The MA Dance Performance course, which was launched in September 2023, offers in-depth training to dance artists, encompassing physical practices and performance techniques, developed through collaborative creative processes with industry-active project leaders. Students explore the varying demands and challenges of diverse performance contexts, from subsidised to commercial projects and across live, digital and virtual spaces.

The course aims to promote a performer-centred approach to creative processes, attending to the ethics of collaboration, the cultivation of intrinsic motivation, and the sustainability of safe self-practice.

Further information about this course can be found HERE.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Lecturer in Dance: Artistic Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Course Leader and Course Unit Leaders across the three units of MA Dance Performance (Unit 1: Performance Encounters, Unit 2: Performance Contexts, and Unit 3: Professional Trajectory Realisation Project). This will include liaison with guest artists, the MA Dance: Performance (MADP) Course Team, Students, Venues, and the wider LCDS internal teams for strategic overview, planning and delivery.

The Artistic Coordinator will work closely with the Producer (LCDS Creative Performance Projects) and Course Leader to plan the trajectory and the delivery of artistic projects across the year for the Course. This will include attending all the LCDS Artistic Commissioning Group meetings across the year. The role is collaborative across the LCDS team and Public Programmes at The Place.

This post holder will also support the assessment, tutoring, and recruitment needs of the course across all MADP Units, and the wider institutional needs of the school, as appropriate to their areas of expertise.

The Lecturer in Dance: Artistic Coordinator will have a wide-ranging understanding of the requirements of a portfolio career for performers in the contemporary dance profession, alongside a depth of applied knowledge in the fields of dance producing, dance pedagogy, rehearsal direction, student mentorship, and motivational climates.

Placing the student at the centre of the provision, this post holder will be responsible for:

• Playing a central role in the collaborative strategic planning of artistic projects (intensive projects, workshops and commissions) alongside the MADP Course Leader, Unit Leaders, Producer (LCDS Creative Performance Projects) and LCDS Artistic Commissioning Group.
• Undertaking teaching, curriculum delivery, rehearsal direction, and mentoring within the study of Dance Performance.
• Tutoring and assessment marking across the three units of the MADP program, in addition to overseeing student relationships with their respective mentors during Unit 3 of the programme.
• Enhancing student learning and attainment by offering high quality innovative teaching and learning support within the curriculum.
• Directing relevant Performance Projects or Performance Workshops during the three Units of the course, as suited to the Artistic Coordinator’s expertise.
• Supporting the day-to-day running of this intensive, studio-based programme across multiple sites.
• Contributing to professional practice and research within the study of Dance Performance.
• Playing an active role in promoting Student Health and Well-Being.
• Supporting the delivery of the mission and vision of The Place, upholding its values as a dynamic, world-leading cultural organisation.

SALARY & CONTRACT TERMS

SALARY

The salary for this position is £43,987 per annum.

Salaries are reviewed in August each year when any cost-of-living increases are made. No salary changes are made until after successful completion of a probationary period.

CONTRACT TERMS

This is a 12-month, fixed-term contract. This is a full-time position (equivalent to 40 hours per week). These hours are inclusive of a one-hour paid lunch break each day. Your hours of work will be agreed with the line manager.

Whilst in the six-month probationary period the notice period will be two weeks. Once this period is successfully completed the post holder will be confirmed in the post and the notice period will be one academic term.

CLOSING DATE

The application closing date is Mon 14 Apr 2025 at 12:00pm (noon).We reserve the right to close applications early depending on the volume of applications we receive and so we advise it is better to apply early.

For an informal chat about this role to answer any questions you may have before applying, please email Tom English, Course Leader: MA Dance Performance.

INTERVIEW DATES

We anticipate that interviews will be conducted on Thu 01 May 2025 either in person at The Place or remotely via Microsoft Teams (or similar platform as necessary). Interview dates may be subject to change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth knowledge of the professional field of contemporary dance performance, its different modes, and its relationship to different art forms, interdisciplinary practices, contexts, audiences, and participants.
• Knowledge of relevant discourse and contextual research which supports dance artists in building a reflective practice and developing a portfolio career.

SKILLS

• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, adapting messages for diverse audiences in an inclusive and accessible way.
• Confident in facilitating complex performance projects, managing administration effectively when working with students and professional artists.
• Able to support and mentor individuals in their artistic and professional development.
• Experience teaching in Higher Education, professional, or vocational settings, with evidence of practical outcomes and alignment with quality assurance standards, including postgraduate-level assessment standards in Higher Education.
• Competent in budgeting and financial planning.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Postgraduate Degree level qualification in a relevant area or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven track record of developing artistic or educational practice.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with prospective, current, and past students as well as with educational institutions, networks, artists, and professional organisations.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of both freelance and company-based approaches to working as a contemporary dance performer.
• Knowledge of both subsidised and commercial sectors of the contemporary dance profession and wider arts industry.

SKILLS

• Ability to apply innovative approaches in teaching, learning, and/or professional practice to support excellent teaching, pedagogy, and inclusivity.
  

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Holds an accredited Teaching and Learning qualification/HEA Fellowship (or is willing to undertake).
• Experience of fulfilling roles such as Rehearsal Director, Assistant Director, or Associate Director within Contemporary Dance Projects.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Contributes to advancing professional practice research or scholarly activity in own area of specialism.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 ARTISTIC COORDINATION

• Act as Artistic Coordinator for the MA Dance: Performance programme, overseeing the collaborative strategic planning of artistic projects, performances, workshops, commissions and programming.
• Work closely with the Course Leader, Unit Leaders, Producer (LCDS Creative Performance Projects), Public Programme Team, and LCDS Artistic Commissioning Group in the production of performance events.
• Liaise with other internal faculty and external project leaders, casual teaching staff and freelance artists to plan unit delivery.
• Ensure the required learning resources are in place for the units, managing budgets where relevant.
• Complete project debriefs with the Producer (LCDS Creative Performance Projects).
• Support unit assessments and ensure students are briefed and prepared appropriately.
• Provide, coordinate and edit feedback on student assessments in a timely fashion, working with other teachers who contribute to the respective units.
• Make an active contribution to Periodic Programme Review.

LEARNING, TEACHING, AND ASSESSMENT

• Deliver high-quality teaching and learning, as appropriate to unit plans and your areas of expertise.
• Place the student at the centre to support student learning through regular tutorials as required.
• Support students’ safe and effective participation in dance and fitness programmes in consultation with the Physical Support team and Counselling/Well-Being team.
• Take part in assessment panels and processes in your subject area.
• Act as a Tutor for independent student research projects and undertake supervision of academic work.
• Attend course related meetings, examination boards and wider team meetings as required.
• Maintain a professional level of subject expertise by being aware of relevant developments.
• Support and extend LCDS' existing links with those in professional practice as appropriate to the development, enhancement, and delivery of the programmes.

RECRUITMENT

• Undertake any duties required as part of the recruitment process including teaching/leading admissions activities, assessment of candidates, interviews, administration, attending outreach or similar events and viewing/assessing video submissions, in collaboration with the LCDS admissions teams.
• Contribute to the development and continuous evaluation of the LCDS Recruitment Strategy ensuring full compliance with the Access and Participation Plan aims and targets.
• Contribute to the Internationalisation Strategy and support the building of links with international organisations and alumni for recruitment purposes.

STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELL-BEING

• Act as a Personal Tutor to provide academic and pastoral care to students and signposting and seeking help from specialists where appropriate.
  
• Undertake appropriate training to keep skills up to date and current (Mental Health First Aid, Prevent, Safeguarding, Togetherall, etc.).
  
• Work with colleagues to support students with disabilities or other special needs, adjust teaching materials and methods, seeking expert advice where required.
  
• Take responsibility for the Health and Safety of students and others conducting risk assessments as need and seeking expert guidance where relevant.
  
• Ensure the maintenance of standards of student discipline on the course as detailed within the Student Handbook.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

• Undertake a programme of Continuing Professional Development for review at annual appraisal.
• Mentor and support colleagues with less experience (including hourly paid staff) providing advice and guidance to their teaching practice and personal development.
• Participate in external networks relevant to your specialism (e.g. Dance Higher Education).
• Maintain a good level of IT proficiency in order to produce online assessment reports, Google Classroom materials, Excel data sheets and other written materials, and to undertake training as required.
• Promote cultures of external engagement, collaboration, and enterprise within the course and amongst the student and staff community.
• Foster collaborative exchanges with other departments across The Place, including Theatre and Artist Development, Classes & Courses and Creative Learning.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Attend and actively participate in LCDS and cross-organisation Meetings and Committees, and University of the Arts London Committees as required.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role.
• Support and contribute to the course, the school and The Place’s external profile.
• Work and liaise with others with respect. Carry out all duties with regard for The Place’s Equal Opportunities Policy, Equality and Diversity Action Plan, Anti-Racist Action Plan, and Widening Access and Success strategies.
• Maintain a level of professional conduct in relation to attendance, time management, sickness/absence reporting, internal and external communications and completing workload allocation documentation.
• Maintain an awareness of The Place’s employment policies.
• Fulfil any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Director of Dance Studies.

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT

MA Dance Performance Mokita by Dickson Mbi | 2024 | Photo by Rocio Chacon