Performing Arts (Dance)

Train, perform, and elevate your dance career

Step into the world of professional dance in the heart of Manchester. Train at an ISTD-approved dance centre, where industry professionals will guide you toward a future in dance. With access to outstanding studio facilities and industry-level theatres, you'll refine your technique, develop your performance skills and master a range of dance styles.

You'll train in classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, commercial dance, acro, choreography, modern syllabus work, lyrical and musical theatre, staying in line with current industry trends. The flexibility of this course allows you to specialise in your passion, whether it's contemporary, commercial, or jazz, while gifted and talented students receive extra support to push their potential even further.

Beyond technique, we'll prepare you for the industry by sharpening your audition skills, teaching you how to network and navigate life as a performer and helping you gain real industry work experience to set you up for success.

If dance is your passion and you're ready to take your skills to the next level, this is where your journey begins.

Please Click Here to view the specific entry requirements for our 16-18 Study Programmes.

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.

A mixture of written coursework and practical performances will make up your assessment for this course, with all written work embedded into your final practical portfolio.

Alongside the performances and demonstrations of your skills, you may complete some research pieces in dance theory, dance companies, or famous choreographers. You might also be required to keep a log book or diary of your development through the course.

Our students have gone on to study in some of the leading dance and theatre schools such as Urdang, Laine, Bird, Stella Man, London Contemporary, London Studios, Northern Contemporary School, Northern Ballet School and The Hammond to name a few.

Completing a level 3 BTEC like this one gives you the qualifications you'll need to continue onto professional training or a degree-level course such as an HNC/HND or a BA (Hons). You could complete a Higher National Certificate and Diploma in Performing Arts with a dance focus at The Manchester College, or expand your skills further with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Performance with our higher education partner, UCEN Manchester at The Arden. Students progressing from The Manchester College will receive a cash award through the Achievers Scholarship.

Click Here to explore courses and apply.

Past students are now working within the industry in the West End, musicals, cruise ships, music videos with many also teaching dance in private and public schools across the world.

Depending on your current age, position and circumstances, there may be a fee for this course.

There are a number of different finance and funding options available to help you fund your academic studies with The Manchester College. These range from bursaries and grants to special loans for tuition fees. You can find out more about them on our dedicated Fees, Funding and Finance page.

Our course enquiries team is on-hand to answer any questions you might have about this qualification, the application process, enrolment, or anything else about life at The Manchester College.