Commercial dance degree
BA (Hons)
Commercial Dance
Preparing you for a career in commercial dance
Overview
Programme Name
Bachelor Of Arts with Honours in Commercial Dance
Duration
3 academic years (Full time)
Language
English
Programme Leader
Validated by UK University
Commercial Dance degree that gives you the competitive edge
Programme availability
- Applications open
Start date
Monday 20 September, 2027
Is your goal to perform as a touring dancer for your favourite artist, or perhaps working on music videos, tv and film appearances?
Our BA (Hons) Commercial Dance programme at the IAB is one of the few in the world that will truly prepare you with all you need to become a professional commercial dancer. Our dedicated three-year degree is a dance programme at its core that explores all the current dance styles required to be as employable as possible.
Commercial dance Styles
Versatility in styles is key for any commercial dancer
You will explore a wide variety of styles in the commercial dance world. Core technical classes (ballet and jazz) will build a strong foundation, while Commercial Dance classes will give you the different skillsets the industry expects of you as a performer.
The Commercial Dance Styles module explores a number of styles:
Jazz Dance
Jazz dance is a core technique on the course. Elements of established jazz techniques such as Matt Mattox and Luigi are studied alongside current commercial jazz choreography.
Hip Hop/Funk Foundations
Hip-Hop and funk styles are fundamental components of commercial dance. Dance styles such as locking, house, popping and new style Hip Hop choreography are key components of the programme.
COMMERCIAL CHOREOGRAPHY
Our students study a variety of Commercial Dance choreographies from contrasting choreographers. These choreographies feature common elements from the Commercial Dance kaleidoscope including Hip-Hop, House, Heels technique, Waacking and Commercial-Jazz.
During your commercial dance training, you will be taking core classes each year and some additional classes to help you grow as a commercial dancer:
You will study in 7 different modules: Commercial Dance Styles, Dance Technique (Ballet & Contemporary), Performance Skills, Aerial Skills, Creative Enterprise, Production and Performance and Contextual Studies.
- Commercial dance styles
- Jazz
- Ballet
- Contemporary
- Aerial Skills
- Singing
- Tap
- Introduction to Dance Making
- Contextual Studies (Academic Skills, Historical Perspective)
- Healthy Dancer (Physical and Mental Health)
- Production Knowledge (Lighting, Stage, Sound)
- Acting
- Dance Pedagogy
- Commercial Choreographer Study
- Performances 1 and 2 (Theatre and Video)
- Professional Preparation
- Audition Technique
- Industry Week
- Production 1 & 2
*These classes are repeated over the three years.
Professional preparation for a career in dance
Industry Week
During your third year a you will get a week dedicated to putting you in front of agents, choreographers and international casting directors. You will have the chance to audition for them and participate in masterclasses.
In addition, we will bring in professional videographers to film material to help you create your own dance showreel.
Guest choreographers
We invite industry-working choreographers to choreograph pieces for the shows, teach classes in specific styles and provide insight into what the industry currently demands. It’s a great chance to start building your professional network.
Industry preparation classes
In addition to your dance training, you will get classes on how to build your performer resume, choose the perfect headshot, negotiate with agents and build networking skills.
Dance Film Project
Learn how to dance for the camera
During your second year you will be part of a dance film project. You will have a chance to learn how to dance for camera, how to hit your marks and proper etiquette on set.
Take a look at our past commercial dance film projects:
Develop your aerial and acro technique
Experience in Aerial and Acrobatic is increasingly being requested in the Commercial Dance industry. These skills will add an exciting dimension to your resume. The Insititute of the Arts Barcelona theatre is fully equipped with an aerial rig, which allows our students to showcase their skills to a live audience.
The class will include working from a foundation through to an advanced level in silks, hoop, static trapeze and basic acrobatics.
How to apply
- 1. Submit your application
- 2. Attend the audition
- 3. Wait for the result
1. Submit your application
To apply for our BA (Hons) Commercial Dance course, you must submit an application and select which audition you would like to attend.
2. Attend the audtition
What does the audition consist of?
Required video (Prior to the audition)
You will be asked to submit a commercial dance solo video.
Live Audition
You will take part in the following tutor-led classes:
- Jazz: Technical section, turns and kicks and combination
- Commercial and Freestyle: Hip-Hop combination and guided freestlye
- Interviews
Please note: Cuts may take place through the audition process, with invited candidates only taking part in the full audition.
What will I be asked to submit?
You will be asked to submit a video of a:
- Jazz Exercise
- Jazz Choreography
- Commercial Choreography
- Commercial Freestyle
- Solo
Important note: Once you’ve submitted the application, we will send you more details on the process and links to the set choreography you will need to learn.
3. Wait for the result
The audition results can take up to 4 weeks to process.
Our tuition fees are made up of a number of different components and are determined by your nationality, country of residence and programme of study.
ANNUAL TUITION FEES
Additional annual fees:
- €600 – Non-refundable registration fee
- €80 – IAB Health Clinic membership
Fees
ANNUAL TUITION FEES
Additional annual fees:
- €600 – Non-refundable registration fee
- €80 – IAB Health Clinic membership
Successful audition, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, and the national university entry academic qualification of your country equivalent to 104 UK Tariff points or 24 points from an International Baccalaureate. Mature applicants without recognised university entry-level academic qualifications are assessed on their experience to date.
Find out more about our entry requirements.
A graduation will be arranged by the IAB for all graduating students. Further information is provided directly to graduating students.
Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Dance
After successfully completing your BA (Hons) Commercial Dance, you will receive a UK university certificate and transcript of studies issued by Liverpool John Moores University.
The certificate wording will state:
Degree of Bachelor of Arts with (classification) having followed an approved programme of study in Commercial Dance
You can find alumni of our bachelor of arts in commercial dance working in:
- Applications open
- Applications open
Request information about the course
Applications for September 2027 are now open.
Fill out the form below if you want to receive more information.