Master of Dance (Performance) (by Research)

Overview

The Master of Dance(Performance)(by Research) gives students the opportunity to further extend their performance skills.

Description

Dance Performance is the major focus of the undergraduate program in VCA Dance. A logical extension of the undergraduate program is the provision of opportunities for research in dance performance at the postgraduate level. Research in Dance will:

• enhance knowledge of dance as a performing art and establish foundations for future research and advancement of the discipline;
• provide opportunities for dancers to re-enter the academy at an appropriate level after considerable experience as professional performers;
• encourage elite performers to undertake research in collaboration with experienced choreographers in the systematic investigation of choreography and dance;
• provide a foundation for mature dancers to undertake leadership roles in future dance education and training.

Course structure
An advanced level research project which covers the whole course.

The research will consist of the following components:

• a 2,500 word research proposal outlining the objectives and methodology;
• directed study courses or secondments arranged in liaison with the course supervisor which provide theoretical and/or practical support for the major research project;
• students with limited research background will be required to undertake appropriate preliminary training in research methodologies;
• contribution to postgraduate seminars through regular reports on research progress;
• the research findings will be submitted via practical performance demonstrations supported and complemented by appropriate documentation and a research paper of 15,000 words.

Subject description

• research is expected to encompass both practical exploration and historical/theoretical investigative methodologies;
• the research requires that the candidate undertake a detailed study of a body of performance work. This may consist of dances from the modern or classical or contemporary repertoire or be part of a postgraduate research project initiated by a choreographer. By agreement with a professional dance company it may also be undertaken via a period of residency, or secondment, or professional employment, provided the requirements of the candidacy are met in all other regards;
• a 15,000 word research paper. (Alternative proposals from independent dancer-choreographers will be considered.)

Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

• to provide opportunities for candidates to extend their knowledge, competence and understanding in the theory and practice of dance as an art form;
• to promote research into the relationship in contemporary dance forms between the dancer (as interpreter) and the choreographer (as composer);
• to assist in the development of appropriate skills in alternative modes of representation, documentation and analysis, especially in the use of new technologies and new forms of publication;
• to cultivate independent thinking in respect to the relationship between the candidates professional expertise and contemporary life and culture.

Prerequisites

Applicants are required to have a three year degree, or equivalent, in the study of dance OR equivalent documented professional dance experience of at least 5 years.

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews for each short-listed applicant and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Generic Skills

At the completion of the course, students should be able to:

• initiate dance research projects and to formulate viable research questions;
• demonstrate an ability to design, conduct, report and make presentations of independent and original research on a closely defined project;
• demonstrate an ability to manage time so as to maximize the quality of research;
• exhibit an understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area, and the capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature;
• develop appropriate strategies for problem solving and demonstrate an effective and flexible approach;
• cooperate with other researchers;
• manage information effectively including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the field of study;
• exhibit a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity and for the ethics of professional creative practice.

The degree of Master of Dance has as its central focus the training of highly skilled performers as researchers and potential contributors to advancement of the field. While the principal study and other performance related subjects make up the largest component of the overall program, the documentation and analysis of the ongoing research is regarded as equally important and students will be encouraged to explore a range of possibilities.

Student Commitment

During the preparation of the 2,500 word course proposal, candidates will receive tutorial assistance from the course coordinator and/or supervisor. At this stage the parameters and scope of the research project will be agreed upon between the candidate and the supervisor. Students will receive regular individual supervision throughout the period of their research, and will be required to make regular reports on the progress of their project. They will also be required to attend a formal interview to discuss the progress of their research with their course coordinator and/or supervisor at the end of each semester. Records of these discussions will be kept.

Assessment

The assessment of the Master of Dance will comprise: Performance work(s) studied (60%); Research paper of 15,000 or equivalent as approved by the course assessment committee (40%).

Students must submit three (3) copies of the research paper plus three (3) videotape copies of the performance work(s) for examination in accordance with Statute 12.5.1, within the period of candidature. The initial submission for examination should be in unbound form; once examination is complete and corrections have been made, two copies of the research paper and all accompanying documentation (eg. Video tapes, CD ROM) must be submitted before the result is finalised. The copies are for the Library.

Assessment will be by two (2) examiners, at least one of whom will be external. One of the assessors will have academic experience. The Chairman of Examiners can request a candidate attend for a Viva Voce before the Assessment Committee. The research paper must be submitted within 8 weeks of completion of the performance folio.

Course Progression Guidelines

The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is four semesters full-time.

Student progress is monitored by the candidate’s supervisors who are required to report in writing any lack of satisfactory progress to the candidate and to the Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies. Where satisfactory progress has not been maintained, a candidate shall be given the opportunity to present and explain the reasons for this.

Qualification for Award

The award of the Master of Dance requires successful completion of all parts of the assessment requirement.