Foundation Course in Contemporary Dance (China)

• Designed and quality-assured by one of Europe’s world leading dance conservatoires.

• A bridge between school and degree-level study, focused on technical and artistic readiness.

• Exposure to international standards and preparation for auditions abroad.

• Supportive, professional environment fostering confidence, independence and curiosity.

This programme is ideal for:

• Students who have completed secondary education and wish to prepare for audition and study at BA level in contemporary dance.

• Dancers who need to strengthen their technical foundation and develop a more mature artistic and reflective approach before pursuing higher education.

Over one academic year, students will:

• Develop contemporary dance and ballet technique to build strength, alignment and efficiency. As well as other dance forms such as Groove, Afro beat.

• Explore improvisation and creative processes as a means of developing personal artistry.

• Gain insight into performance practices, choreographic methods and collaborative working.

• Learn how to reflect critically on their own learning and articulate artistic intentions in writing and discussion.

• Receive individual guidance on applications and auditions for BA programmes worldwide.

Unit 1: Foundations in Contemporary Dance Technique
In this first term, students are introduced to the foundations of contemporary technique, developing alignment, coordination, and strength through daily training. Alongside movement practice, students explore somatic awareness and safe approaches to conditioning. Classes and discussions encourage reflection on training habits, personal goals, and physical wellbeing. English sessions support vocabulary development for movement, anatomy, and reflective writing, helping students to communicate about dance with clarity and confidence.

Unit 2: Developing Creative Practice
Building on the technical grounding of Term 1, this unit explores creativity through improvisation and group composition. Students are introduced to the principles of improvisation and other collaborative approaches, learning to generate and shape movement material within an ensemble. Reading and discussing short texts on choreography deepens their understanding of artistic process, while English lessons strengthen comprehension and spoken confidence through dance-related materials and vocabulary.

Unit 3: Preparation for Further Study in Dance
The final term consolidates students’ technical and creative development while preparing them for the next stage of study. Through daily training and rehearsal, students refine their performance skills and learn how to present themselves in an audition or interview setting. Tutorials support them in writing applications and articulating their artistic identity. English lessons focus on presentation and interview skills, ensuring students can communicate effectively in international dance education environments.

The course combines daily technique classes, creative projects, rehearsals and reflective study. Approximately 70% of the course is contact time with tutors, with the remaining 30% designed for self-directed and collaborative learning.

LCDS oversees the programme content, assessment standards and staff development to ensure that students experience the same quality and ethos that define study at The Place in London.

Graduates of the Foundation Course will be fully equipped to apply for BA-level study at London Contemporary Dance School or other leading institutions worldwide. While admission is not automatic, completion of the Foundation Course will normally satisfy the preparation expected for entry to the BA. Students will receive detailed feedback and personalised support throughout their application process.

Stage 1 – Online Application Form
First, you must complete our online application form where you input details about yourself, your educational and dance history, as well as a personal statement about why you want to join this programme. We encourage you to complete your application form at the earliest possible as submissions will be viewed on a first come first served basis.

If you have a questions or need some help with the application form please get in touch with the Admissions Team.

Stage 2 – Admission Workshop
If you meet the application requirements, you will be invited to an Admission Workshop in Shanghai or Beijing, where we will set creative and improvisation tasks, as well as host a seminar-style discussion as a whole group. All details of what to expect from the Admission Workshop will be sent to you via email from our admissions team. Please note admission workshop dates and ensure you submit your application in time to be invited for the workshop:

Sat 03 Jan - Shanghai, China
Sun 04 Jan - Beijing, China

Stage 3 – Interview
You will be interviewed by one of our faculty during your Admission Workshop. We will send you the questions prior to the interview so you will have time to prepare. After your interview, the Admissions Team will be in touch via email (approximately two weeks after your interview date) with an outcome.

If you need extra help, be that academic, financial or in other forms, please get in touch with the Admissions Team. This is part of our commitment to ensuring people from all backgrounds have access to dance education. We do not discriminate on grounds of age, sex, disability, ethnicity, or religion. We only think about your readiness for the course.

We also welcome applications from people with a disability. We encourage you to inform us of any access requirements you may have on the application form (for example relating to dyslexia, a physical or sensory impairment or mental health condition), and this will help us make any necessary, reasonable adjustments for the Admissions Workshop and during your time studying.