Trinity Laban

Location of the school:

Today I travelled to London for an open day at Trinity Laban. On arrival we were given a leaflet about
the school, and we then signed in shortly after. There were two second year students talking to us
while we waited for everyone else to register. We could discuss any questions we have about the
day or the school. Next, we went on a tour around the school. This open day was at the beginning of
summer so therefore the school was empty so from the start it was hard to get a feel for what the
school would be like one regular day training there and there was only 15 people that attended this
open day. As the school was empty when we had our tour around the school and the dance facilities
the studios weren’t in use so we didn’t see any of the students or teachers dancing, I think this
would have really helped sell the school to me and persuade me to go there, but instead it drew me
away from the school as it was so empty, I couldn’t get a feel for the place. The school had amazing
dance facilities such as a gym and a library, but they had about 16 different studios which is a lot for
a small dance school.

Then we had a Q&A with the principles and the current students. They talked about the courses,
such as dance science, foundation degree and the BA HONS. They spoke about accommodation as
there aren’t any student accommodation with the school but there are flats right outside that most
of the students stay in as-well as another flat that is also popular but its about 10 mins walk away.
Surprisingly, I found the dance science course quit interesting but I really aspire to be a performer so
I will be applying for the BA HONS degree.

After the group Q&A, we had a class with one of the teachers. This gave us a chance to get a feel for
the studio and the teachers. The class was a realise class which I have done a bit of in college. I was
nice to have the opportunity to work with the teacher there and see the other students dance that
might also be applying.

BA HONS DEGREE:

The BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance programme is designed to help develop me as an independent,

autonomous learner and grow into a confident, creative dance practitioner. The first year’s focus is
on the development of skills, imagination, and new ways of seeing. The second year will encourage
your versatility, individuality and risk taking, while the third, final year, stresses independent and in-
depth research as well as technical, creative, and professional skills development.

YEAR 1:
Part 1 focuses on dance technique, creative development, and approaches to learning in dance
which will enhance your understanding of movement and enable you to develop your potential as a
dance artist, leading to a performance project at the end of the year. Alongside this you will develop
choreographic skills and an understanding of frameworks for reflection on contemporary dance and
arts practice.
Investigating Dance Practice 1
Modules Performance Practice 1:

• Ways of Seeing • Performance Project

• Historical Perspectives on Dance

Creative Practice 1:
• Research Methods 1
• Improvisation

Technical Practice 1: • Chorological Studies

• Contemporary Technique • Choreography collaboration

• Classical Ballet

• Experiential Anatomy

• Physical Awareness and Development

• Pilates

YEAR 2:

Technical training continues alongside the development of choreographic and performance skills,
culminating in a repertory performance project. Analytical and theoretical frameworks for the
understanding of dance in its various contexts are further developed. You will be able to choose a
specialised area of related study, and an independent assignment during the year will bring you into
contact with the professional dance world.

MODULES

Technical Practice 2: Creative Practice 2:

 Contemporary Technique  Resourcing Performance
 Classical Ballet  Choreography
 Contact Improvisation  Chorological Studies
 Collaboration
Investigating Dance Practice 2:
Performance Practice 2:
 Cultural Perspectives on Dance
 Research Methods 2  Dance Repertory Project
 Dance Industry Engagement 1
 Dance and the Moving Image*
 Dance Artists in Education and
Participatory Settings*
 Performance Design*
YEAR 3:

Alongside your advanced technical training you will undertake an Independent Project during which
you develop, within a negotiated framework, a substantial piece of self-directed research with a
devised, performance or written outcome. You will also work with faculty members and visiting
artists who will lead you in intensive performance projects to prepare you for the pace and focus of
the professional working process. There are three options in Part 3 (from which you can select two)
that allow you to develop further skills according to your strengths and interests. These have distinct
focuses: choreographic, performance, technical, teaching.

All final year students will participate in degree shows at the end of the year which will present a
diverse range of selected student work and new pieces devised by in-house and visiting
choreographers.

MODULES:
Technical Practice 3
Performance Practice 3:
 Contemporary Technique
 Commissioned Work
 Classical Ballet
Creative Practice 3: Investigating Dance Practice 3

 Independent Research Project  Dance Industry Engagement 2

 Research Methods 3  Dance Artist as Choreographer*
 Dance Artist as Teacher
(Contemporary Technique) *

What do I think of trinity Laban?

Overall, I thought the school had amazing

facilities and it’s a very big spacious building,
but it was so hard to get a feeling for what it
would be like to go there as no students were
there. I will apply to Trinity Laban, but I don’t
think that it will be my trip just because of the
experience I had today. From the start it felt
very unorganised and to be honest I don’t think
I can see myself in the future studying there.