IRIE! dance theatre is pleased to announce that applications are now open for a new MA Diasporic Dance Styles validated by Goldsmiths, University of London. The course will start in September 2024. The MA Diasporic Dance Styles is a unique low residency programme of blended online and on-campus learning and is designed for practitioners working within a diverse range of dance styles and contexts.

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The MA builds on the success of the BA (Hons) Diverse Dance Styles created in 2018 and established as a collaborative partnership with Goldsmiths, since September 2023.

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The inclusion of the MA will create a strong global, community of graduates and artists who although at different stages of their career will be encouraged to shape, share and define their practice.

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Goldsmiths is a perfect partner for the company. The university has a history of activism, innovative courses, and positive engagement, reflecting the issues of the local community and the Borough of Lewisham as a whole. IRIE! is situated within close proximity to Goldsmiths, New Cross campus.

 

Rosie Lehan, Director of Accredited Training for IRIE! dance theatre says, “We believe that the continued partnership with Goldsmiths will enable IRIE! to elevate the company’s work on the promotion and visibility of African and Caribbean dance and culture within HE, thus providing a broader local, national, and international platform for the work.”

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Beverley Glean MBE, Founder and Artistic Director of IRIE! dance theatre says ‘This partnership has come at an important transitional point in the growth of the organisation. The validation of the MA will provide more opportunities and a solid foundation for the practice of African and Caribbean dance and culture, including discourse, engagement and greater understanding.”

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The partnership with Goldsmiths is part of a period of change for IRIE! as the company became an NPO client of the Arts Council in April 2023. Watch this space for details of the new IRIE! dance theatre company tour in 2024.

 

Applications for the MA are now open, for more information and to apply please email:

MA@iriedancetheatre.org

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Established in 1985, IRIE! dance theatre is Britain's leading dance company working in the field of African and Caribbean dance fusion and education. IRIE! received an Arts Council England NPO funding 2023-2026 https://www.iriedancetheatre.org/post/irie-dance-theatre-receives-national-portfolio-organisation-arts-council-englandfunding www.iriedancetheatre.org

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About Goldsmiths, University of London

Founded in 1891, Goldsmiths, University of London is an institution with a rich academic history, known for its creative approach. Its 10,000 students are based on campus in the heart of south east London's New Cross community, studying undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher training and return-to-study

courses in the arts and humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, law, computing, entrepreneurial business and management.

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Goldsmiths research shapes the future, changes lives and is at the forefront of creative practice, with nearly four-fifths of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

 

Seven winners of the Turner Prize – and around a quarter of those shortlisted for the award since it began – have been former Goldsmiths students, while others have gone on to receive Oscars, Mercury Music prizes, Ivor Novellos and BAFTAS.

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Programme Title: MA DIASPORIC DANCE STYLES

Mode of Study:    Distance Education / Low Residency

Length of Study:  1 year full time / 2 years part-time

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The MA Diasporic Dance Styles is a unique distance education/low residency provision within IRIE! Dance Theatre’s Education Department. This Post Graduate provision offers dance artists the opportunity to expand their practice through independently focused research within a supportive learning environment.

 

The programme utilises critical digital dialogic pedagogies through a vibrant Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), as well as fostering a community of practice in-person through intensive residencies at IRIE! dance Theatre. The programme spans and encourages practitioners working within a diverse range of dance styles and contexts and

particularly aims to attract artists working in African and Caribbean diasporic traditions.

 

Full Time Route – 1 Year September 2024- July 2025

Fees: £7,500

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Part time Route – 2 Years September 2024- July 2026

Fees £3,250 per year

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