DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
I was eternally grateful for my fantastic dance experience at Ampleforth and I loved the atmosphere my teacher created. Amber Rego, Dance Scholar
DANCE for Life
Dance Scholarships Dance is a vibrant and dynamic department at Ampleforth, where creativity, discipline and self-expression come together. We are excited to be able to provide training in a nurturing environment, ideal for young dancers to develop their technical, artistic and creative dance skills. Our students grow through a motivational and balanced training programme, developed with the knowledge that student confidence and wellbeing is paramount in order to thrive.
Dance at Ampleforth Dance training is offered in classical ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, modern, commercial, body conditioning and performance technique. Dance classes and individual coaching fit into and around the school timetable, with sessions taking place before, during, and after school throughout the week. All lessons take place in our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Studio with sprung floor, mirrored walls, and ballet barres.
Assessment and Progress Internal formal assessments take place in the summer term, when students are asked to prepare, choreograph, and perform a short solo or collaborative piece. Comprehensive individual feedback enables them to celebrate successes and highlight areas for improvement. Personal targets are set and training programmes revised to realise their goals. Students may be entered for external examination at the discretion of the dance teacher when they reach the required standard.
Workshops and Performances Opportunities to perform are offered whenever possible including: Open Days, Parent Days, Concerts, Showcases and Cabarets, as well as in the bi-annual school musical productions. Guest teachers are invited to deliver occasional professional workshops and masterclasses, and students are also taken to watch live performances. These opportunities are recognised as being hugely valuable for motivating and inspiring young performers and developing their artistry.
Scholarship Programme We provide a bespoke scholarship programme where individual support and mentoring enable each student to develop to the best of their ability. This includes: + A personal Scholarship Mentor to monitor and support progress + Bespoke programme of classes, including a weekly 1:1 coaching session, funded by the College + Invitations to attend workshops, talks and masterclasses delivered by industry professionals + Support with preparations for auditions, summer schools and other external opportunities + Support with applications for the next development stage of scholarships and/or for competitive higher education institutions. Becoming a Dance Scholar means joining a group of people who share the same passion and love for dance! Dance Scholarships are offered to students with a strong work ethic who demonstrate commitment to their training and have the potential to become strong performers or choreographers.
Could you become a Dance Scholar? 11+ Development Award Assessment is by audition held at Ampleforth in January. Students are asked to perform a solo lasting 2-3 minutes in their chosen style, and to participate in a group dance lesson. The ideal candidate will: + Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of dance vocabulary + Dance with fundamental technique and coordination of the whole body + Perform with an awareness of the audience.
13+ Basil Hume Scholarship Assessment is by audition held at Ampleforth in November. Students are asked to perform a solo lasting 2-3 minutes in their chosen style, and to participate in a group dance lesson. Afterwards, candidates will be invited to engage in a short discussion about their performance. The ideal candidate will: + Demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of a range of dance vocabulary and good application + Dance with sound technique and coordination of the whole body + Demonstrate good musical interpretation and perform with an appropriate sense of style and expression.
16+ Senior Scholarship Assessment is by audition held at Ampleforth College in November. Students are asked to perform a solo lasting 2-3 minutes in their chosen style, and to participate in a group dance lesson. Afterwards, candidates will be invited to engage in a short discussion about their performance. The ideal candidate will: + Demonstrate an established knowledge and understanding of a range of dance vocabulary and complex repertoire in their chosen genres + Dance with a strong technique and coordination of the whole body, demonstrating control and precision + Demonstrate highly developed musicality and the ability to show contrast in style, as required by the choreography. Appropriate expression and communication should be evident in the performance, with an increased awareness of the relationship between performer and audience.
DANCE for Life
Expectations of our Scholars Dance Scholars are expected to work hard and engage fully with their bespoke dance programme. They are expected to rehearse for and perform at all given opportunities and to positively represent the department as ambassadors for dance. Dance Scholars should also maintain a portfolio of all their dancing achievements and progress.
Bursaries Those in need of financial support are encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries. The award of a scholarship is a very strong indicator of a student who is likely to flourish at Ampleforth, and it can be extremely helpful in supporting a bursary application.
Every year we run a series of events for families to learn more about scholarships and development awards as well as taster days for students. See our website for full details of upcoming Scholarship Assessment Days and closing dates for applications: ampleforthcollege.org.uk Ampleforth College, York, YO62 4ER 01439 766000 admissions@ampleforth.org.uk