Bachelor’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy

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

Overview

The Bachelor’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy at HAMU is a three-year, full-time course taught in English, designed to prepare students for professional careers as dance educators, methodologists, and movement specialists. The programme combines intensive practical training, pedagogical methodology, theoretical study, and historical insight. Students choose one of three specialisations: Methods of Classical Ballet Technique, Methods of Modern and Contemporary Dance, or Methods of Folk Dance.

Throughout the programme, students develop practical teaching skills in their chosen specialisation, deepen their understanding of dance history and theory, and gain a broad foundation in other dance forms, ensuring well-rounded professional preparation. Graduates are equipped to teach, design curricula, and contribute to the development of dance education across diverse institutional, cultural, and community contexts.

Programme Goals

The programme aims to cultivate dance educators who combine technical mastery, methodological understanding, and reflective practice. Core objectives include:

• Specialised expertise: Developing deep technical and methodological knowledge in the chosen specialisation for teaching across age groups and skill levels.

• Pedagogical competence: Training in lesson planning, didactic strategies, class management, and assessment of student progress.

• Movement literacy: Enhancing technical, anatomical, and expressive knowledge to support safe and effective teaching.

• Theoretical and historical insight: Providing context in dance history, cultural developments, and evolving pedagogical trends.

• Professional readiness: Preparing graduates for leadership and innovation in studios, schools, conservatories, community projects, and cultural institutions.

Graduates emerge as reflective, versatile, and innovative practitioners ready to contribute to the evolving field of dance pedagogy.

Curriculum Structure

The programme spans six semesters over three years, combining practical, pedagogical, and theoretical components:

• Specialisation choice: Students select one of three pathways—Classical Ballet, Modern and Contemporary Dance, or Folk Dance—focusing on technical mastery and teaching methodology.

• Practical training: Intensive classes develop technique and artistic expression while encouraging cross-disciplinary exposure to other dance styles.

• Pedagogical modules: Students study methodology, didactics, anatomy, psychology of learning, and educational management in dance.

• Theoretical study: Courses in dance history, cultural studies, and research methods contextualise practice within broader artistic and societal frameworks.

• Professional practice: Supervised teaching exercises in studios, schools, and community settings allow students to apply methodological knowledge and receive mentor feedback.

• Final project: Each student completes a capstone portfolio or pedagogical project demonstrating teaching competence, methodological insight, and professional readiness.

The programme balances practical teaching experience, theoretical study, and methodological reflection to produce graduates capable of operating independently as dance educators and pedagogical innovators.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Dance Pedagogy demonstrate:

• Specialist pedagogical skills: Ability to teach modern, contemporary, classical, or folk dance techniques effectively across levels and age groups.

• Methodological thinking: Competence in structuring classes, adapting teaching methods, and assessing student progress.

• Movement expertise: Advanced technical skill, anatomical awareness, and expressive capacity suitable for education and performance.

• Historical and cultural awareness: Understanding the evolution of dance techniques and pedagogy to inform teaching practice.

• Professional adaptability: Prepared to lead studios, coordinate workshops, conduct community programmes, and contribute to educational and cultural institutions.

• Reflective practice: Ability to evaluate and develop teaching methodology, articulate pedagogical vision, and engage in lifelong learning.

Graduates are equipped for roles as dance teachers, pedagogical methodologists, choreographic assistants, studio managers, and community dance leaders, as well as for further study at the master’s level.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU offers a unique environment for aspiring dance educators:

• Specialised focus with breadth: Students gain in-depth expertise in one of three specialisations while receiving exposure to complementary dance forms.

• Integrated practical and theoretical training: The curriculum balances teaching methodology, movement practice, and historical/theoretical studies.

• Cultural and international environment: Taught in English with an international student body, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

• Professional networking: Prague’s vibrant dance scene provides access to studios, theatres, festivals, and cultural institutions.

• Individualised mentorship: Small groups ensure personalised guidance in technical, pedagogical, and creative development.

• Career preparation: Graduates are ready to teach, lead, and innovate in diverse educational and cultural contexts.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate technical skill, pedagogical interest, and motivation for a career in dance education:

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent.

• Demonstrated proficiency in dance technique appropriate to the chosen specialisation.

• Evidence of interest in teaching or prior pedagogical experience (workshops, assisting, community projects).

• Submission of a CV, motivation letter, and video showcasing dance performance or teaching demonstration.

• Entrance examination including practical tests in technique and teaching, as well as an interview assessing pedagogical aptitude and cultural knowledge.

• Proficiency in English.

Admissions are competitive, and places are limited to ensure quality mentorship and hands-on training.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of professional opportunities:

• Dance educators in studios, conservatories, schools, and universities.

• Methodologists and curriculum designers in educational institutions and cultural organisations.

• Ballet masters, choreographic assistants, or rehearsal coaches in professional companies.

• Workshop leaders, community dance educators, and inclusive dance facilitators.

• Studio managers or coordinators for educational and artistic projects.

• Eligible for master’s studies in dance pedagogy, performance, choreography, or related research fields.

Graduates combine practical expertise, pedagogical skill, and reflective practice, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of dance education and culture.

Conclusion

The Bachelor’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy at HAMU provides an intensive, professional, and methodologically grounded education for aspiring dance educators. Through a choice of specialisations in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance, or folk dance, combined with pedagogical, theoretical, and practical training, students graduate ready to teach, innovate, and lead in diverse educational and artistic contexts. With its international environment, cultural setting in Prague, and focus on professional preparation, the programme equips graduates with the skills and vision to become leaders in 21st-century dance pedagogy.