MA/MFA DANCE PERFORMANCE

Course Details

The taught modules will enable you to refine your technical dance skills across a range of exciting dance styles and genres which, combined with rehearsal and performance experience of existing and new works, will prepare you to enter the professional environment with confidence.

You’ll engage critically with your developing expertise as a performer throughout the processes of technical training, studio practice, devising new work, rehearsal and performance.

You’ll be supported in developing your understanding of collaborative approaches through opportunities to engage with our partner organisations including Studio Wayne McGregor, Candoco Dance Company, Ballet Boyz, Clod Ensemble and Punchdrunk, and through joint projects with your peers in Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music.

The MA and the MFA programmes comprise a taught element of four modules:

• Advanced Technical Practice
• Performer in the Creative Process
• Dance Performance
• Research Lab

In addition, a self-directed research project will give you the opportunity to examine an aspect of dance performance in depth, and to present your work in imaginative and creative ways.

The second year of the MFA is an Extended Project which will require you to be artistically ambitious through an innovative investigation in dance and/or interdisciplinary performance. Performance as a creative, collaborative act is the starting point from which you will engage in a major piece of research.

Teaching and Learning

• Learn in an environment which closely resembles and prepares students for a professional company context. 
• Develop advanced technical and performative skills through daily classes of three contrasting but complementary dance techniques in Year 1.
• Collaborative skills are encouraged through your active engagement as learners in the creative process through discussion, reflection and evaluation.
• Reflection on both performance processes and individual development is encouraged in the studio and via seminars which relate closely to the phases of the practice being undertaken and the issues that arise from them.
• You will work with visiting artists on commissioned pieces and choreographic work.
• Digital Literacy will be focused upon and taught so that you’re provided with the skills to capture and showcase your skill-set online.
• For MA students, the year culminates in an independent research-led project, enabling you to consolidate your skills and understanding of performance practice.
• MFA students undertake an extended independent project, and are expected to devise, plan and direct their own learning pattern in conjunction with their supervisor.

Entry Requirements

These programmes are open to recent graduates and more experienced performers who wish to return to study to gain a postgraduate qualification. Applicants must demonstrate high-level technical, performative and creative skills as well as an aptitude for study at Masters level.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate or related subject, or an overseas award of equivalent standard (e.g. USA degree – GPA 3.00 or above).
• Applicants without formal qualification, who may have the appropriate levels of professional experience are invited to complete Trinity Laban’s recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.

MFA applicants must include a project proposal, outlining the following:

• The reasons why they wish to carry out an independent project over one academic year (their second year of study)
• The nature of their intended research and a draft projected timeline with indicated outputs of research (which is understandably subject to change)
• Their suitability for extended independent research in the context of an MFA Dance Performance

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS 6.5 overall.

Auditions

In addition to Faculty of Dance postgraduate entry requirements, applicants are invited to attend an audition in person. Auditions will include a technique class, a creative session, a repertoire class and an interview. Recorded auditions can be submitted if you are unable to attend the audition dates.

Date for next audition in London:

Tuesday 18 April 2023

Applicants unable to attend any of the scheduled audition dates in person, can submit a recorded audition. More details will be sent, once we have received your application via UCAS Conservatoires.

Please contact our Admissions team for more information.

Visas

If you are an international student it is essential you meet external requirements of UK Visas and Immigration. 

Alumni Destinations

Trinity Laban graduates have gone on to work with choreographers and companies such as: New Adventures, Akram Khan Company, Siobhan Davies Dance Company, DV8, Rambert Dance Company, Random Dance Company, The Cholmondeleys, CandoCo, Michael Clark, BalletBoyz, Punchdrunk, Tavaziva, Arthur Pita and Miguel Pereira.
Graduates have also created their own companies and presented work as independent artists.

Graduates have also created their own companies and presented work as independent artists including Tough Boys Collective and Back on the Map.

To learn more visit Alumni Destinations and explore our Alumni Profiles.

Fees and Finance

Fees for September 2023 entrants

Fees are reviewed annually and may increase by up to 5% each year. The following fees are confirmed.

Accommodation and living costs

This information can be found on our Costs of Living page.

Financial Support

Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the Fees and Finance section.