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Dance Education

The combined Bachelor of Arts (Dance) / Bachelor of Education is unique in NSW

If you have a passion for dance, teaching dance is a wonderful way to make it your career. Dance education is also one of the fastest growing curriculum areas in NSW schools. The dance education program at UNSW provides you with the technical, choreographic, performance and theoretical skills and knowledge that you need to successfully teach dance in NSW secondary schools. The program also equips you to teach dance in a variety of non-school contexts in Australia and internationally.

Dance at UNSW

The UNSW Dance program develops your individual performance and choreographic skills while providing you with the best possible teacher training. Performing, choreographing and teaching dance are intentionally woven together throughout the four year program. You will have the opportunity to learn and perform in UNSW's purpose-built performance studios and multimedia laboratories. All students have the opportunity to perform in both mid-year and end-of-year shows. The program includes a second teaching area which enhances career options for graduates.

Download the Dance Information Brochure (PDF) (160 Kb)

Career Opportunities

While the vast majority of our graduates are now employed in Secondary Schools teaching Dance, others have gone on to further studies in Choreography and Performance, or into the Dance Profession.

Graduates from Dance at UNSW currently hold positions such as Head of Dance at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Lecturer in the UNSW Dance Program, and others are making their mark through their work in Regional and State Dance Festivals and in the Schools Spectacular.

International Opportunities

As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.

UNSW International Exchange

Program Information

The Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/ Bachelor of Education Program is a specialist combined degree with the primary focus to equip graduates to serve as teachers of dance in schools and in the community as well as other dance and dance education professions. Dance specialisation is available within the combined degree of Bachelor of Arts (Dance)/Bachelor of Education. Students may also add a minor in accredited teaching subjects from the Faculty, including Theatre and Performance Studies.

The program incorporates the requirements of the NSW Institute of Teachers which provide the foundation for the courses offered . All of the courses are mandatory.
The program includes:

training in modern (contemporary) dance and classical ballet
access to additional styles such as jazz dance and musical theatre
studies in anatomy and kinesiology; dance analysis and composition; the history of dance; dance and technology; and dance methodology
development of teaching skills in a second subject area such as Drama, English, History and Languages
opportunity to participate in a performance program as well as gaining experience in both stage lighting and audio, and stage and house management

Program Coordinator: Dr John Mullins

Students are selected for entry into the program on the basis of an audition and interview as well as meeting the University of New South Wales' requirements in relation to the University Admission Index (UAI).