Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
Gain an excellent grounding to become a versatile dancer and develop your individuality and performance skills to allow you to progress to professional dance schools and employment. You will train across a variety of genres including: choreography, ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, musical theatre and tap. You will develop your performance skills along with learning about the performing arts business. All assessments are written and developed to enable students to gain and develop skills whilst gaining a qualification. You will undertake an additional ABD Ballet exam to support your progression to sought after colleges and/or universities and develop your technical skills. ABD qualifications are recognised by UCAS and contribute towards your points calculation.
This course will be taught by our partners at The Eastern School of Performing Arts.
What Does The Programme Include
ESPA provides industry experienced tutors for all their courses, enabling students to develop skills required for their next steps. The course is highly vocational and you will spend your days in the dance studio. You will have daily technique classes, learn choreography, develop your performance skills and prepare for auditions to dance colleges and/or university.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 4/C or above including English and maths, and a successful audition of 2 prepared pieces.
Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English, you’ll resit the exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.
How The Course Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed continuously throughout the programme, including; Assessed classes, assessed performances, reflective journals, research, discussion, group work, presentations.
Additional Information
You will be expected to commit to rehearsal schedules and some additional hours for performances. You will be required to wear uniform for classes as per the essential kit list provided before starting the course. The course is run in collaboration with Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA). ESPA is based in the centre of Stamford, with their own performing arts building including 4 studios, classrooms, common rooms and kitchen facilities. ESPA provides industry experienced tutors for all of their courses, enabling students to develop skills required for their next steps.
Potential Future Career
Successful completion of this course will allow you to progress to the HND in Performing Arts at The Eastern School of Performing Arts or study at prestigious performing arts schools. Previous students have gone on to study at establishments such as: Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, Italia Conti, Liverpool Theatre School, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and Stella Mann.
Course Content
You will study the following units:
- Principles of Performance
- Engaging with an audience
- Introduction to Professional Practice
- Critical and Contextual Studies
- Production Skills and Context
- Preparation for Specialist Study
- Collaborative Performance Project
- Developing Performance and Production Skills
- Preparing for Progression
- Exploration of Specialist Study and Context
- Extended Project
Course Trips
You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of trips throughout your time on the course. You will watch live performances, along with experiencing workshops with guest tutors currently working in the industry.




I have been accepted to two top drama schools — this would have never been possible without the excellent training from my tutors!