Independent Dance Contract A (DNCE20023)

Independent Dance Contract A creates the opportunity for the student to design and implement an area of study which is of particular interest and relevance to the development of his or her dance practice. It enables students to demonstrate independence and resourcefulness as they take responsibility for creating a learning context that broadens their understanding and experience of dance practice and the dance profession. Examples are a self directed choreographic or performance project. Other possibilities may involve a secondment with a dance company or organization, or participation in a conference or workshop (national or international). Proposals are to be centered around the investigation and pursuit of a legitimate area of content, and objectives which will facilitate further learning and development for the individual. Commencement of project is dependent on approval by appropriate dance faculty members.

Students will develop a statement of intention, negotiate a contract based study design which includes the articulation of objectives and learning outcomes, agreed assessment tasks, a detailed plan of all parts of the project plus relevant accompanying documents. Students will be expected to take initiative to progress through all stages of the contract. Projects, which include national or international travel to facilitate research and broader experiential involvement with dance practices, can be proposed. Projects may be undertaken in intensive mode. The feasibility of projects based on participation or involvement with artists or organisations beyond the VCA may be dependent on agreement by said artists or organisations to provide feedback and/or contribute to assessment processes. Projects will be self-funded by the student.

Study will occur on the Southbank campus or a combination of the Southbank campus and other locations as detailed in individual student contracts. An example of the latter could be the dance studios, offices and performance spaces of dance companies or independent artists.