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Introduction
This Contemporary Dance programme is delivered through the Junior Conservatoire of Dance and is for talented young dancers who aspire towards a career as a professional contemporary dancer or choreographer.
This intensive training course provides the highest quality tuition and guidance in supporting the future contemporary dance artists in Scotland.
As a contemporary dance student at the Junior Conservatoire, you will attend weekly classes aimed at developing your technical skills and nurturing your unique artistry. Level 1 students meet on a Wednesday evening and Level 2 students meet on a Monday evening.
The course lecturer will work with each dancer to increase their understanding of contemporary dance techniques such as Graham, Cunningham, Limon and Laban. Time will also be spent in class developing the dancers
- flexibility
- understanding and use of improvisation
- use of space and levels
- intensity in movement phrases
- building stamina and expression
By studying on this Juniors Contemporary Dance programme, you will:
- learn from expert staff who teach at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- focus on developing your technique
- build confidence in yourself and ability
- take part in performing opportunities
Entry is by audition only and we accept a small number of students each year into the programme to allow us to focus our teaching on each individual’s development.
Applicants will also have the opportunity to be part of the Contemporary Youth Dance Company. The company has a performance and ensemble focus with students having the opportunity to explore repertoire and choreography to complement the weekly technique classes.
The Contemporary Youth Dance Company meet every Saturday in the term from 1.00pm – 4.30pm at Wallace Studios.
Contact us
Applications for 2024/25 will open in November 2023, the closing date is the 6th of May 2024.
Auditions will take place on Saturday the 18th of May 2024.
Join us for our Open Day on Saturday the 20th of April. To note your interest in this event, click here.
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Programme structure
As a Junior Conservatoire student, you will attend weekly classes to ensure you develop your dance technique at the right pace.
What you will study
- Your core dance class will focus on the foundations of contemporary dance technique, release and floor work.
- Alongside this you will be set individual targets in strength, flexibility, stamina and fitness, which you will be encouraged to practice in your own time.
- You will develop your solo and group performance skills, building confidence to both perform and take part in the creative process of dance making for various performances throughout the year.
What is Contemporary Dance Technique?
Your contemporary dance technique class rigorously works your precision and musicality through rhythmic and lyrical exercises. We focus on the articulation of limbs with the contraction, release, curve and spiral of the spine.
You will work on posture and skeletal alignment, the use of your breath with movement, and will practice building dynamic shifting and travelling ability both standing and on the floor.
Technique exercises will work your strength and agility to increase dynamic movement, and improve travelling and jumping facility.
There have been many contemporary dance techniques which have evolved over the last hundred years since the movement began. You will learn contemporary dance history as part of your programme of workshops and build awareness of the vast legacy underpinning the art form.
What is Release?
Release is about finding the balance between holding tension in muscles and learning to release that tension to create an exciting and dynamic movement quality.
You will gain a deeper understanding of how to use the body with the forces of gravity and momentum, facilitating, quick, dynamic and fluid movement sequences.
Students will practice floor work, learning to fall, recover and move safely in, out and across the floor. All students will be encouraged to find ways of adapting movement to suit their own body.
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Why choose us?
The Junior Conservatoire of Dance is Scotland’s national centre of excellent for training aspiring dancers to progress towards full-time, vocational study at higher education level.
- Learn within Scotland’s national conservatoire, recognised as one of the world’s top ten performing arts education institutions.
- Train on specifically-designed courses for students working towards full-time vocational training in dance
- Use bespoke, purpose-built dance facilities at Wallace Studios, Speirs Locks
- Develop your performance skills alongside your technique
- Learn in small class sizes, ensuring you receive detailed one-to-one and group ensemble teaching
- Receive regular feedback reports throughout the year to ensure you are getting the most out of the programme
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Teaching staff
Our staff include teachers who have a wealth of experience from working as professional dancers within the industry.
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Entry requirements
Entry to the Junior Conservatoire of Dance is by audition only, and progression through the levels is not automatic — students will be assessed each year if they would like to continue with their studies.
Whilst the Contemporary Dance programme does not ask for formal entry requirements, we expect applicants to have a strong passion for dance, aptitude and an ambition to become the most diverse, creative dancer they can be.
If you are unsure if you are at the right level to apply for the Junior Conservatoire Contemporary Dance programme, please contact us at juniorsdance@rcs.ac.uk and we will be happy to speak to you in more detail.
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Auditions
The audition process
We want your audition to be an enjoyable experience and encourage you to take this opportunity to find out more about the Junior Conservatoire.
Your audition is a group contemporary dance class in front of a panel of RCS lecturers and specialist teachers.
The audition class
You will take part in a group class with a panel of tutors observing. For the audition, we recommend you arrive 30 minutes in advance of the start time to ensure you have adequate time to warm up and wear dance practice clothing.
We aim to inform all applicants of our decision within three weeks of the audition.
Above all, remember the panel wants to see you do well and we look forward to meeting you.
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How to apply
We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to apply for the Junior Conservatoire Contemporary Dance programme and everyone who applies on time will receive an audition.
When to apply
Application for entry to the Junior Conservatoire Contemporary Dance programme in August 2024 will open in November 2023.
All applications should be completed online and there is an audition fee of £45. If you need financial support to pay for the audition fee please contact us at juniorsdance@rcs.ac.uk
Audition dates
All auditions for the Junior Conservatoire Contemporary Dance programme will be held on 18 May 2024.
Question?
If you have any questions about the Junior Conservatoire or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at juniorsdance@rcs.ac.uk
