Dance

3 Year Dance Training (18+)

TRAINING OVERVIEW

Three Year training in Dance at Italia Conti is a full-time vocational course for anyone aged 18+ (17+ from Scotland) who wishes to become a professional dancer. The training develops versatility across multiple dance styles and performance contexts, preparing students for sustainable careers on stage, screen, and in commercial, creative, and community settings.

Our Dance training is designed to develop adaptable and innovative performers, who embody technical excellence, artistic individuality, and a strong understanding of professional practice. Students gain the skills to perform, create, and collaborate, supported by contextual knowledge that reflects current and emerging demands of the dance industry.

The programme offers a rigorous and immersive training experience, with students taught across streams aligned to their intended qualification outcome.

TRAINING OPTIONS


See our other performance training options and specialisms:

Tricks classes

TRAINING SUMMARY

Our Dance training will fully prepare students for professional performance, developing their practice and thinking in an integrated way. Through training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, commercial, tap, choreography, aerial and acrobatics, supported by skills in singing and acting, students will graduate as versatile dancers able to work across genres of the professional dance sector.

Training to be a professional performer in Dance requires many things:

  • Dedication and determination
  • Strong technique, strength, fitness and flexibility
  • The ability to think, to research, to analyse and to critique your own work
  • Bravery: emotional and physical

Training to be a professional dancer is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys a student can take, and we believe that there is nowhere better to take it than here at Italia Conti.

There is a reason why Italia Conti is one of the most recognised names in performing arts training. For over a century we have helped students to fulfil their potential as performers and to work at the very highest level in every aspect of the performing arts industry. We provide a programme of training that responds to industry needs and current teaching and learning developments.

Italia Conti has a proven track record of nurturing dancers at the very highest level. Our graduates work internationally across stage and screen, in musicals, plays, national and international tours, commercial projects, cabarets and cruise ships, and in film and television.

DEGREE COURSE STRUCTURE

As an Associate College of The University of Chichester, Italia Conti delivers the BA (Hons) Dance programme. This three-year, full-time vocational course for anyone aged 18+. The course is organised into modules with various modes of assessment. 

Full government funding is available through Student Finance England for Home students. Students on the degree course are eligible to enroll on Italia Conti’s Advanced Vocational Training (AVT) alongside their degree course.

FEES & FUNDING

UK/Home Students

Degree Tuition Fees | £9535 per academic year, (paid in advanced termly instalments).
Student finance is available, which includes access to a Tuition Fee Loan and Student Maintenance Loan. These payments are made to directly to the University of Chichester.
Advanced Vocational Training Diploma | £2800 + VAT, (paid in advanced termly instalments). These private fees are payable directly to Italia Conti.
Scholarships and Bursaries | Available for our AVT fees. Scholarships are awarded upon outcome of audition. You may apply for a bursary here by contact admissions@italiaconti.co.uk 

Audition Fee | £45 (non-refundable)
Deposit | £275 (The deposit is refundable within 14 calendar days of the payment being received by Italia Conti but will not be refunded thereafter for non-enrolment. It will be held by Italia Conti and will be refundable on completion of the course, without interest, less any outstanding sums owed by the student to Italia Conti.)

International Students

For further information, please see our International Applications​ page.

Fee Waivers

Italia Conti welcomes applications for audition fee waivers for those who are eligible.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms and conditions apply upon acceptance to Italia Conti.

HE & AVT Terms & Conditions

  • “I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”

    - Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • “I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”

    - Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • Current Student, Class of July 2024
    “The course is allowing me to reflect on my past practice, current position, and future endeavours. I really enjoy how flexible the course is, with regards to being able to tailor my studies to my own practice, enabling me to maximise the benefits of this on my future career. I expect my professional development to be impacted exponentially and I am excited to continue!”

    - Amy-Jo Sumner – Musical Theatre Performer
  • “Italia Conti’s BA Top up course was the one for me! Creating a business in under 9 months has been a massive accomplishment! The course really helps shape your future, enables you to meet professional contacts to support your research, and gives you lots of time to understand the area of the industry you want to specialise in.”

    - Rachel Ward – Performing Arts Tutor Graduate, BA Top up Class of Sept 2022
  • I’m a professional dancer but have taught only ballet. These classes are EXACTLY what I was looking for to show some basics of contemp for my students !! Absolutely love every single Video

    - @ginamusaelyan2307 – Italia Conti Virtual
  • I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I love every single one that she teaches. THANK YOU. Gorgeous movement.

    - @debbied3464 – Italia Conti Virtual
  • Amazing class, one of the best I’ve ever done. So easy to follow, thank you!

    - @yellowbeachgirl – Italia Conti Virtual
  • I’m a dancer in LA and can’t keep up with my peers on how often they take dance classes. This channel has been so helpful for me to keep up my training. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I feel like we are all dancing together even though we are all doing this at different times and in different spaces. 🖤

    - @SarahPaceSings – Italia Conti Virtual
  • Best ballet teacher on the internet Great explanation, enthusiasm and commentary throughout the exercise!

    - @annajones6805 – Italia Conti Virtual

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry to BA (Hons) Dance requires the following:

  • 18+ by the 31st August in the year of entry​ (or 17+ for Scottish students).
  • Level 2 English and Maths at GCSE Grade 4 or above or recognised equivalent qualifications.
  • 64 UCAS points or admission through recognition of non standard entry qualifications/experience:
    • A level: CC

    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP

    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: MM

    • Access to HE Diploma: M = 15 credits, P = 30 credits

  • IELTS Level 6 (for students for whom English is not their first language and who do not have GCSE English or equivalent)
  • Legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
  • Successful audition through Italia Conti, details of which can be found below.
  • Evidence in hard copy of all the above must be provided.

Entry to Musical Theatre AVT Requires the following:

  • Automatically eligible when training on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Programme.

APPLICATION

Applications to Italia Conti are made by direct application via the link below only. 

Applicants DO NOT need to complete a UCAS application for Italia Conti. 

Applicants must complete the application form and pay the audition fee (£45) in order to be considered.  

Audition fees are non-refundable. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.  

Applicants are encouraged to express on the form interest in any other courses/streams they would like to be considered for e.g. Three Year Musical Theatre, in addition to the course directly being applied for.

All applicants are considered for the One Year Foundation Courses, by standard. 

You will also be asked to indicate if you are opting out of the Additional Vocational Training (AVT) diploma, which is offered to applicants to enhance their vocational training.

In line with our admissions policy, Italia Conti reserves the right to alter or withdraw offers at any point. Places on our courses are limited; it is usual for drama schools to make more offers than there are places. Acceptances are dealt with on a first come first serve basis and so early acceptance is advised.

 

AUDITION

After completing the application process, you will be invited to submit an audition tape where auditionees will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. Successful applicants will be invited to a recall audition on site. Information about auditions can be found below.

SUPPORT

If there’s something that might shape your experience with us – such as access requirements, a disability, being neurodivergent, something related to a protected characteristic, or anything else you’d like to share – please let us know. This kind of information isn’t always obvious from an application.

You can contact:

We’re here to listen and discuss what support or reasonable adjustments could help you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

AUDITION PROCESS

FIRST ROUND AUDITIONS – SELF TAPE RECORDED AUDITION

First round applicants will receive the result from their audition submission within 3-4 weeks of receipt. This is to ensure that every submission deserves our full time and attention. 

BALLET & JAZZ AUDITION

Please record yourself performing the following exercises as taught in the video:

Ballet:
Plié and tendu exercise
Battement Fondu and Rond de Jambe en l’aire exercise
Adage
Pirouette combination
Petit Changement

Jazz:
Kicks and Pirouette combination
Jump combination

SOLO DANCE AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare one dance piece in your preferred style, no longer than one minute. This should showcase your strengths and highlight any special skills.

Required dress:

Please wear tight fitting clothing to allow the panel to see your movement fully.

 


RECALL AUDITION

You will be required to participate in three dance classes at your recall; Ballet, Technical Centre Practice, a class where you will learn a set piece of Jazz choreography, and a contemporary dance class will be taught. You will also be asked to perform your first round self tape solo dance and explore this movement further through guidance and redirection from the panel. Each class will last 30 minutes.

Required dress:
Jazz shoes or trainers that are suitable for dance (i.e. no Converse or similar fashion shoes that are not designed for dance). No loose clothing or jewellery is permitted.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Industry links

Regular workshop sessions are held to give students the opportunity to work with directors, choreographers and industry professionals whilst training. During the 3rd year students take part in their final Showcase whereby agents are invited, and Italia Conti has connections with many of these.

ALUMNI & GRADUATE SUCCESS

Since 1911 our graduates have gone on to populate the performance industries and include many famous faces. Recent graduates can be seen working on prestigious productions in all areas of the industry.

Free online dance classes on the Italia Conti Virtual YouTube Channel