Automatic translation by Google Translate.We cannot guarantee that it is accurate.
Skoða vefinn á ÍslenskuContemporary Dance Practices inspires and challenges its students technically, contextually and artistically to enable them to develop their dance practice. Our aim is to educate creative dance artists and provide them with various professional skills in the field of dance and performing arts.
Upplýsingar um nám eru á ensku hjá námsleiðum þar sem kennslutungumál er enska.
About the study programme
Contemporary Dance Practices is an international programme in Performing Arts. It is a three-year full time undergraduate study, 180 ECTS, taught in English.
Throughout the studies students are introduced to different approaches to contemporary dance in creative, technical and theoretical work. The programme prepares students for the international contemporary dance scene and provides a good foundation for further studies on a master’s level.
Situated in Reykjavík, Iceland, the access to nature and the proximity of the professional performing arts scene makes the programme a vibrant platform for a dynamic learning experience.
Course structure
Within the programme there are three main strands of practices that intertwine; technique, theory and creative process and running concurrently is a strand focusing on the sustainability of the artist. An emphasis is placed on fostering and developing the critical thinking of students. The programme provides training in different styles of contemporary techniques and improvisation, supported by ballet for contemporary dancers and somatic practices. In creative process the emphasis is on developing and inspiring a personal approach and critical awareness in creative work. Through theory, students strengthen their social and political awareness in relation to dance and choreography.
In the first year the focus is on deepening the students´ knowledge of the body, delving into various practices and perspectives towards improvisation in the first semester and composition in the second semester. In the second year dance and choreography are put in dialogue with other art forms, creating a platform for exploration into different disciplines and approaches through collaborative and creative processes during the third and fourth semester.
During the fifth semester, students are required to go on either exchange to partner schools of the Iceland University of the Arts or do an internship with artists or companies in Iceland or abroad.
Students conclude their study with an Individual Project, Ensemble Work and a Final Paper.
After graduation
At the end of their studies students possess the knowledge, skills and competences within the field of contemporary dance to be able to work as creative dance artists, be it independently or in a company structure in the performing arts. The programme also prepares students for further studies at a graduate level.
The whole admission process for the Contemporary Dance Practice programme is completed online and applicants are asked to submit digital audition documents.
The application process consists of completing an electronic application, paying an application fee and finally submitting the application. It is possible to save the application and return to working on it later. Please note that it is necessary to attach a photo of the applicant to the electronic application under “Other documents”. In the electronic application form, applicants have the option of writing a short statement outlining reasons for applying, educational goals and future aspirations under “Cover letter”.
Applicants are asked to monitor the application process through the communication/application portal. All communication will be conducted through the portal and IUA staff will notify the applicant if some necessary supporting documents are missing.
An application is not valid until the applicant has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents:
Applicants should have finished a Matriculation Exam or comparable degree, and it is preferable that they have finished Secondary stage in dance or comparable education.
If applicants have other certificate/s that they want to submit, please attach them to the electronic applications under “Diploma/Transcript 3.
Attach to the electronic application under “Other documents”
Attach to the electronic application under “Statement of your objectives and expectations regarding the studies.”
Write your personal letter to dance.
4.a. 2 minute video – Physicality Task:
Show us your moving body. We want to get to know your physicality, your technical knowledge and movement qualities. Your dance can be learnt material, your own choreography or improvised dance.
4.b. 1-2 minute video – Creative Task:
Film your own short solo reacting to one of these titles:
Practical instructions for video recording:
How to share your video recordings:
Note – Videos are received through an unlisted YouTube link. Applicants are responsible for the links being active.
Name the videos after this formula:
Here is an introductory video on how to upload an “unlisted” YouTube video.
Step 2
The Dean of the Department of Performing Arts appoints a three-person audition committee. The committee’s responsibility is to select individuals they believe are qualified and competent to take advantage of the education offered at the Contemporary Dance Practices. The conclusion of the committee should not be interpreted as a judgment of the applicant’s artistic talent. The committee’s work is confidential and individual applications won’t be specifically reviewed. The committee’s decision is final and can’t be referred for review elsewhere within the school.
Components evaluated by the audition committee include:
Applicants should have finished a Matriculation Exam or comparable degree, and it is preferable that they have finished Secondary stage in dance or comparable education.
Exceptions regarding intake – The IUA is allowed to accept students into the school that have knowledge and experience which is considered adequate preparation for BA studies within the school. However, students need to have finished no less than 105 ECTS from the older system of the upper secondary school system or 150 ECTS according to the new system.
The BA Programme in Contemporary Dance Practices is an international programme conducted in English. Students must be proficient in spoken and written English.