Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance 


Overview

The Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance is a comprehensive, diverse, and industry-reactive programme that prepares the individual for a sustainable career in the evolving international dance profession through training in technical and artistic dance skills.

Technical training focuses on Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz and Commercial dance as the core disciplines to create strong, versatile, diverse dance artists, with supporting skills in Pilates and aerial to underpin the core disciplines whilst broadening performance and employment opportunities within the wider dance industry.

Artistic training includes a strong focus on choreography and dance composition which is explored through a range of techniques. Our position in the MENA region gives us access to world talent both for students and practitioners, and the diverse and dynamic market in the UAE specifically offers immediate access to varied employment exposure and rich collaborations, which are explored and employed on a regular basis. The UAE is a rapidly evolving market for the arts and Dance is at the forefront of this development. We are strategically placed to capitalise at this exciting time for performing arts in the region.

SPAA Dance Diploma students will be creative, technical, and powerful dance artists who will lead the way as a new generation of professionally trained dancers, shaping the dance industry here in the UAE, the wider MENA region and beyond.


Step into Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance

SPAA Dance Diploma students are encouraged to develop their individuality and identity as a dance artist throughout the Programme, which is highlighted through their choreographic voice. Solos, duets and group pieces are developed in various dance genres using a range of stimuli from personal interest and inspirations through to our local cultural resources here in Sharjah and across the UAE.

Various performance opportunities are offered across the three years in a range of scale and design. From intimate studio-based sharings and location-based performances to full-scale dance productions in our world class, fully equipped theatre, performance is the driving force in the Programme that brings life to the technical and artistic training. An increased focus is also placed on multi-media production including exploration of dance for film and producing movement for camera by utilising our incredible media facilities here at the Academy. Additional employability skills create opportunity and longevity with the profession. Studies will include anatomy, nutrition, dance critique, creating showreels, social media presence, agencies and representation, mental and emotional wellbeing, physical and anatomical wellbeing, practitioner study, self-reflection and peer to peer critique and support.

PROSPECTUS APPLY NOW


 

INFORMATION


Programme Information

Start Date: September 2024

Programme Length: 3 years full-time

Contact Hours: 30 hours per week

 Programme Catalogue 

Programme Accreditations

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), located in the Emirate of Sharjah, is officially validated from September 2021 by Trinity College London to provide the Level 6 PPAD in Dance.


How to Apply?  

To be considered for the Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, all applicants must register their details by completing the following form.

After registering your details, someone from our Admissions Team will be in contact with further information about your application and how to submit your audition video (please allow 3-4 working days).

All applicants will be required to attend an online or in-person audition/interview with the Programme Leader or a Faculty panel.

What to Prepare:

Please prepare a video of you dancing in your strongest style.

The video should show your full body (in appropriate attire/dancewear) and should last no longer than 1:30 minutes. If you have more than one style you wish to share, then please send these as separate videos. Videos created on a mobile device are acceptable as long as we can see you fully and can clearly hear your music.

If your video application is successful, you will then be invited to an online dance class via Zoom or in person if you live in the UAE. Our team will then assess your technical and artistic ability as well as get to see how you learn as a student. This audition will be based on a range of styles and techniques, using Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz as the main genres. Please do not worry if you are not experienced in any of these styles; this is just so we can make some additional assessments following your video.

The audition is then followed by an interview with the Dance team as an opportunity to get to know you and also answer any questions you may have. We will talk about your dance background, learn more about your passion for dance, and why you want to train professionally.

For any urgent admissions-related enquiries, feel free to contact us via the following methods:

Email: admissions@spaa.ae

Phone: +971 (0) 6 502 9999 (7.30 AM - 4.30 PM or 8 AM - 1 PM during Term Holidays)

Programme Fees

  • Year 1:  55,000 AED
  • Year 2:  55,000 AED
  • Year 3:  55,000 AED

Full and Part Scholarships:

A limited number of full and part scholarships are available each year. Students may apply for these scholarships upon acceptance into their programme.

Means-tested fee help is also available at the discretion of the Academy.

Meet Your Faculty


Alex Jessop

Programme Leader - Dance 


Beth Relf

Dance Tutor


Lisa Rowley

Lead Tutor - Dance


Thalia Valtierra

Dance Tutor

 

Testimonials


Why study with us?

  • Situated within the 'Cultural Capital' of the Arab World
  • Epicentre of inspiration, creativity and innovation
  • Exclusive masterclasses with international artists
  • Become the next generation of leaders and change-makers of the performing arts world