A Dance and Performance course at BNU is a great start to a professional dance career. The course provides a large number of opportunities to develop the necessary skills in order to be successful in the dance industry. There are a large number of arguments that can be used to answer the question of ‘Why study Dance and Performance at BNU’, here are my top reasons why!

The path of a dancer is a path of constant work on yourself, a lot of hours of training and a lot of love for what you do. Professional dance artists should have the necessary theoretical knowledge, as well as be multifaceted and versatile performers.

As for the theoretical side, the modules of the course are designed so that the student gradually increases their knowledge in several areas in the process of studying at the university. Starting with teaching theories, studying human anatomy and understanding the dance industry, and ending with applying the basics of physiology in your own dance practice, understanding the nature of injuries, studying economics in relation to the dance sphere, and finally writing your own dissertation on the chosen topic. Moreover, this year the course includes a new module that allows you to get another qualification – gym instructor.

Now let's look at the practical side of how effectively students increase their level of versatility. Despite the fact that the Dance and Performance course at BNU focuses on styles like jazz and ballet, teachers strive for students to try and develop themselves in other directions. This goal is achieved in different ways.

Firstly, in September 2022, a lesson in a new style appeared in the course program, which will change every academic year. Students have a chance to study the base of different styles in detail during their university path. This year, K-POP has become that style. In the classroom, the teacher not only shows choreography but also teaches musicality and methods of creating movement, which is applicable to most dance styles. He also offers tasks for teamwork, which helps students learn to collaborate and create choreography by using the ideas of everyone working in the group.                                                                

Secondly, teachers organize regular master classes from leading choreographers in the industry. This helps students not only develop their dancing and performing skills, but also create new networks with professionals who already work in the dance field. This is very important for students, as networks are of great importance for dancers to move up the career ladder and get a job.

Thirdly, every year an external choreographer creates two choreographies for students of the dance course. Only third-year students participate in one piece, and for the second, students from each year of study are given the opportunity to audition and take part in it. The style of choreography varies from year to year. Last year it was contemporary, this year the pieces will be in the commercial style. This is a great opportunity provided by the university course, which allows students to gain experience in auditioning, dancing in different styles, and performing on stage.

As a second-year student, I can say that I really enjoy the processes that take place on the course. You are constantly at work, on the move. Of course, the dance course requires overcoming oneself and hard work, as physical fatigue, overtraining and emotional overload are encountered on the way. However, you are never left alone with these problems. The teachers of the course always strive to help, support and advise the best way to recover and explain how to avoid this in the future. This helps to overcome all difficulties, get really good results in the learning process and gain confidence in your success in your professional career.