Diploma in Dance Education

The qualification provides qualifiers with graduate-level skills, applied competencies and knowledge in various fields of dance to equip them for employment in the South African cultural arena as educators, in particular as teachers of dance.

The qualification gives the candidate an understanding of diverse dance techniques and styles, as well as a knowledge of anatomy relevant to dance. It provides the student with a knowledge of music relating to dance and an extensive background in all aspects of theatre and the presentation of a dance production.

The qualification will also significantly heighten the understanding of graduates of the traditions of dance and enable them to use these as a tool to further the upliftment and integration of all sectors of South African cultural society.

The qualification will build discerning audiences able to critically evaluate dance as a medium of entertainment and communication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

1. Identify with and take their place in a poly-cultural South African society.
2. Produce solutions to both familiar and novel artistic and creative problems as these arise in the course of their professional activity.
3. Communicate his or her understanding of creative, artistic and performing issues and solutions in ways that are dear but not arrogant or presumptive.
4. Critically receive and understand the interpretations and suggestions of colleagues and audiences.
5. Understand the difference between personal and social goals, so as to understand the importance of commitment to the latter even when they diverge with his or her own interests.
6. Appreciate the contexts in which the specific creative, artistic or technical competencies identified below can best be integrated with the general competencies just identified.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Critically understand and produce written texts of descriptive, prescriptive, creative and argumentative characters to accepted international standards in his or her specific field of training as these may exist at the time of graduation.
• Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently and use such information to conduct systematic creative research aimed at providing answers to questions whose resolutions are not antecedently known, or to verify answers that are assumed based on "accepted wisdom ".
• Understand and critically appreciate the contribution of major artistic and cultural activities and performances to community and national life and participate in such performances and activities.
• Use information technology, including the internet, to find and access information efficiently and independently.
• Understand when and how to acknowledge the limitations of his or her own expertise and elicit the more appropriate expertise of others.
• Appreciate the importance of life-long learning and the importance of self-initiative in pursuing it.
• Understand and internalise as a personal value the importance of conducting diverse cultural and professional activities within the scope of national, provincial, municipal and international law.
• Demonstrate proficiency in cognitive and kinesthetic disciplines.
• Utilise a range of dance techniques and styles to enhance his or her communication and creativity.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the body as a resource and understand the efficient, safe and healthy use of mind and body.
• Recognise, analyse, research and formulate a response to different dance styles, performances, techniques and functions.
• Appreciate the significance of research into diverse dance genres, in the context of national and international developments in the arts, so as to be able to critically analyse and communicate effectively by way of teaching, text and other creative expression, to dance learners and the community at large, using appropriate dance skills, tools and technology.
• Enter the field of dance teaching and contribute to its development in a meaningful way.
• Impart the theory of movement to a pupil, as well as to instil a level of musicality, style and technique into the learner.
• Teach competently in at least two different dance techniques.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all the components of dance (history, background, music, technique) and be able to use available technology to impart such knowledge to his or her pupils.

Integrated Assessment

The practical assessment is done through regular classes taught under supervision as well as in examination conditions.

The theoretical assessment takes the form of research projects, essays and seminars, as well as regular written examinations.

In the final year, there is an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills in the area of teaching and on the learners' ability to inspire, motivate and develop a rapport with his or her pupils, while simultaneously achieving the required level of competence in the pupil. Candidates also undergo an apprenticeship in schools and are required to be able to teach competently in at least two different dance techniques.