‘Against the proposed cut of BA(Hons) Dance at The University of Plymouth.’

‘Against the proposed cut of BA(Hons) Dance at The University of Plymouth.’

Started
3 June 2021
Petition to
The Head of School of Humanities and Performing Arts. and 1 other
Signatures: 691Next Goal: 1,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Hayley Bentley

This petition is ‘Against the proposed cut of BA (Hons) Dance at The University of Plymouth.’ We want to show our support with the lecturers who have developed and pioneered this course since 2008/2009. The proposed cut of the BA (Hons) Dance degree will commence with the final 1st year intake in September 2021.

The BA (Hons) Dance course is one of the hubs for professional dance training in the South West, hosting visiting companies and internationally recognised teachers such as; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Russell Maliphant, Hofesh Shechter, Jordi Cortés (DV 8), Yael Flexer, Leila McMillan, Candoco, StopGap and Charlotte Vincent. Many of the lecturers continue to work professionally within the creative industry alongside the running of the course; enhancing students' experience and allowing the students access to specialist, up-to-date industry expertise. 

To see the cut of the BA (Hons) Dance course will have a massive impact on the ecology of dance in the South West of the UK, the course has built strong connections and partnerships with professional companies, organisations and Educational Institutions; in which alumni have gone on to achieve Internships, part-time & full time employment within Professional, Community and Educational settings. In addition to this, many of the alumni have secured places on PGCE, Postgraduate & Masters courses. With many of them now teaching in local and national Primary and Secondary schools embedding the dance knowledge for future students. In addition to this numerous students have performed nationally and internationally with highly acclaimed dance companies.

“The dance course coming to an end at Plymouth University has really impacted me as it shows the lack of support within the arts sector, particularly dance. As artists, we continuously fight to be recognised and considered a part of the conversation and still seem to end up ignored or pushed aside.”

Tyler Cotton Second year Dance Student


Here’s what some past students have to say: 


"The Dance course at University of Plymouth has offered me training that I would have struggled to have found elsewhere, it saddens me to hear of the potential cutting of the course. Plymouth and Devon is a vibrant city and county for the performing arts, especially for Dance. The students of this course not only study in Plymouth, but they use their training and skills to volunteer and work in the community of Plymouth. So not only would this proposal impact the prospects of future students, it would heavily impact the communities that benefit from having these students in their city. I don't know many other courses where the students have such a close relationship with the people and community of Plymouth." 

Jessica Bennett Dance Graduate (2018) 

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the proposed cutting of the Dance degree. I had a wonderfully unique, inspiring and rewarding three years studying at the University of Plymouth, gaining the skills I needed to feel confident as a graduate. To me, cutting the course is the wrong decision, particularly during this uncertain time where the arts have helped and been a constant for so many."

“The Dance course at University of Plymouth not only offered full time professional dance training, but offered an insight into the dance industry which supports the notion of Inclusivity in Dance. My time on the course was a refreshing and unique experience, personally I feel the course is very ahead of its time and I consider this type of training invaluable, as I progress with Community and Educational outreach with local organisations in and around Plymouth.”

"To go back to university was a dream come true and this BA Hons Dance course at Plymouth University, gave me the chance to re-ignite my dance training. It gave me the opportunity like many others to grow within my movement, work with loads of amazing artists from the community to international and build on a future full of possibilities. This Dance course has been the stepping stone for the community to create companies, artists and practitioners that now help run the dance industry within the local and surrounding area. Thank you so much to everybody who's been apart of this course one way or another. "

Lydia Baldchin Dance Graduate 2020

We are kindly asking you to support our BA (Hons) Dance Degree against the proposed cut by signing this petition - please feel free to like, comment & share! 

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Signatures: 691Next Goal: 1,000
Support now
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Decision-Makers

  • The Head of School of Humanities and Performing Arts.
  • The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business