This degree is delivered and designed in partnership with internationally renowned, six-time world dance champions Angels Dance Academy (ADA). ADA is a proud Bristol-born dance academy and since its conception in the 1990s, ADA has competed both nationally and internationally, quickly becoming one of the UK's most famous dance academy. Today, ADA presents over 35 competitive teams, including an all male Hip Hop team and their flagship Dark Angels team with its own E4's docu-reality series 'Dark Angels'.
The intensive three-year BA (Hons) degree places practical performance and experimental projects at its core with opportunities to work as an ensemble and individual to create work for both stage and screen. As a Commercial Dance student, you will develop a range of performance skills led by dance lecturers, choreographers and the associate team from Angels Dance Academy. Our team of practising industry professionals will guide you through performance briefs, providing you with intrinsic technique and performer conditioning classes. Throughout the course, you will extend your knowledge of commercial dance styles and practices gaining first-hand experience in preparing and delivering performances, in a range of contexts. You will be encouraged to identify and develop your distinctive performance style and consider your place within the dance industry. Participating in live public performances and recorded screen projects is a vital feature of the course. Each year you will perform in multiple productions across our on-campus Olympus and Studio 22 theatres alongside touring venues and producing content for screen.
BIPA's practical training is supplemented with meaningful academic theory relevant to all areas of dance and performance. You will collaborate with others, follow independent lines of enquiry, and draw on the experiences of industry partners and your lecturers to develop your knowledge and abilities. With a delicate balance of assessments and content you will be supported to embark on a Dissertation or Practical Research Project, develop ideas relating to the context of dance over time, rehearse and perfect individual styles and critically engage in current debates within the industry.
This degree is for individuals who require an intensive training experience to prepare them for the competitive and fierce dance industry. We look for students with prior dance experience who can demonstrate a good level of physical fitness, dance technique and a strong ambition to progress as a dancer and practitioner. BIPA promotes encouragement and experimentation and champions a professional, collaborative and supportive training environment for all.
19+ Advanced Learner Loan - Helping you cover tuition fees. Students 19+ at the start of the course may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. These loans help you to pay the tuition fees. Most students aged 19 and over will qualify for these loans from the UK Government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £25,000. Please note, there is no maintenance element to the Advanced Learner Loan, therefore students would need to be able to cover personal, living and travel expenses and any associated additional costs.
Applications for September 2025 entry open on our website on Tuesday 3rd September 2024.
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MODULES
Year One / level 4
DA4002
Commercial Dance Technique
Versatility is a key attribute of the modern dancer. This module will extend your existing dance technique repertoire by exploring dance techniques specifically associated with the commercial dance industry. As strength and body conditioning is an integral aspect of a sustainable career in dance you will be supported to develop a safe and healthy approach to dance.
DA4003
Digital Dance Brief
This module aims to enhance your understanding of screen work, providing the underpinning knowledge of the differences experienced when performing for the screen. You will also contextualise your work through research into the historical discourse of the commercial dance industry.
DA4004
Commercial Performance Project
Commercial dancers are expected to perform on both stage and screen. This module aims to develop your stage work through a choreographed performance. You will explore different genres and their application over time, collaborating with peers on an end of year show.
MT4001
Dance Technique
This module aims to develop your dance technique in appropriate styles to enable you to perform in a variety of contexts Ballet, Jazz and Tap will be the core dance styles taught but other styles may be introduced as appropriate.
Year Two / level 5
DA5001
Advanced Technique
The aim of this module is to extend your dance technique and performance skills through specific dance classes and continuous rehearsal and repetition. A key aspect of this is the consolidation of appropriate dance vocabulary and terminology used within the dance industry. You will also continue to develop safe and professional working practices.
DA5002
Performance for Screen
This module aims to enhance your understanding of performance for screen and provide an opportunity to develop an awareness of branding, marketing and social media and how they can be used effectively to enhance your presence in an increasingly digital age.
DA5003
Collaborative Performance
Collaboration and group performance are critical aspects of the commercial dancer’s repertoire. This module aims to enhance your collaborative skills whilst contextualising your understanding of the historical discourse of commercial dance and the impact this has for future dance work. Consideration of audience and stylistic choice will underpin the module design.
MT5004
Workshop Leadership
This module aims to develop your understanding of how to apply a range of methodologies to your own workshop creation and develop additional resources to support the project aims. You will consider a range of related theory, leadership styles and influential thinkers which will facilitate a deeper understanding of the creative process of workshop design.
Year three / level 6
DA6001
Digital Choreography
Digital Choreography is an emerging field which brings together dance and visual arts to create innovative and immersive experiences for both the performer and the audience. This module aims to ensure you have experience of working with VR and Motion Capture software to enhance your choreography and performance work.
DA6002
Commercial Production and Performance
In this module you will be able to apply your dance technique to a major performance project. This will take the form of a full-scale production of a dance piece chosen by the tutor, either from established repertoire or a new composition. You will consider the demands and requirements made on a performer by the style, structure and context of the production.
MT6003
Professional Practitioner
Upon entering the industry you will find that actors, theatre makers and dancers are expected to have a working knowledge of the mechanics of creating, preparing and producing performances to tour. This module aims to prepare you for the role(s) you may be expected to fill in order to have a successful career as an independent practitioner. As well as choosing appropriate texts or performances, you will be expected to research and choose venues, market to a target audience, fundraise if necessary and liaise with venue contacts to produce and deliver a touring performance.
MT6004
Practical Research Project/ Dissertation
You will identify an area of practice, a practitioner or an equivalent negotiated aspect for research. This research is intended to be closely relevant to your own area of practice. You will, through negotiation with your dissertation supervisor, identify an appropriate topic of interest and undertake in depth research to produce either: 1. A formal written dissertation of 5,200 words. OR 2. An identified research project that would lead to a practical outcome (e.g. a performance) supported by a critical and evaluative text of 2,600 words. Both pieces will require a research proposal to be submitted in the first semester to help ensure the research design is appropriate and well researched.
Year One / level 4
DA4002
Commercial Dance Technique
Versatility is a key attribute of the modern dancer. This module will extend your existing dance technique repertoire by exploring dance techniques specifically associated with the commercial dance industry. As strength and body conditioning is an integral aspect of a sustainable career in dance you will be supported to develop a safe and healthy approach to dance.
DA4003
Digital Dance Brief
This module aims to enhance your understanding of screen work, providing the underpinning knowledge of the differences experienced when performing for the screen. You will also contextualise your work through research into the historical discourse of the commercial dance industry.
DA4004
Commercial Performance Project
Commercial dancers are expected to perform on both stage and screen. This module aims to develop your stage work through a choreographed performance. You will explore different genres and their application over time, collaborating with peers on an end of year show.
MT4001
Dance Technique
This module aims to develop your dance technique in appropriate styles to enable you to perform in a variety of contexts Ballet, Jazz and Tap will be the core dance styles taught but other styles may be introduced as appropriate.
We understand that every individual is unique and we are committed to ensuring that every applicant has an equal opportunity to pursue their passion. We have a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students, where individuals are selected and treated based on their relevant merits and abilities.
typical offer/entry requirments
UCAS Tariff - 96
GCSE English - 4/C
GCSE Maths - 4/C
Interview/Audition - Yes
You can achieve 96 UCAS Tariff points in various ways. We encourage applications from students who have studied BTECs, T Levels, A Levels, Access to Higher Education and many other qualifications. As a guideline, here are some combinations that will get you the required 96 UCAS Points to study one of our undergraduate programmes.
A Level - CCC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - MMM
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - DM
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts - M
We welcome mature students (aged 21+) without our typical offer/entry requirements to apply, applicants will be assessed on individual merit and their previous experiences. Individuals whose first language is not English are required demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of competence in English through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Band 6.5).
When it comes to pursuing a higher education programme, the investment you make is significant. That's why we are committed to helping you take charge of your finances by providing the necessary support. As an undergraduate student, you will face two major expenses: tuition fees and living expenses. We understand the challenges that come with managing these costs and we're here to assist you every step of the way. As we're part of SGS, you will be eligible to apply for SGS higher education bursaries and scholarships.
Start Date
Programme
UCAS Code
Fee (UK) per year
Fee (International) per year
September 2024
BA (Hons) Commercial Dance for Stage & Screen
W500
£9,000
£13,250
September 2025
BA (Hons) Commercial Dance for Stage & Screen
W500
TBC
TBC
*subject to approval
additional costs
During your programme, you'll be required to purchase various items, such as scripts, equipment, and kits that will aid your studies and contribute towards both UK and overseas trips. Additionally, we encourage you to attend numerous professional performances and engage in activities that prepare you for industry. The specific details regarding these additional costs may differ each year and between programmes. The most up-to-date information will be provided in your offer letter.
The application process varies depending on your country of residence and the level of the course you wish to pursue. To assist you with your application, we've provided comprehensive information on this page about how to apply through UCAS, how to apply as an EU or international student, how to apply as a mature student, or how to make a direct application for specific courses.
don't forget we're part of SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND STROUD COLLEGE AND THEREFORE YOU'LL NEED TO SEARCH FOR 'SGS' ON UCAS WHEN APPLYING.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm currently at School or College and want to study at BIPA full-time, how do I apply?
UCAS.com manages the applications of students in all schools and colleges in the UK, as well as a limited number of institutions abroad. In order to apply through your current educational institution, you will need to acquire a "buzzword" from your tutor or career adviser, which will identify the organisation you are applying from and enable your referee to include a reference in your application. Once you have completed the application, you must submit it to your referee who will then forward it on your behalf.
To cover the application fee, you can either pay online with a credit or debit card. The cost of applications is £20 for a single choice and £26 for two to five choices.
I'm a mature student (21+) and want to study full-time
We welcome mature students on all our degree courses. If you possess experience in a field related to the course you are interested in, we are willing to evaluate your application on its unique merits, even in lieu of typical academic entry requirements. If you are unsure of your eligibility, we encourage you to contact our admissions team and provide them with a summary of your qualifications and experiences. They will carefully review your submission and provide you with guidance on your next steps.
All applications from UK mature students for full-time undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com, to cover the application fee, you can either pay online with a credit or debit card. The cost of applications is £20 for a single choice and £26 for two to five choices.
I'm an International student
We accept international applications on all our degrees. However, please note that courses are very competitive with places filling up quickly, so we recommend applying as early as possible. You should be aware that students requiring a student visa to travel to the UK for their course are bound by CAS request deadlines. We strongly recommend you contact us directly to discuss applying as an international student before submitting an application. Once we've discussed your application we will prompt you to complete an application.
I would like to study part-time
You'll need to apply through our website for part-time study. You can only apply for one part-time course at a time and once you start your application you'll need to complete your application. (You can't save your progress and come back to it). Therefore, we recommend you set aside 20-25 minutes to fully complete a part-time application.
I can't find you on UCAS
As we're part of SGS, try searching 'South Gloucestershire and Stroud College' or 'SGS' on UCAS when submitting your application. Once you've selected SGS on UCAS all of our courses will appear and you'll be able to select your preferred course. You'll also be able to select the location as 'Bristol Institute of Performing Arts'.
We understand that every individual is unique and we are committed to ensuring that every applicant has an equal opportunity to pursue their passion. We have a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students, where individuals are selected and treated based on their relevant merits and abilities.
typical offer/entry requirments
Successful completion of a Level 3 qualification such as an Extended Diploma (Merit)/A Levels (C)/T Level (M) or equivalent
GCSE English - 4/C
GCSE Maths - 4/C
Interview - Yes
Students need to be 18+ at the start of the course
We welcome mature students (aged 21+) without our typical offer/entry requirements to apply, applicants will be assessed on individual merit and their previous experiences. Individuals whose first language is not English are required demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of competence in English through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Band 6.5).
19+ Advanced Learner Loan - Helping you cover tuition fees. If you're 19 or older you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. These loans help you to pay course tuition and assessment fees. Most students aged 19 and over will qualify for these loans from the UK Government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £25,000. Please note: there is no maintenance element to the Advanced Learner Loan, therefore students would need to be able to cover personal, living and travel expenses and any additional associated costs.
Start Date
Fee (UK) 18 and under
Fee (UK) age 19+
Funding options for age 19+
Materials Fee (all students)
September 2024
W500
Free
£4,670
Advanced Learner Loan
£620
Fees are calculated by students age on the 31st of August.
additional costs
During your programme, you'll be required to purchase various items, such as scripts, equipment, and kits that will aid your studies and contribute towards both UK and overseas trips. Additionally, we encourage you to attend numerous professional performances and engage in activities that prepare you for industry. The specific details regarding these additional costs may differ each year and between programmes. The most up-to-date information will be provided in your offer letter.
Prospective applicants must be prepared to undergo an interview as part of the entry requirements for the course. During the interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss their past experiences, future ambitions, and elaborate on relevant skills. While we encourage you to bring examples of their previous work, experiences, designs, or projects as potential talking points, it is not mandatory. The interview serves as an opportunity for you to convey your unique experiences and aspirations, providing a holistic understanding of your suitability for the course.
Facilities
a campus designed to stand out
3 acting studios
Each of our acting studios offers soft flooring and black-out curtains/blinds, Bluetooth speakers and large presentation TV screens.
6 dance studios
Filled with natural light and well-ventilated, our six dance studios are equipped with ballet barres, Bluetooth sound system, and premium Harlequin dance flooring.
2 Rehearsal studios
Our rehearsal studios are adaptable spaces that can quickly be transformed for production and group rehearsals, singing workshops, and movement spaces.
2 academic rooms
Our academic rooms are designed to facilitate lectures, tutorials, and contextual studies. These dedicated spaces are equipped with a bank of laptops and presentation facilities.
OLYMPUS THEATRE
Our Olympus Theatre has been producing and receiving theatre on a local and regional scale since opening in 2005 and its cultural and creative significance has exceeded expectations. Students will feel at home performing in our 250 seat auditorium, which is home to over 30 productions a year.
STUDIO THEATRE
Our 80 seat Studio Theatre is our most diverse performance space, with fully flexible seating accommodating a variety of production design styles. This 'black box' space is designed for intimate productions, showcases and cabaret performances.
scenic workshop
Our workshops are designed to cater to a variety of interests and skill levels, offering students the necessary tools and equipment to bring their creative designs to life. In the scenic arts workshop, students have access to a wide range of equipment, from traditional woodworking tools to advanced computer-aided design software.
tv studio
Based on campus in the Brunel Centre, the state-of-the-art green screen studio enables high-quality video content production for online and offline audiences.
Costume & props store
With over five thousand costume pieces ranging from period to contemporary, our collection offers limitless possibilities for bringing our productions to life. Additionally, our prop store houses hundreds of prop pieces.
fitness gym
Located within the Brunel Centre, our state-of-the-art on campus gym boasts stations for cardio, strength, and conditioning training, all set in a welcoming and serene environment. To ensure a safe experience, students are required to undergo an induction and reserve their training sessions through SGS Sports dedicated Strength and Conditioning (S&C) department.
Library plus+
At LibraryPlus+, you'll find a collaborative learning environment that is enhanced by the expertise of our dedicated staff in information finding, referencing, and digital technologies, as well as an extensive collection of theatre history, make-up, costume and theatre arts books, along with plays, scores, journals, and research resources.
starbucks hub cafe
The 'Hub' is the beating heart of our campus serving a range of hot and cold food throughout the day and evening. This lively hub is more than just a place to grab a bite, its a place to unwind and socialise.
BA (Hons) Commercial Dance for Stage & Screen
staff profiles
Jack Maurice
He/Him
Artistic Director & Head of Bristol Institute of Performing Arts
Jake Aston
He/Him
Programme Lead Commercial Dance for Stage & Screen / Lecturer in Dance & Choreography
Alice Ettle-Iles
She/Her
Lecturer in Commercial Dance & Jazz
Annie Duggan
She/Her
Stage & Screen Combat Instructor
Charlie Bedford
He/Him
Associate Lecturer in Commercial Dance (Angels Dance Academy)
Dr Elizabeth Philps
She/Her
Programme Lead Acting and Touring Theatre & Lecturer in Contextual Studies
Holly Smith
She/Her
Lecturer in Dance Technique & Performance
Michelle Sergent
She/Her
Associate Lecturer in Commercial Dance (Angels Dance Academy)
Natalie Champion
She/Her
Lecturer in Dance Technique
Rebecca Mancini
She/Her
Associate Lecturer in Commercial Dance
Valerie Voisey
She/Her
Lecturer in Dance Technique & Performance
"BIPA has challenged and inspired me to push myself beyond my limits"
What I've appreciated most is the individual attention and care that BIPA provides. BIPA has challenged and inspired me to push myself beyond my limits, and has helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. The guidance i've received has been instrumental in my growth as a performer, and I feel confident that I am ready to take on the industry. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in musical theatre.
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