Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre

Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre

Dance Department, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (HAMU)

Overview

The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre offers an advanced platform for artists and researchers who wish to explore the relationship between movement, performance, pedagogy, and theory. It combines artistic creation and academic research, allowing candidates to develop an original project that contributes to the evolving discourse of dance and nonverbal performance. Conducted in English, the programme is tailored for those who seek to merge choreographic, pedagogical, and theoretical inquiry at the highest academic level.

Programme Goals

The main objective is to nurture reflective artist-scholars capable of advancing the art of dance and nonverbal theatre through innovative research and creation. The programme encourages:

• Integration of art and research: Combining creative practice with critical reflection.

• Interdisciplinary and methodological depth: Engaging with areas such as choreography, pedagogy, movement theory, somatics, and nonverbal communication.

• Artistic innovation: Developing new forms of movement theatre and dance that respond to contemporary social, cultural, and technological contexts.

• Professional leadership: Preparing graduates to lead educational and artistic institutions, projects, and research teams.

Graduates emerge as creative leaders with a deep understanding of the body as a medium for expression, research, and education.

Curriculum Structure

The programme is typically three years long and is divided into artistic, theoretical, and professional components:

• Doctoral Project: Students design and realise a substantial artistic-research project—such as a choreography, pedagogical experiment, or performance research—accompanied by written documentation or a dissertation.

• Research and Methodology: Core seminars introduce research design, movement analysis, artistic research, and theory of performance.

• Pedagogical Practice: Candidates engage in teaching, workshop leadership, or curriculum development within the academy’s dance programmes.

• Dissertation and Defence: The final requirement includes a public presentation or performance, a written thesis, and a defence before an expert committee.

• International Experience: Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, residencies, or collaborations abroad to develop a global network and broaden research perspectives.

This combination ensures a balanced development of artistic, academic, and pedagogical competencies.

Graduate Profile

Graduates are versatile professionals able to combine theory and practice in creative, educational, and research contexts. They are:

• Artist-researchers, creating and analysing performance through both embodied and theoretical approaches.

• Scholars and teachers, capable of publishing, presenting, and educating future generations of artists.

• Interdisciplinary innovators, exploring connections between movement, theatre, media, and technology.

• Leaders and facilitators, developing cultural projects, research teams, or pedagogical initiatives.

Their skill set includes artistic direction, movement analysis, research methodology, academic writing, and teaching excellence—making them highly employable in both academic and artistic institutions.

Why HAMU?

HAMU’s Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre stands out for its unique combination of creative and research-based study.

• Prestigious context: HAMU is one of Europe’s leading performing arts institutions with strong connections across disciplines.

• Artistic and theoretical integration: The programme supports original creation as a legitimate research method.

• Interdisciplinary focus: Students can collaborate with experts in music, theatre, film, and new media.

• Individual mentorship: Each doctoral candidate works closely with a supervisor and an artistic consultant.

• Vibrant cultural environment: Prague offers a rich artistic landscape, from traditional ballet to cutting-edge movement theatre.

HAMU provides the intellectual freedom and artistic infrastructure necessary for ambitious, independent research in dance and nonverbal performance.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in dance, choreography, movement theatre, pedagogy, or a related discipline. The admission process includes:

• Submission of a doctoral project proposal outlining artistic and theoretical goals, methodology, and planned outputs.

• A portfolio or documentation of previous artistic and academic work.

• An interview and presentation, where the applicant discusses their project and demonstrates readiness for doctoral-level research.

• Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level).

Selection is competitive, and emphasis is placed on originality, research potential, and the feasibility of the proposed project.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are equipped to work as:

• Choreographers, directors, or performers integrating artistic and research approaches.

• University lecturers or researchers in dance, nonverbal theatre, or movement studies.

• Pedagogues and methodologists in dance education, somatic practices, or physical theatre.

• Cultural leaders or project managers, coordinating artistic or academic initiatives.

• Independent creators, developing interdisciplinary artistic-research projects across Europe and beyond.

With a HAMU doctorate, graduates gain international recognition and access to an extensive professional network within performing arts and academia.

Conclusion

The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre at HAMU is designed for artists and educators ready to expand their creative practice through rigorous research. It supports original artistic expression, critical thinking, and pedagogical innovation, offering a pathway to leadership in the international field of dance and movement theatre.

Through a dynamic balance of artistic work and academic reflection, students develop not only as performers and choreographers but as researchers and thinkers shaping the future of contemporary dance and nonverbal performance.