Many may sneer at dance being an academic subject. Whilst in essence it is a vocational study there are still aspects which lend itself heavily to academia. Dance requires academic thinking, especially when it is studied in higher education, with demands placed on both the brain and body.
Dancers need to have good control of the body and its movements, in order to express ideas, emotions and create something artistically through the body's physicality of muscles and joints. The theory and history of dance are required, as well as further research into an area of interest. This adds much stature to the subject of dance, in addition to studying dance criticism and dance science.
Unlike other subjects where you may not be required to show what you learn in practice or real life contexts, dance must be applied both in theory and in practice. There must be an understanding of the theory behind dance and how this informs your work. Dance is therefore a completely demanding subject of study, and applicants for dance courses are on the up.
While dance is a physically and mentally demanding subject, many are still of the opinion that dance cannot be an academic subject and should not be included in the curriculum. Dance is commonly misunderstood as a 'soft option' and still faces negative perceptions. However, dance students make valuable contributions to the art form through what they create and deliver.
It is undeniable that even professional dancers who have studied purely the practical, vocational side of dance, are good problem solvers and quick thinkers, which is applicable to real life too. Creativity through dance is also desirable in an everyday context, risk, improvisation, flexibility and exploration all feature highly in a dancer's life in order to discover new movement and fulfil choreographic tasks.
Dance - an academic subject?
Stacey MacNaught |
Many may sneer at dance being an academic subject. Whilst in essence it is a vocational study there are still aspects which lend itself heavily to academia. Dance requires academic thinking, especially when it is studied in higher education, with demands placed on both the brain and body.
Dancers need to have good control of the body and its movements, in order to express ideas, emotions and create something artistically through the body's physicality of muscles and joints. The theory and history of dance are required, as well as further research into an area of interest. This adds much stature to the subject of dance, in addition to studying dance criticism and dance science.
Unlike other subjects where you may not be required to show what you learn in practice or real life contexts, dance must be applied both in theory and in practice. There must be an understanding of the theory behind dance and how this informs your work. Dance is therefore a completely demanding subject of study, and applicants for dance courses are on the up.
While dance is a physically and mentally demanding subject, many are still of the opinion that dance cannot be an academic subject and should not be included in the curriculum. Dance is commonly misunderstood as a 'soft option' and still faces negative perceptions. However, dance students make valuable contributions to the art form through what they create and deliver.
It is undeniable that even professional dancers who have studied purely the practical, vocational side of dance, are good problem solvers and quick thinkers, which is applicable to real life too. Creativity through dance is also desirable in an everyday context, risk, improvisation, flexibility and exploration all feature highly in a dancer's life in order to discover new movement and fulfil choreographic tasks.