dance

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Dance

This programme aims to graduate expressive and imaginative dancers who can confidently fulfill the dance demands made of them in local and regional dance companies, dance events, and in musical theatre companies. Upon graduation, you should be qualified to dance on television, in corporate/commercial performance events, and large-scale cultural celebrations.

You will learn dance techniques and expressions in a wide range of styles, periods and genres, including Pop, Social, Jazz, Ballroom, Ballet, and Contemporary Dance. Contextual studies support the necessary understanding of distinct stylistic features, supplementing dance practice and dance skills. You will be trained to become versatile and flexible dancers, at ease with any choreographic requirements for popular, social, and musical theatre dancing.

Essentials of classical ballet, contemporary dance, and physical theatre are introduced. Quick learning techniques are taught to enable professional timesaving, plus self-learning from video sources. These technical skills are further complemented with management projects to understand career paths and options, audition techniques, and employment contracts.

Music training will enhance your knowledge of style, rhythm, and cultural sources. Cross-disciplinary collaborations on projects with Film, Media Arts, and Acting students broaden your creative perspective and enhance your understanding of the current arts scene.

The Diploma provides internships and business training with hands-on experience in a range of on-stage and behind-the-scenes positions, equipping you with professional employment qualifications and a solid foundation for future specialisations in choreography, education, management, and research.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Performance Technique I
This module introduces aesthetic sensibilities and sense of style, communication and emotion, through varied physical expression and range of repertoire. Techniques of spatial awareness, peripheral vision, and dynamics are introduced to you. Dance Aesthetic explores the inter-relationships involved in dance performance, and Intercultural performance introduces you to performing arts from various traditions and cultures.

Dance Technique I
This module introduces you to body movement and technical control. It also aims to strengthen and condition the body through the body conditioning and the anatomy components. This cultivates awareness of isolating muscles, balance and physicality. Develops a sense of rhythm, pace, phrasing and tempo by introducing Popular Dance styles.

Performance Studies I
Your interpretive skills will be enriched through the knowledge of socio-cultural, political and philosophical realms surrounding varying dance forms, dance periods and dance expressions. Historical and international evolutions and revolutions develop a sense of value, theme and meaning in dance's relationship to society. You are introduced to the skills and process of writing an organised paper with research skills, and to articulate thoughts and analysis through writing

Performance Projects I
You will be introduced to a range of rehearsal and performance opportunities, along with elements of professional disciplines: punctuality, preparation and contribution. Understanding of performance and of the contribution of the varying roles both front and back stage roles surrounding the performers is gained through direct experience of a range of roles. You will be introduced to various venues and to the process of professional production.

Level 2

Performance Technique 2
This module develops all the elements introduced in Performance Technique 1. An awareness of dramatic structure is developed through Dramaturgy in Dance.

Dance Technique 2
This module further strengthens technical dance skills through increased repertoire of greater choreographic complexity and different styles and genre of Popular Dance. Fast learning skills are developed through analysis and reproduction of dance on video.

Performance Studies 2
Asian Dance is given context, and South East Asian forms are studied along with influences upon Singaporean Dance and Theatre. You are introduced to names and biographies of choreographers and artists through the Modern International Dance component.

Performance Projects 2
The management of production, stage and performance, along with time management and people management, is developed through a project collaboration with Technical and Production Management students. Knowledge of professional production and performance making is developed through practical involvement, backstage and onstage, with a collaboration event with The Puttnam School of Film.

Level 3

Performance Technique 3
Physical Expression and Repertoire 3 focuses on contemporary dance choreographies and the skill of partner work and duo work. You will learn and perform an extensive repertoire, including the work of LASALLE graduates. You are encouraged to collaborate with the Media Arts Faculty and to incorporate skills and techniques learnt in the Dance Composition component.

Dance Technique 3
Dance techniques are developed into seamless assimilation as the professionally skilled dancer emerges. Techniques are applied to greater repertoire learning and to some entertainment and presentational forms – ballroom and musical theatre. More focus on Contemporary Dance techniques and styles are provided.

Performance Studies 3
Knowledge of Singapore and the Region is deepened through an Introduction to Arts industry in Singapore. Budgeting, contracts and business methods are taught through Business in the Arts World. Career Management knowledge is applied to goals. You learn about major contemporary choreographers and influences in World of Contemporary Dance.

Performance Projects 3
This module prepares you for career development of your choice by personally and realistically examining areas of professional interest, social and practical skills, and awareness of artistic abilities by taking an internship with LASALLE graduation productions and Singapore companies, either through supportive work on a professional production or a member of a performance team. A diary is kept and you are encouraged to interview both industry professionals and performers extensively and widely.

Faculty Members

Acting Programme Leader
Melissa Quek

Long before she graduated with Honours from NYU's highly competitive Tisch School of the Arts, Melissa Quek was performing professionally with the tammy l wong dance company. On the NAC Arts Bursary (Overseas), she attained a BFA with a double major in Dance and English and American Literature. She then went on to perform and choreograph internationally in the USA, Canada, Korea, China and Malaysia. Her local choreographic commissions have included the "Substation Open-Call 2010" and the "M1 Fringe Festival 2009". She has also performed for choreographers Ricky Sim, Low Mei Yoke, Albert Tiong and Kuik Swee Boon. Despite her busy schedule, Melissa has contributed reviews for "The Business Times" and in 2010 was chosen by the Goethe Institute to represent Singapore at the Dance Reviewers workshop in Jakarta. Having received a coveted grant award from the University of Surrey's Department of Dance, Film and Theatre, Melissa is pursuing her Masters of Arts, Dance Cultures.

Lecturer
Susan Yeung

A music degree graduate of LASALLE and Kingston University, Susan was awarded theCity Contemporary Dance Company Prize upon graduation at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She joined Ecnad Project Ltd in 2002 and performed in Singapore Art Festival the same year.

Susan has worked with companies such as Jean Wong School of Ballet, Radio Television HK, E-Side Modern Dance, Y-Space Dance Company, South Asli, Unlock Dancing Plaza, Ah Hock & Peng Yu, The Arts Fission Company, MI Arts Ltd, Frontier Danceland, DanzPeople, Moving Arts and other independent artists in the region. She has been an active choreographer, producer and performer since 2000. Her choreography has been featured in Hong Kong, Singapore &China. Her most recent work was commissioned for Singapore M1 Fringe Festival 2010. She is a member of COLLECTIVE mayhem and initiated productions in Singapore since 2005. In 2007 she started working with X-system Entertainment as show director and event manager.

Susan is currently the Program Coordinator & Lecturer of the School of Dance at LASALLE.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list
• Two essays of about 200-250 word each. Questions to be determined later.
• Resume – including training and/or performance experiences (e.g. SYF etc)
• Two referees. One of who should be able to recommend your work.

AUDITION & INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

Written Assignments: To be submitted at your audition/interview.

• Be prepared to talk about your favourite dancer and/or a memorable dance performance. What, who inspires you, and why you have chosen to come to LASALLE.
• Write about a dance performance that you have seen recently. Did you like it? Why? (200-250 words)
• Are Waffles really better than Pancakes? (200-250 words)

Audition Guidelines

• You will be required to do a one and a half hour Ballet class/Contemporary class during the Audition. Additional Contemporary dance combinations may be given.
• If you feel Contemporary Dance or Ballet does not best demonstrate your natural dance ability, you can request for an opportunity to perform a solo demonstrating another technique, e.g. Jazz or Hip Hop. The duration of the solo is to be 1 to 3 minutes. If you are requesting this opportunity, it should be indicated in the application form, but is subject to approval.
• If you have absolutely no experience in the Ballet/Contemporary, you are to submit a DVD of yourself dancing in the technique that you are familiar with, prior to the audition date, or to bring the DVD with you for the audition.

Things to Note

In preparing for the audition, it is advisable that you thoroughly warm up and that you wear appropriate dance wear and footwear for the audition. Please take note that you may be asked to improvise in your audition.

What are we looking for?

The assessment of your audition will be based on your ability to pick up and replicate steps, show natural dance ability, a good understanding of the chosen technique, a strong performance quality and a passion for movement. We are looking for people who are disciplined, open to learning and are dedicated to growing in their art.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Dance

This programme aims to graduate expressive and imaginative dancers who can confidently fulfill the dance demands made of them in local and regional dance companies, dance events, and in musical theatre companies. Upon graduation, you should be qualified to dance on television, in corporate/commercial performance events, and large-scale cultural celebrations.

You will learn dance techniques and expressions in a wide range of styles, periods and genres, including Pop, Social, Jazz, Ballroom, Ballet, and Contemporary Dance. Contextual studies support the necessary understanding of distinct stylistic features, supplementing dance practice and dance skills. You will be trained to become versatile and flexible dancers, at ease with any choreographic requirements for popular, social, and musical theatre dancing.

Essentials of classical ballet, contemporary dance, and physical theatre are introduced. Quick learning techniques are taught to enable professional timesaving, plus self-learning from video sources. These technical skills are further complemented with management projects to understand career paths and options, audition techniques, and employment contracts.

Music training will enhance your knowledge of style, rhythm, and cultural sources. Cross-disciplinary collaborations on projects with Film, Media Arts, and Acting students broaden your creative perspective and enhance your understanding of the current arts scene.

The Diploma provides internships and business training with hands-on experience in a range of on-stage and behind-the-scenes positions, equipping you with professional employment qualifications and a solid foundation for future specialisations in choreography, education, management, and research.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Performance Technique I
This module introduces aesthetic sensibilities and sense of style, communication and emotion, through varied physical expression and range of repertoire. Techniques of spatial awareness, peripheral vision, and dynamics are introduced to you. Dance Aesthetic explores the inter-relationships involved in dance performance, and Intercultural performance introduces you to performing arts from various traditions and cultures.

Dance Technique I
This module introduces you to body movement and technical control. It also aims to strengthen and condition the body through the body conditioning and the anatomy components. This cultivates awareness of isolating muscles, balance and physicality. Develops a sense of rhythm, pace, phrasing and tempo by introducing Popular Dance styles.

Performance Studies I
Your interpretive skills will be enriched through the knowledge of socio-cultural, political and philosophical realms surrounding varying dance forms, dance periods and dance expressions. Historical and international evolutions and revolutions develop a sense of value, theme and meaning in dance's relationship to society. You are introduced to the skills and process of writing an organised paper with research skills, and to articulate thoughts and analysis through writing

Performance Projects I
You will be introduced to a range of rehearsal and performance opportunities, along with elements of professional disciplines: punctuality, preparation and contribution. Understanding of performance and of the contribution of the varying roles both front and back stage roles surrounding the performers is gained through direct experience of a range of roles. You will be introduced to various venues and to the process of professional production.

Level 2

Performance Technique 2
This module develops all the elements introduced in Performance Technique 1. An awareness of dramatic structure is developed through Dramaturgy in Dance.

Dance Technique 2
This module further strengthens technical dance skills through increased repertoire of greater choreographic complexity and different styles and genre of Popular Dance. Fast learning skills are developed through analysis and reproduction of dance on video.

Performance Studies 2
Asian Dance is given context, and South East Asian forms are studied along with influences upon Singaporean Dance and Theatre. You are introduced to names and biographies of choreographers and artists through the Modern International Dance component.

Performance Projects 2
The management of production, stage and performance, along with time management and people management, is developed through a project collaboration with Technical and Production Management students. Knowledge of professional production and performance making is developed through practical involvement, backstage and onstage, with a collaboration event with The Puttnam School of Film.

Level 3

Performance Technique 3
Physical Expression and Repertoire 3 focuses on contemporary dance choreographies and the skill of partner work and duo work. You will learn and perform an extensive repertoire, including the work of LASALLE graduates. You are encouraged to collaborate with the Media Arts Faculty and to incorporate skills and techniques learnt in the Dance Composition component.

Dance Technique 3
Dance techniques are developed into seamless assimilation as the professionally skilled dancer emerges. Techniques are applied to greater repertoire learning and to some entertainment and presentational forms – ballroom and musical theatre. More focus on Contemporary Dance techniques and styles are provided.

Performance Studies 3
Knowledge of Singapore and the Region is deepened through an Introduction to Arts industry in Singapore. Budgeting, contracts and business methods are taught through Business in the Arts World. Career Management knowledge is applied to goals. You learn about major contemporary choreographers and influences in World of Contemporary Dance.

Performance Projects 3
This module prepares you for career development of your choice by personally and realistically examining areas of professional interest, social and practical skills, and awareness of artistic abilities by taking an internship with LASALLE graduation productions and Singapore companies, either through supportive work on a professional production or a member of a performance team. A diary is kept and you are encouraged to interview both industry professionals and performers extensively and widely.

Faculty Members

Acting Programme Leader
Melissa Quek

Long before she graduated with Honours from NYU's highly competitive Tisch School of the Arts, Melissa Quek was performing professionally with the tammy l wong dance company. On the NAC Arts Bursary (Overseas), she attained a BFA with a double major in Dance and English and American Literature. She then went on to perform and choreograph internationally in the USA, Canada, Korea, China and Malaysia. Her local choreographic commissions have included the "Substation Open-Call 2010" and the "M1 Fringe Festival 2009". She has also performed for choreographers Ricky Sim, Low Mei Yoke, Albert Tiong and Kuik Swee Boon. Despite her busy schedule, Melissa has contributed reviews for "The Business Times" and in 2010 was chosen by the Goethe Institute to represent Singapore at the Dance Reviewers workshop in Jakarta. Having received a coveted grant award from the University of Surrey's Department of Dance, Film and Theatre, Melissa is pursuing her Masters of Arts, Dance Cultures.

Lecturer
Susan Yeung

A music degree graduate of LASALLE and Kingston University, Susan was awarded theCity Contemporary Dance Company Prize upon graduation at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She joined Ecnad Project Ltd in 2002 and performed in Singapore Art Festival the same year.

Susan has worked with companies such as Jean Wong School of Ballet, Radio Television HK, E-Side Modern Dance, Y-Space Dance Company, South Asli, Unlock Dancing Plaza, Ah Hock & Peng Yu, The Arts Fission Company, MI Arts Ltd, Frontier Danceland, DanzPeople, Moving Arts and other independent artists in the region. She has been an active choreographer, producer and performer since 2000. Her choreography has been featured in Hong Kong, Singapore &China. Her most recent work was commissioned for Singapore M1 Fringe Festival 2010. She is a member of COLLECTIVE mayhem and initiated productions in Singapore since 2005. In 2007 she started working with X-system Entertainment as show director and event manager.

Susan is currently the Program Coordinator & Lecturer of the School of Dance at LASALLE.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list
• Two essays of about 200-250 word each. Questions to be determined later.
• Resume – including training and/or performance experiences (e.g. SYF etc)
• Two referees. One of who should be able to recommend your work.

AUDITION & INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

Written Assignments: To be submitted at your audition/interview.

• Be prepared to talk about your favourite dancer and/or a memorable dance performance. What, who inspires you, and why you have chosen to come to LASALLE.
• Write about a dance performance that you have seen recently. Did you like it? Why? (200-250 words)
• Are Waffles really better than Pancakes? (200-250 words)

Audition Guidelines

• You will be required to do a one and a half hour Ballet class/Contemporary class during the Audition. Additional Contemporary dance combinations may be given.
• If you feel Contemporary Dance or Ballet does not best demonstrate your natural dance ability, you can request for an opportunity to perform a solo demonstrating another technique, e.g. Jazz or Hip Hop. The duration of the solo is to be 1 to 3 minutes. If you are requesting this opportunity, it should be indicated in the application form, but is subject to approval.
• If you have absolutely no experience in the Ballet/Contemporary, you are to submit a DVD of yourself dancing in the technique that you are familiar with, prior to the audition date, or to bring the DVD with you for the audition.

Things to Note

In preparing for the audition, it is advisable that you thoroughly warm up and that you wear appropriate dance wear and footwear for the audition. Please take note that you may be asked to improvise in your audition.

What are we looking for?

The assessment of your audition will be based on your ability to pick up and replicate steps, show natural dance ability, a good understanding of the chosen technique, a strong performance quality and a passion for movement. We are looking for people who are disciplined, open to learning and are dedicated to growing in their art.