Level 3 Contemporary & Commercial Dance

Do you love the spotlight? Do you dream of seeing your name in lights? This dynamic and expressive two-year course is designed to nurture your creativity while developing both your technical ability and theoretical understanding of the performing arts industry. Through a project-based approach, all theory and knowledge-based learning is directly connected to live performance projects, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world contexts.

Dance students will train in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Commercial, and Musical Theatre, gaining a broad and versatile foundation. Alongside practical development, you will explore the context, history, and professional expectations of the performing arts sector, equipping you with the knowledge and experience needed for further study or a career in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.

In this fast-paced and exciting industry, the opportunities are endless—whether your goal is to perform in major productions, choreograph innovative work, or inspire others through teaching. This energetic course is designed for students who are passionate about dance and performance and are seeking to build a career as a dancer, choreographer, or dance teacher in community, educational, or commercial settings.

The course focuses on developing your creative, technical, and performance skills through a practical, hands-on approach. Rather than preparing for traditional written exams, all assessments are based around live projects. Students will take part in a minimum of four public performances throughout the course, including two major productions: a traditional pantomime and a full-scale musical theatre production. These experiences offer a realistic insight into the life of a professional performer.

You will also develop the resilience, discipline, and time management skills essential for working in the performing arts industry. Through collaborative rehearsal processes and performance preparation, students gain a strong understanding of industry expectations and professional practice.

This course is ideal for those who want to progress into higher education or employment in the performing arts sector and who are committed to refining their craft while engaging with live audiences in a variety of performance settings.

Learning and rehearsing in our newly-refurbished theatre and specialist dance studios, this vocational course has been carefully designed to develop your technical ability, creative expression, and performance skills across a variety of dance genres. Students will train in and perform techniques in ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, and musical theatre, gaining a well-rounded and versatile foundation in performance.

Assessment is entirely project-based, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and professional practice. You will work alongside peers across different performing arts specialisms, preparing for live performances and industry-style projects. The course includes solo and ensemble work, choreography, peer critique, and contextual research, giving students the opportunity to refine their practice while learning how to reflect and develop effectively.

To support industry readiness, students will be required to engage in learning opportunities beyond the classroom. This includes attending evening performances, participating in events outside of timetabled hours, and travelling to perform or watch live theatre at external venues. These experiences help build essential skills such as time management, professionalism, and adaptability.

Throughout the course, you will engage in practical classes, rehearsals, and theoretical sessions covering contextual studies, research techniques, rehearsal processes, and personal reflection—ensuring you're fully prepared for progression into higher education or a career in the performing arts industry.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to progress into employment or continue your studies in higher education. This could include a Foundation Year, Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a full Degree in a related field. You may also apply to a university or specialist dance/drama school to pursue a degree in Performing Arts.

In addition to technical training, the course develops essential industry-relevant skills such as communication, confidence, motivation, and problem-solving—key attributes for success across a variety of roles within the creative industries.

Through our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy, we collaborate with a range of industry partners to enrich your learning experience and enhance your employability. Our students work on Theatre in Education projects in partnership with Warrington Borough Council and benefit from our strong relationship with the Liverpool Empire Theatre—attending regular theatre visits, taking backstage tours, working with professional artists, and engaging in collaborative projects. We also maintain active links with local theatre companies and community groups.

Throughout the course, you will participate in guest workshops and lectures delivered by industry professionals, offering valuable insight into the world of performing arts. You will also undertake live performance projects for local employers and community organisations, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world settings.

Students take part in a variety of industry placements throughout the academic year, gaining hands-on experience that supports their career development. In addition, learners are regularly invited to perform at high-profile events, including the annual Warrington Pride Festival.

Our partnerships with organisations such as Culture Warrington, Warrington Museum, and professional theatre companies provide rich opportunities for learning and creative collaboration. These experiences are further supported by our expert tutors, who bring industry knowledge and strong professional networks to help students access high-quality placement and performance opportunities.

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. 

Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

By choosing to study Performing Arts at Warrington & Vale Royal College you will be taught in our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy by highly skilled staff with both acting and dance specialisms. Our tutors have excellent links with industry and are still practicing within the industry, giving you a real life insight into the Performing Arts industries and allowing you to benefit from the experience and expertise of the teaching staff.

You will study in a range of excellent performing arts facilities including a well-equipped theatre with sprung floor, staging, lighting and sound, along with specialist dance studios. The course itself forms around developing, rehearsing and performing a wide range of showcases throughout the year, both within college and at external venues. Typically, you will perform 4 different shows throughout the year with the Christmas Pantomime and end of year showcase being real highlights.

On this course you will also have the opportunity to take part in enriching Performing Arts trips both locally and nationally to acting studios, theatre performances in the West End and live music performances.

The Performing Arts department are very proud to be working alongside University of Arts London who will be the awarding body for this qualification.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or you will have needed to have successfully completed the Level 2 Performing Arts course at a Merit grade and above. If you have not already achieved a grade 4 in your either your GCSE English or maths, you will undertake a smaller progression level 3 qualification and be required to work towards GCSE in English and maths as part of your study programme.

As part of the course, all dance students are expected to wear appropriate attire for practical lessons. This includes a black leotard or biketard, pink or black ballet tights, ballet shoes, supportive trainers, and black dancewear such as leggings, jogging bottoms, T-shirts, hoodies, or jumpers. For certain performances and workshops, black character shoes may also be required.

Students are required to purchase their own costumes for performances and must wear black clothing during all practical lessons. A minimum of three theatre trips will take place each academic year, and students will be required to cover the cost of transport and theatre tickets for these events.

In addition to practical requirements, all learners must have access to a laptop to support their academic studies. Students are expected to bring their devices into college for use in lessons. Laptop loans may be available through the college for those who require financial assistance.

All students are also required to bring their own basic study equipment, including notebooks, folders, and pens, to support organisation and note-taking throughout the course.