specialisation dancer - the programme

The basic programme lays emphasis on ballet training, modern dance, jazz dance (jazz and trends), improvisation and composition. During the first year dance technical lessons are given at various levels. You can also follow a coaching programme.

During the basic programme you begin to rehearse repertoire by (guest) choreographers. The programme devotes special consideration to the health and well-being of the dancer in subjects that deal with physical aspects of the profession, for example fitness training and Pilates. In addition, there are classes in dance history, drama and general music education. The optional modules give you the opportunity of choosing subjects in which you want to expand your knowledge, for example extra lessons modern jazz, tango, Chi Neng Qigong, yoga or Pilates.

You also learn to orientate yourself towards a dance career and the professional field. By participating in workshops you will learn skills that will serve you later on in your career, like passing on dance to others. During the first year, the propedeutic phase, your study progress will be gauged at three separate moments. You will conclude this phase with a propedeutic exam. Subsequently, you will receive written recommendation on the possible continuation of your study. This is a binding study advice.

SPECIALISATION DANCER

The study programme bachelor of Dance, specialisation Dancer trains you to become a contemporary dancer, trained at an advanced level in ballet and modern dance techniques. This is a four-year study programme.

You will receive daily lessons in ballet and modern dance (numerous techniques/styles). In addition, you follow weekly lessons in jazz and drama. The basic roster is supplemented with technique lessons given by various guest teachers. Via fixed improvisation and composition lessons, special project weeks (compo  blocks) and by working with the many guest choreographers, you have the opportunity to further develop your creativity. By taking advantage of your optional modules you can add a personal touch of character to your study.

You will become acquainted with performance practice through repertoire study, presentations and performances. Just as in basic training, optional modules allow you to take subjects in which you want to absorb yourself more thoroughly. Workshops in production management and art appreciation round out the programme.

In the third and/or fourth year you can serve an internship with a professional dance company. The accent of your study then shifts towards rehearsals, building a repertoire, stage presentation and performances. Artists who have recently created and presented works include André Gingras, Club Guy & Roni, Ken Ossala, Megumi Nakamura, Neel Verdoorn, Regina van Berkel, Anouk van Dijk, Sascha Engel, Neil Ieremia, Dietmar Janeck, Itzik Galili, Xing Liang, Dylan Newcomb, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Michele Pogliani, Cathy Sharp, Ton Simons, Rinus Sprong, Thom Stuart, Sjoerd Vreugdenhil, Mauro Bigonzetti, Václav Kunes and Padma Menon.

Graduates of the RDA now dance with dance ensembles like Dance Works Rotterdam, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Conny Janssen Danst, Galili Dance, Dansgroep Krisztina de Châtel, Introdans, Leine & Roebana, Meekers Uitgesproken Dans, De Stilte, Rosas, Mind the Gap, ballettmainz, Tanz Ensemble Cathy Sharp, Kibbutz Dance Company, Companyia Vicente Saez, Ballet du Nord, Guy Weizman and Roni Haver.