Award Specialism Title and rationale

BA(Hons)Professional Practice in Arts (Dance)

Since graduating last year with a Diploma in Dance it has always been my intention to further my training and knowledge in Dance with a focus on Early Years Dance Education.   I still hold a great passion for performing and continuing my own personal Dance training, however when I think of my future career development, I know my strengths lie in contributing to the physical, social and creative development of an Early Years child through Dance and Movement classes.  In the past year, I have been offered six new dance classes specifically for 3-5 year olds, and I would like to continue to expand on this.  With waiting lists on all of these classes it has become apparent to me that there is a lack of provision for Early Years classes in the Highlands of Scotland.

Furthermore, I have developed an in depth knowledge of a Pre-school childs physical development through movement classes by attending courses in Pre-school Gymnastics and Dance teaching.  What I would like to research further, is the social and creative development a child benefits from by taking these classes.

At the moment, I lead Pre-school classes through different companies during the week.  It is my intention, in the next few years, to open my own Pre-School Dance and Movement company, with my own syllabus, therefore this inquiry will be of direct value to my Professional Practice as it foresees what I wish to pursue for my future career. 

This inquiry area will give me the confidence to start up my own classes and give Early Years the opportunity to take part in something that will develop them physically, socially and creatively.  It will increase provision for Arts classes in the Highlands and provide parents with a professional teacher that has extensive knowledge.