Dance Education and Teaching

Dance education and teaching is a degree for those who wish not only to develop as dancers but to become skilled practitioners in the transmission of dance to others. Teaching dance is a distinctive professional practice, requiring technical competence in the form, a thorough understanding of how people learn physical skills and develop artistically, and the pedagogical knowledge to structure learning experiences for dancers of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The degree prepares you for work in schools, community settings, studios, and a range of other educational and performance contexts.

At the University of Chichester, this three-year full-time programme develops your technique through daily classes, explores wider dance theory and practice, and gives you vital work experience in professional settings. You will study the theory and history of dance education alongside the development of your own practice, engaging with questions about how dance is taught at different stages, how curriculum is designed, and how dance contributes to broader learning outcomes. The work experience element is central to the degree, giving you direct exposure to teaching practice in real educational settings before you graduate.

You will develop as both a dancer and a teacher, building the physical skills and artistic confidence that effective dance teaching requires alongside the reflective and analytical capabilities that professional educators need. The ability to plan lessons, to observe and respond to learners, and to communicate clearly and motivatingly are all developed throughout the programme.

Graduates go on to work as dance teachers in schools, dance studios, community organisations, and higher education. Many pursue qualified teacher status through additional training. Others work as dance practitioners in outreach, community arts, and health and wellbeing settings.

Postgraduate study in dance, education, or arts pedagogy is an option for those wishing to specialise or develop into leadership roles.