The Degree Programme in Dance is 180 credits. The three-year Bachelors Degree Programme in Dance Arts is comprised of dance technique and dance workshops, somatic methods, music, dance history, performance theory and theatre studies. Students primarily study contemporary dance. The various forms of improvisation and composition are a key part of studies. Choreography workshops and improvisation sessions provide a platform from which to discover and develop one`s own movements as part of independent study. The large study module is comprised of performances and the processes leading to them.

In addition to compulsory studies common to all degree programmes, during the three-year programme students select 14 credits in optional studies, including study periods in work as a dancer, choreography, pedagogy and performance theory   In the spring term of the third year the student will complete their own project, which can focus on work as a dancer, choreography or another artistic endeavour in accordance with themes from the student`s optional studies. The Bachelor`s Degree thesis is a portfolio worth 6 credits.

BA Credits

First year

Dance studies begin with courses in somatic methods and improvisation. Then the focus shifts to modern dance and ballet exercises. Dance workshops familiarise the student with creative movement, experiential movement, improvisation, composition and the analysis of movement. The analysis course ends with demonstration performances of the students` own solo choreography. The goal of the spring term Dance Work 1 is to familiarise students with technical dance and expression challenges posed by the tradition of "kinetic composition". During the first year, students participate in Fundamentals of Performance studies, which is jointly offered for several degree programmes, and begin studies in dance history, pedagogy, speech and voice. The student reflects on what they have learned by keeping a learning journal as well as writing course reports and assignments. The student will complete optional courses in working as a dancer or choreography for at least 4 credits.

Second year

In the second year of studies the theme is to integrate performance, creative and various choreographic capabilities into technical dance skills for further development.   Studies include a wide range of different dance and movement techniques. Dance Work 2 and 3 challenge the student to be creative in various choreographic processes using, for example, improvisation, music and dance scores. The student will deepen their knowledge of the dance arts with

studies in dance and music history as well as performance analysis. The fundamentals of acting are studied in theatre courses, which end with a demonstration performance. Workshops in the role of light and sound are held together with lighting and sound design students. The student will continue keeping their learning journal and write an essay on their work analysis. The student will complete optional courses in working as a dancer, choreography or pedagogy for at least 4 credits.

Third year

The theme for the third year of study is a diverse professional description of work as a dance artist in the field of dance as well as the role of the dance arts in culture and society.  Autumn studies in working as a dancer are geared toward a performance in co-operation with Masters students in choreography. The relationship of dance with culture and society is examined through, for example, local arts, art philosophy, workplace structures and the professional description of a dancer. In workshops students are introduced to professional choreographers working in the field of dance arts and their methods. In the spring term of the third year the student will complete their own project, which can focus on work as a dancer, choreography or another artistic endeavour in accordance with themes from the student`s optional studies. The student will complete optional courses in working as a dancer, choreography or pedagogy for at least 4 credits. The Bachelor`s thesis is a portfolio reflecting the studies worth 6 credits.

STUDIES COMMON TO ALL DEGREE PROGRAMMES, 10-XX00, 17 cr

Study and Professional Information, 10-XXC00, 6 cr

Orientation, 10-XXC01, 2 cr
Orientation into the profession, 10-XXC02, 1 cr
Personal guidance, 1, 10-TXC01, 2, 10-TXC02, 3, 10-TXC03, 3 (1+1+1) cr

Skill objectives:
In discussions with the course director, the student can reflect on their studies, submit the learning journal for perusal and draft a personal study plan (IEP), which is re-evaluated every year.

Keeping a learning journal allows the student to actively develop insights on the subjects they are studying and work done as well as assess their own learning. They will gain an overview of the subjects being studied and understand what their studies mean to themselves and their future.

Language and Communication Studies, 05-XXA000, 11 cr

EAPS 1: English for Academic & Professional Skills: Reading, Writing & Spoken Communication, XXA16, 3 cr

0 course (TVT)
TVT 1 – IT basics, 05-XXB01, 1 cr

TVT 2 – IT in presentations, 05-XXB02,  1 cr

TVT 3 – Information acquisition, assessment and use, 05-XXB03, 1 cr

DANCE AND CULTURE, 10-TAA00, 25 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will learn the fundamental key concepts of dance art, art and performance. They will understand themselves as an artist in relation to the broader discourses concerning the field of art and humanity as well as dance art within a cultural frame of reference.

Fundamentals of performance studies, 10-XXD01, 3 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will learn the key concepts of performance studies and how to ask questions, such as: What are performance studies, performance, ritual, play, performativity, performing, performance processes and global and intercultural performances. The student understands how to use performance studies to creatively examine different phenomena in life and issues related to performing. In practical exercises the student learns to work in joint artistic processes with students from other degree programmes.

History of dance, 10-TAA001, 7 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will have a basic knowledge of the evolution of Western dance art and be familiar with important dance performances and literature in the field. They will learn about the directions, artistic goals, performance practices and development of dance professions of dance art in a cultural historical context. The student will know the periods and works of Finnish dance and understand the operative structures of dance art.

History and composition of music, 10-TAA002, 4 cr

Teaching contemporary dance, 10-TAA003, 2 cr

 Skill objectives:
The student will be able to demonstrate their skills in planning, organising, developing and teaching contemporary dance exercises. They will be able demonstrate their knowledge of anatomic and kineasthetic movement principles in exercise planning and teaching. They will be able to recognise learning and various learning methods as well as know how to give constructive feedback, thus adopting good teaching practices.

Performance analysis, 10-TAA004, 3 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will learn practical methods for the analysis of dance performances and how to examine works from a cultural persepctive. They will be able to write a multifaceted, analytical essay on a selected work at the end of the course. The student will know how to constructively contribute to discussions on dance art and works, and be able to apply their analytical skills in their own work.

Introduction to the philosophy of art, 10-XXD02, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
Upon completion of the study period, the student will understand basic issues of art and the philosophy of art regarding the nature and meaning of art as well as the impact, expression and form of a work of art.

Performing arts related to dance, 10-TAA005, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will learn about the history, goals and practices of a form of art that is closely related to dance (such as performance art, contemporary theatre, etc.) and be able to identify the body-based and practical strategies typical of these.

The role of dance artist in society, 10-TAA006, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will gain an understanding of art from a sociological standpoint. They will know the structures and functions of the art world and be familiar with key themes in dance research. Through these, the student will be able to contribute to discussions on art, the dance profession and the role of artist in society.

DANCE TECHNIQUES AND SOMATIC WORK, 10-TAB00, 61 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will be able to use their body skilfully with a wide range of expression through somatic integration. They will be able to meet the challenges of contemporary dance with solid, creative skills in dance technique. They will understand the anatomical and physiological principles of movement and be able to apply these skills in the functional use of their body. They will understand the cultural frames of reference of movement techniques and possess skills in kineasthetic articulation using different artistic approaches. They will gain an understanding of practicing movement techniques in relation to bodily existence and studying the meaning of movement in an artistic context.

Dance and movement techniques 1–6, 10-TAC000, 40 cr

Dance and movement techniques 1–6, 10-TAC001–10-TAC006, annual credits shown in the table.

Skill objectives:
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of movement in relation to the movement technique being taught. The student will be able to use their body skilfully with a wide range of expression through comprehensive bodily integration.

The student will be able to demonstrate their progress in the following areas:

• body alignment in movement
• interaction between breathing and movement

• articulated and dynamic use of weight in movement
• interaction between body centres of gravity and extremities in movement
• conscious movement directing
• precision of movement initiation and kineasthetic articulation
• movement phrasing, linking and fluidity
• analysing the body and its kinesphere
• diversity and risk-taking ability in movement.

The student will be able to demonstrate spatial orientation in relation to the personal kinesphere, other dancers and the dance space. They will also demonstrate a multifaceted understanding of movement temporality and its artistic potential.  They will have developed in the analysis, learning and remembering of dynamics and qualities in movement and music as well as movement combinations. They will have a command of duet work basics in the areas of distributed weight, kinetic impulse, shared movement space and interaction, and understand the potential of this kind of interaction for dancers.

By practicing dance techniques, they will know how to apply the skills learned in various work and performance situations, and put these experiences toward practicing dance techniques.

Studies include contemporary dance techniques, contact improvisation, duet work, acrobatics, jazz dance and urban dance cultures in accordance with the yearly curriculum.

BALLET, 10-TAD000, 12 cr

Ballet 1–3, 10-TAD0001–10-TAD003

annual credits shown in the table

Skill objectives:
The student will be able to demonstrate a bodily understanding of the principles of movement in relation to the ballet movement technique and its changing tradition. They will gradually fulfil the dance and bodily requirements of ballet and understand the potential of ballet technique as a skill in contemporary dance. They will have developed in the analysis, learning and remembering of dynamics and qualities in movement and music as well as movement combinations, and gained a familiarity with elements of virtuosity in technique.
           
The student will be able to demonstrate their progress in the following areas:

• understanding and bodily intergation of the fundamentals of ballet technique in dance
• dance element articulation, dynamics, isolation and movement linking, direction and gaze
• command of ballet movement vocabulary and movement qualities
• adopting a new movement vocabulary and its resulting complexity

SOMATIC METHODS, 10-TAE000, 9 cr

Somatic methods 1–3, 10-TAE001–10-TAE003, 3 cr/year

Skill objectives:
They will understand the anatomical and physiological principles of movement and be able to apply these skills in the functional use of their body. They have exercised the experientiality of movement using somatic methods: perceptiveness, skills in awareness, bodily articulation and an understanding of the significance and intersubjectiveness implicit in the movement.

The student will be able to demonstrate their progress in the following areas:

• body alignment in movement
• interaction between breathing and movement
• awareness of their own body`s structure and developmental human movement models
• recognising one`s own movement models: awareness of how one reacts to impulses and how to use oneself in movements
• articulated and dynamic use of weight in movement
• interaction between body centres of gravity and extremities in movement
• analysing the body and its kinesphere
• diversity and risk-taking ability in movement.
  

DANCE THEME STUDIES – workshops and dance performances, 10-TAF00, 52 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will be unique, creative and open-minded in their approach to dance. They will be able to work in groups in an open, interactive and mutually respectful manner in creative processes.

The student will develop their movement creativity and practice their choreographic skills. They will become acquainted with the various aspects of theatrical expression as well as the fundamentals of lighting and sound design. They will be able to convey the meanings of dance performances and be a multifaceted performer.

In completing their dance theme studies they will understand the cultural frames of reference of dance and possess skills in movement articulation using different artistic approaches. They will gain an understanding of practicing dance in relation to existence and studying the meaning of movement in an artistic context.

Workshops, 10-TAG000

Improvisation and composition, 10-TAG001, 6 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will see body and movement as the source of improvisation and choreography. They will use their kineasthetic creativity as the foundation of their dance art. They will see movement as a life phenomenon and know how to process movement occurring in a personal and cultural frame of reference in improvisation and the choreographic process. They

will be able to participate openly and creatively in a group work process, capable of creative interaction and reflection in practical work.

The student understands the basic elements of composition. They are able to:

• work with dance ideas, movement motives
• produce, investigate and process the formation of movement language
• process the temporal and spatial relationships of movement and understand their artistic potential.

Movement analysis and solo demonstration, 10-TAG002, 3 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will know how to perceive, discover and use the structural, dynamic and qualitative elements of movement creatively and with versatility. The student will produce a small solo performance based on these studies.

Theatre work and demonstration, 10-TAG003, 3 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will gain a familiarity with the main elements of theatre arts as well as contemporary theatre work approaches and their frames of reference. The student will expand their performance skills to include theatrical work. The student will gain a familiarity with the fundamentals of acting and knowledge of devised theatre methods. They will work creatively and co-operatively in work group processes and have an understanding of dramaturgical and dramatic devices in making a performance.

Speech, 10-TAG004, 1 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will expand their performance skills to include the use of their voice. They will acquaint themselves with the fundamentals of voice use and speech expression as well as the importance and possibilities of using their voice when performing.

Voice and music, 10-TAG005, 3 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will expand their performance skills to include voice, vocal improvisation, music and rhythm. They will be able to recognise their own musicality and dare to work creatively with music and the use of voice.

Dance and lighting design, 10-TXV01, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will learn how to use the tools of lighting design and have a practical command of the fundamentals of lighting design. They will recognise lighting design as a form of art and be able to see the artistic potential of light in dance art. They will be able to work in co-operation with students of lighting design.

Dance and sound design, 10-TXV02, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will be familiar with the equipment used in sound design and have a practical command of sound design fundamentals. They will recognise sound design as a form of art and be able to see the artistic potential of light in dance art. They will be able to work in co-operation with students of sound design.

Introduction to contemporary choreography, 10-TAG006, 2 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will meet and network with many influential choreographers in the field. This will expand their perceptions regarding the various artist’s aspects and work methods in choreography.

DANCE PERFORMANCES, 10-TAH000

Dance Performance 1, 10-TAH001, 6 cr

Classification: C
Skill objectives:
Dance Performance 1 is held in the spring term of the first year. The student will tackle the technical and expressive challenges encountered in the post-modern movement composition tradition. They will gain an understanding of the artistic and stylistic aspects of this type of performance, and know how to assume their role in building meanings for the performance. They will learn how to work in a group professionally and responsibly. They will gain a spatial understanding of choreographic movement and their dynamic variation, time and duration as well as the relationship between music and dance.

Dance Performance 2, 10-TAH002, 6 cr

Classification: B
Skill objectives:
Improvisational dance performance is held during the autumn term of the second year. After this process, the student will know how to discover and recognise their kineasthetic potential as a source for dance and choreography. They will gain an understanding of the improvisation tradition`s artistic aspects and frame of reference. The student will be able to create and perform a piece, in which the challenge is to dance spontaneously within a choreographic framework, interacting with other performers.

Dance Performance 3, 10-TAH003, 6 cr

Dance Performance 4, 10-TAH004, 6 cr

Classification: B
Skill objectives:
In the autumn term of the third year a dance performance is made in co-operation with second-year Master`s programme choreography students as well as lighting and sound design, set design and costume design students. The goal of this co-operation is to bring people from the same generation together during their studies.

The student will gain an understanding of the various areas of dance performance and learn how to act professionally as a creative partner in a multidisciplinary project. They will know how to develop their own artistic work in the creative process, from the initial idea to the finished work and performance.

Artistic project, 10-TAH005, 6 cr

Classification: B or C/D
Skill objectives:
The work to be done in the spring of the third year might involve work as a dancer in a dance production, their own choreography/studio performance or another artistic project.

The student will demonstrate their independence and maturity as an artist in the project they choose. They will perceive their work in terms of knowledge and skill, and be able to articulate the artistic goals of the performance through their work. They will be able to examine their own approach and know how to evaluate the methods and end result of their own work. This written assessment forms an integral part of the diploma work portfolio (see below).

The student will present their plan and its justification for an art project at the beginning of the third year. The plan will be negotiated and then approved by the professor in charge or course director. Choreographies or other artistic projects produced by the students themselves are done in accordance with production classification C or D.

ELECTIVE STUDIES, 10-TAI00, 14 cr

Skill objectives:
In elective studies the student chooses their course of study according to their own goals, areas of interest and potential Master`s studies. These studies allow the student to deepen their skills as a performer, creative artist and dance professional. They will know how to reflect on their work also in writing.

During the three-year programme, the student must choose from among the institution`s annual course offering, forming a 14 credit block of studies over the three years.

Elective choreography studies, 10-TAI001

Skill objectives:
The student will gain an understanding of the different creative processes and demonstrate their imaginative and inventive abilities in solving choreographic problems. They will be familiar with the basic elements of composition, various choreographic methods and the use of choreography in different applications.

Elective dance studies, 10-TAI002

Skill objectives:
These studies will allow the student to deepen their expertise in dance technique and expression.  They will expand their experience in different dance styles, forms of expression and bodily practices.

Elective pedagogy studies, 10-TAI003

Skill objectives:
The student will have a general understanding of certain human and learning perceptions as well as learning styles, and be able to examine learning from an individual and social perspective in a variety of pedagogical situations.

Elective theory studies, 10-TAI004

Skill objectives:
The student will deepen their understanding of dance, art and performance theory as pertains to some key issues as well as familiarise themselves with current artistic and scientific research.

OTHER STUDIES AND DIPLOMA WORK, 10-TAJ00, 12 cr

Optional studies, 10-TAJ001, 5 cr

Skill objectives:
The student will acquaint themselves with topics that are closely related to their particular artistic personality, thus deepening their artistic knowledge and skills.

In addition to joint courses offered by one`s own university and other degree progammes, the student may also take optional studies at, for example, universities that have signed the JOO Agreement. In completing their optional studies, the student is personally responsible for negotiating with the professor or course director of their respective degree programme.

Diploma work, 10-TAK000, 6 cr

Skill objectives:
The Bachelor`s degree diploma work is comprised of the learning and personal portfolio and their presentation. Before the diploma work is accepted, the student must complete a maturity examination.

In the learning portfolio the student gives thought to and itemises the things they have learned, placing them within current contexts pertaining to the dance arts. This includes the following areas: an examination of learning based on the learning journal as well as reflection on the artistic project.

In the personal portfolio the student will present themselves in a digital format as a dance artist.

This will allow the student to

• identify their own learning attitudes and learning in different processes
• learn through reflection
• examine and assess their own development as a dance artist
• work independently and toward a goal
• use their working time effectively
• reflect on the artistic project frame of reference and artistic goals
• articulate the aspects and working methods of their projects
• critically examine the results of their work
• document their artistic work
• have skills in producing, editing and publishing digital materials
• present their work online