotions.
• Dance Improvisation, which is about being spontaneous and creating your dance movements on the spot.
• Dance in Society, teaches you the importance of dance in different cultures and societies.
• Dance Therapy, a holistic approach to healing your body and mind through movement.

If you love to dance and want to do this professionally or explore it in a scientific, historical, or theoretical way, then a Dance degree is the right choice for you. The programme will turn you into a professional dancer and open up a lot of career opportunities.

Skills required for a degree in Dance

A Dance degree requires a good combination of physical skills and creativity. Flexibility, good coordination, muscle strength, and enhanced awareness of your body are needed to become a good dancer. But this must work together with your artistic sensibility and creativity. To dance you must feel the music in your body and be able to communicate this inner emotion to others through movement. Other important skills to succeed in a dance career are discipline and a focused mind.&nbsp,

What can you do with a Dance degree?

As a future student, you must be thinking about your prospects after graduation. So, what can you do after a Dance degree? You can pursue one of these popular jobs:

• Choreographer,
• Stage manager,
• Dance teacher,
• Dance critic,
• Dance movement psychotherapist.

A Bachelor's in Dance can lead to roles in dance performance, teaching, or choreography. A Master's in Dance can open doors to more advanced roles in dance education, therapy, or management. So, is a Dance degree worth it? Absolutely! If you love dance and want to dedicate yourself to this powerful art form, a Dance degree can be your step towards a fulfilling career.

View all PhDs in Dance. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Dance.