Professional and Commercial Dance [Shockout Arts, Manchester]

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

On the FdA Professional and Commercial Dance, you'll have the opportunity to gain core skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary and commercial dance, and develop the knowledge and practical experience needed for employment in a variety of exciting and demanding professions in the performing arts industry.

Delivered by Shockout Arts, our 2-year FdA Professional and Commercial Dance course supports you in acquiring and developing essential technical, artistic and theoretical competence through professional training to an intermediate/level 5 standard. If you're an aspiring dance artist, completing this 2-year foundation degree provides the platform to either begin your professional career or undertake a final year at the advanced level to gain a level 6 qualification. If you wish to continue your training at the level 6 BA (Hons) level with Shockout Arts, your application will be considered through assessment and interview.

You'll be based at Shockout Arts in Manchester, studying and training in their purpose-built, high-specification dance studios that are equal to professional industry standards. Alongside your intensive practical dance training, you'll have regular performance opportunities to help you develop a diverse range of performance and production skills.

In addition to exploring the core techniques, you'll be encouraged to build your skills in acting and singing, ready to take advantage of employment opportunities in musical theatre performance. You'll also be guided to develop a knowledge and understanding of the historical, cultural, societal and political factors that influence UK and international dance practice.

The teaching staff at Shockout Arts are professional practitioners and choreographers. They are keen to make your time with them as stimulating and rewarding as possible and enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being approachable and interested in your progress. As teaching often occurs in small groups, you can access individual support and guidance at every stage.

For full details about Shockout Arts, their open days and accommodation, please visit www.weareshockout.com/.

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The University of Greater Manchester puts your needs first, offering a supportive and positive environment so you can achieve your chosen goals. They're all about small class sizes that allow them to know their students by name, courses designed in consultation with industry experts and continued multi-million-pound investment in facilities.

Highlights include:

Bolton One – their £31 million health and sports centre with a modern gym, 15m climbing wall, 25m swimming pool and a competition-level trampoline

National Centre for Motorsports Engineering (NCME) - the only centre in the UK of its kind, staffed by an incredibly experienced team dedicated to preparing students for employment.

School of the Arts – including photography studios, darkrooms, 2D and 3D art workshops and a fully operating theatre.

With their student-focused university approach, the University of Greater Manchester will support your ambitions and ensure you get to enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.