Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy

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

Overview

The Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy at HAMU is a three-year, full-time course taught in English, designed for graduates seeking advanced professional and methodological expertise in dance education. The programme allows students to specialise in one of three pathways: Methods of Classical Ballet Technique, Methods of Modern and Contemporary Dance, or Methods of Folk Dance.

Building on prior dance training, the programme combines intensive practical teaching, methodological study, research, and theoretical reflection. Students refine technical mastery, develop pedagogical strategies, and explore innovative approaches to teaching dance. Graduates gain the skills to design curricula, lead classes and workshops, and contribute to educational and cultural institutions while fostering creative and inclusive learning environments.

Programme Goals

The Master’s programme aims to form advanced dance pedagogues capable of leadership, methodological innovation, and reflective practice. Core objectives include:

• Specialised mastery: Deepening technical and pedagogical expertise in the chosen specialisation (Classical Ballet, Modern & Contemporary Dance, or Folk Dance).

• Advanced methodological competence: Training in curriculum design, lesson planning, adaptive teaching strategies, and assessment.

• Reflective practice: Developing critical evaluation of teaching methods and creative problem-solving within educational settings.

• Research and theory integration: Applying historical, cultural, and theoretical knowledge to teaching and curriculum development.

• Professional readiness: Preparing graduates for leadership roles in studios, conservatories, community programmes, and cultural institutions, and for contribution to the development of dance pedagogy as a discipline.

Graduates emerge as reflective, skilled, and innovative educators, equipped to adapt their practice across diverse audiences, institutions, and cultural contexts.

Curriculum Structure

The three-year curriculum combines practical teaching, theoretical study, and research:

• Specialisation choice: Students focus on one of three pathways, gaining in-depth technical and pedagogical knowledge while maintaining exposure to complementary dance forms.

• Practical and pedagogical training: Intensive courses develop advanced technical skill and teaching methodology, complemented by supervised teaching experience in studios, schools, or community settings.

• Theoretical modules: Coursework in dance history, pedagogy, methodology, anatomy, psychology of learning, and research methods contextualises practice within broader cultural and academic frameworks.

• Research and innovation: Each student completes a master’s thesis or pedagogical project, demonstrating professional competence, reflective practice, and methodological innovation.

• Mentorship and individualisation: Small-group instruction ensures personalised guidance, continuous feedback, and development of an individual pedagogical and artistic voice.

This combination of practice, theory, and research ensures graduates are capable of leading, innovating, and reflecting within professional dance education.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Master’s in Dance Pedagogy demonstrate:

• Expert teaching competence: Ability to lead classes in Classical Ballet, Modern & Contemporary, or Folk Dance across levels and age groups.

• Advanced methodological skills: Capacity to design curricula, adapt lessons, assess student progress, and integrate research into pedagogy.

• Movement expertise: Technical proficiency, anatomical awareness, and expressive skill to support effective and safe teaching.

• Critical and historical awareness: Understanding the evolution of dance techniques and pedagogical methods within cultural and historical contexts.

• Leadership and collaboration: Preparedness to lead studios, workshops, and educational programmes, and to coordinate teams in institutional or community settings.

• Innovation and research orientation: Ability to develop new teaching methodologies, pedagogical projects, or curricula informed by research and reflective practice.

Graduates are prepared for professional leadership, research, and continued study in dance education and pedagogy.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU offers a distinctive environment for advanced dance pedagogy:

• Specialised yet broad education: Students gain in-depth expertise in their chosen specialisation while maintaining exposure to complementary dance techniques and pedagogical approaches.

• Integrated practice and theory: The curriculum combines hands-on teaching experience, theoretical knowledge, and research to produce reflective, competent educators.

• Small-group mentorship: Intensive guidance ensures personalised support and development of individual pedagogical and artistic identity.

• Professional orientation: Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in studios, schools, community programmes, and cultural institutions.

• International environment: Taught in English with multicultural cohorts, preparing graduates for global professional practice.

• Cultural setting: Prague provides access to studios, theatres, festivals, and professional networks that enhance both practice and career development.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate prior professional or pedagogical experience and technical competence:

• Completion of a relevant Bachelor’s degree in dance, dance pedagogy, or related fields.

• Evidence of experience or aptitude in teaching, choreography, or professional dance practice.

• Submission of a CV, motivation letter, and documentation of prior pedagogical or performance work.

• Entrance examination including technical assessment, teaching demonstration, and an interview evaluating pedagogical orientation, reflective capacity, and professional goals.

• Proficiency in English.

Admissions are selective, prioritising both technical skill and pedagogical potential.

Career Prospects

Graduates are equipped for a wide range of professional opportunities:

• Specialist dance teachers in Classical Ballet, Modern & Contemporary, or Folk Dance.

• Curriculum designers, methodologists, and educational programme leaders.

• Workshop leaders and community dance educators.

• Studio managers, coordinators, and leaders in cultural institutions.

• Researcher or academic roles in dance pedagogy or related disciplines.

• Eligibility for doctoral studies in dance education, choreography, performance, or movement research.

Graduates combine technical proficiency, pedagogical expertise, and reflective practice, positioning them to lead and innovate in professional dance education at national and international levels.

Conclusion

The Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy at HAMU provides advanced professional, methodological, and research-based training for future leaders in dance education. Through specialisation in Classical Ballet, Modern & Contemporary Dance, or Folk Dance, complemented by pedagogical theory, research, and reflective practice, graduates are prepared to teach, lead, and innovate across diverse educational and cultural contexts. With personalised mentorship, international orientation, and Prague’s vibrant cultural scene, the programme equips graduates with the skills and vision to shape the future of dance pedagogy globally.