Modern Theatre Dance makes a distinctive contribution to the education of all students, through using movement, which is one of the fundamental modes of human expression. It offers a range of learning opportunities and enables participants to enjoy physical expression as well as develop intellectual sensibilities. As they work together in Modern Theatre Dance, candidates learn about cooperation and develop an understanding of the shaping of movement into artistic forms of expression.
Candidates develop the skill and understanding of Modern Theatre Dance, at the same time as building a sound technique, by developing the physical ability to communicate through movement in an expressive and artistic way.
A clearly defined structure allows learning to take place in the context of safe dance practice. The Graded Examinations build up progressively, ensuring that steps and skills learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements as the candidate progresses.
Also, a range of transfers to other dance genres becomes possible as the candidate develops physically and learns common skills such as running, use of arms, posture, timing and rhythmic awareness. In this way, with additional teaching input, the candidate is able to develop a broad base of dancing skills.
Following on from the Graded Examinations, candidates may wish to progress to the Vocational Graded Examinations as preparation for employment as a professional dancer or as preparation for dance teaching qualifications.
The Graded Examinations in Modern Theatre Dance also allow for those participating solely for recreational purposes to produce quality work in a safe dance context.
