Course
Overview
Our course trains you not only to be a technically strong, versatile dancer, but also a dance artist - a performer, who retains what’s unique to you.
You work in a supportive community where your creativity is encouraged and developed. During your learning, the discipline and etiquette expected of a professional becomes second nature to you, making you work ready.
Accreditated By:
What You Will
Study
Dance Techniques I
In this module, you focus on core foundation skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap dance styles. Through this, you develop a strong body and good physical range while learning to apply your physical diagnostic as part of the Performance Skills module to the demands of dance training. You also build your understanding of musicality, rhythm, and dynamics and work on retaining choreographic material. Your training on this module underpins your technical practice across all genres covered in the rest of the course.
This module content is indicative.
Performance Skills I
Through this module, you develop a basic understanding and artistic interpretation of a variety of different dance styles. Weekly classes in commercial dance styles, combined with regular specialist masterclasses enable you to become a more versatile performer. Part of this module, entitled Healthy Dancer, includes a physical diagnostic examination to identify postural issues and imbalances. In class, you learn about applied anatomy, physical health and rehabilitative practices to enable you to work safely and prepare you for continued success during your physically challenging training and career.
This module content is indicative.
Musical Theatre Skills
This module teaches you the fundamental skills of acting, singing and voice which are appropriate to musical theatre work. You gain an understanding of how your voice works and how to control it, along with basic music theory. In addition, you learn performance and workshop skills and how to use these to create characters and present stories and subtexts. At this level, you focus on each aspect separately in preparation for integrating these skills during Year 2.
This module content is indicative.
Rehearsal and Performance Project
In this module, you are introduced to a professional working environment. Combining what you’ve learned across your practical modules, you apply your training to a rehearsal process which leads to a performance. The performance incorporates many styles and genres, giving you the opportunity to put a wide variety of skills into practice. In advance of rehearsals, you participate in weekly choreography classes which give you the confidence to make creative contributions to the process. Throughout all of this, you are encouraged to take on greater responsibility for maintaining your fitness levels, strength and flexibility, reflecting a more professional experience.
This module content is indicative.
The Professional 1
This module is designed to help you achieve sustained work in your chosen profession. You learn about the different elements involved in putting on an event, including planning, budgeting, rights and clearances and digital marketing. By working as part of a small team with students from other subjects to create a one-off event, you learn first-hand about the importance of collaborating and develop essential interpersonal skills including negotiation and persuasion. Through this module, you also learn to reflect on your own personal and professional attributes and skills. This self-development technique stands you in good stead throughout your professional career.
This module content is indicative.
Dance Studies 1
This module helps you gain a broad understanding of the dance industry. You learn about current debates and different theoretical approaches, and explore the relationships between key historical, cultural and contextual issues which have impacted on dance. This enables you to place your practical dance training in the context of the current dance landscape. Your work in this module develops essential research and writing skills.
This module content is indicative.
Dance Techniques 2
This module takes your technical skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap to a higher level. You build on your postural and fundamental technical knowledge and discover a wide range of stylistic skills within these styles. There is an emphasis on using these skills to explore and expand your expressive abilities as an artist, applying stylistic features to each core technique. You also focus on retaining choreographic detail in unseen material.
This module content is indicative.
Performance Skills 2
Through this module, you further develop your technical application, artistic interpretation and versatility across a variety of dance genres. This includes the introduction of aerial dance training and you continue to participate in specialist masterclasses to make you a well-rounded performer, alongside regular commercial style classes. Following on from your work in the Healthy Dancer element of Performance Skills 1, you also learn more about body conditioning.
This module content is indicative.
Musical Theatre Skills 2
In this module, you build on the fundamentals of acting, singing and voice techniques you learned in Year 1. Acting and singing technique continue to be taught separately, but you take additional classes in acting through song and ensemble work. You’re taught how to bring these skills together and how to produce expressive performance through musical theatre conventions, in preparation for a musical theatre performance next year.
This module content is indicative.
Public Performance Project
This module gives you your first opportunity to perform to a public audience, through a simulated professional process. Collaboration is an important part of the process and you work with fellow dancers and students from other subjects to realise a live performance, giving you the experience of working with a full production team. You use varied methods of creating and devising, including improvisation and workshops, to originate choreography and evolve performance roles. Within this module, you learn how to prepare your body for the challenges of choreographic exploration and professional performance.
This module content is indicative.
The Professional 2
In this module, you look at essential employment and enterprise skills which are specific to the dance industry. This helps you start planning your future career by using what you’ve learned so far to identify potential paid opportunities within the industry. Audition preparation and producing dance-specific promotional materials, including an audition portfolio, are key aspects of this module. Other areas covered include budgeting for projects, entrepreneurism and self-employment.
This module content is indicative.
Dance Studies 2
Following on from Dance Studies 1, you continue to learn about topics related to the past and present of the commercial dance industry. As well as learning about further theoretical approaches and current debates, you also take a look at cultural identity in dance. You take part in discussions to support your learning and engage in more in-depth reading as part of your own research, culminating in an essay.
This module content is indicative.
Dance Techniques 3
Through this module, you develop professional-level technical and artistic skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap. Working with the stylistic elements you mastered in Year 2, you continue to inject current stylistic trends into your performance with accuracy and advanced execution. You are taught to apply your full range of skills to more complex unseen material in preparation for auditions and professional classes after graduation.
This module content is indicative.
Performance Skills 3
In this module, you develop a professional understanding and physical mastery of multiple styles inherent to current trends within the commercial dance sector. You are expected to be working at an advanced level across the broad spectrum of commercial dance styles and you explore new areas of aerial work. This helps advance you towards a portfolio career, demonstrating increased versatility and adaptability which will enhance your employment prospects. Again, you participate in a wide variety of specialist masterclasses to support your development.
This module content is indicative.
Performance Company
This module gives you the experience of working as a part of a dance company to produce two professional-standard shows. The first is a full-scale musical theatre production, directed and choreographed by industry professionals. The second is a showcase presentation of varied dance work, largely created by professional choreographers. Your dance work on both productions reflects all areas covered on the course, with a commercial industry focus. By working as part of an ensemble alongside creative professionals, the module bridges the gap between being a student and being a professional dance performer.
This module content is indicative.
The Professional 3
Through this module, you prepare to enter the industry as a professional dancer. You bring together all of your skills, knowledge and understanding of the dance sector to plan your future as a self-employed artist. As part of this module, you learn how to promote and market yourself for the different facets of the dance industry and there is a focus on audition technique. Typically, this includes approximately 10 mock auditions with top industry professionals. In the past, these have included representatives from Dancers Inc., Matthew Bourne Company and Boss Creative Entertainment, and has led to some students gaining representation and paid work.
This module content is indicative.
Dance Studies 3
In this module, you investigate an idea at the forefront of your individual practice as a dancer to produce a 4,500-word dissertation. Using and building on the theoretical knowledge and research skills developed in previous Dance Studies modules, you explore an area that links to your own career aspirations. You consider your topic in relation to wider historical, philosophical, professional and cultural practices through a research seminar. Producing a 1,500-word evaluation of your seminar, this then feeds into your final dissertation.
This module content is indicative.
How You Will
Study
-
Technique Classes
-
Performances
-
Tutorials
-
Workshops
-
Independent Study
-
Group Work
-
Masterclasses
How You Will Be
Assessed
You’re continually observed in practical classes, with a final presentation of work at the end of each practical module. There is an element of written work in the form of essays, reports, evaluations and critical reflections. In the third year, you produce a research paper on an area of dance and performance which is of a particular interest to you.
Practical/written work ratio
80% practical work / 20% written assignments
Validated By:
Our
Facilities
Dance Studio
LIPA has four dance studios. Three of them have rafter high ceilings, including one with equipment specifically used for aerial dance. They all have top of the line Harlequin sprung floors, barres and full wall mirrors and each has a dedicated sound system with iPad access.
Dance studios are open for the students to use in the evenings and on weekends, when they are not in scheduled classes or rehearsals.
Treatment Room
A dedicated treatment room for physiotherapy and massage therapy appointments.
Pilates Room
The pilates room provides students with space and equipment to improve their physical performance. This room has two Pilates Reformers (which students are taught to use in Year 1) as well as cardio and weight-training equipment.
The Pilates room is open for student use seven days a week during term-time.
The Paul McCartney Auditorium
The PMA is the largest of LIPA’s performance spaces and is a traditional proscenium arch theatre. It can seat an audience of around 350 people and has flexible seating arrangements and staging configurations.
Each year over 30 performances take place in the PMA, about half of these are to a public audience – some are to an invited audience only. The PMA is complemented by a green room lounge area and dressing rooms.
Costume and Wardrobe Department
LIPA’s wardrobe department has an extensive costume store and well configured spaces for design and making. Our design students plan, design and create costumes for around 15 separate productions throughout the year. You will usually experience this area when taking part in fittings for your performances.
Technical Services
LIPA’s Technical Services team can help with general technical queries and booking out equipment for short-term loan. Loan equipment includes musical instruments, microphones, various recording and playback equipment, digital video and stills cameras and AV equipment.
Term-time opening hours allow you access to Technical Services from 9am until 11pm every weekday and 9am until 5pm on Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sunday. Outside of term time it is open on weekdays from 9am - 5pm.
Learning Resources Centre
LIPA’s Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is a specialist creative and performing arts library with an extensive collection of books, e-books, scores, CDs, DVDs, e-resources, print and electronic journals. Whether you are looking for individual songs or scripts, background research or creative inspiration, the LRC Team will be able to help. The LRC offer support sessions in ICT and study skills through subject specific lectures, as well as one-to-one and drop-in sessions, ensuring you get the most out of your study. The LRC website provides the gateway to LIPA’s online catalogue and electronic resources and includes links to a wide selection of help sheets and video guides.
In addition, LIPA’s virtual learning provision which includes Moodle, holds a variety of subject-specific learning materials, such as lecture notes, useful web links and module information. The majority of these services are available off-campus. LIPA’s integrated learning environment has a variety of study spaces, including individual and group work areas, and an open-access computer suite. Facilities include printing, copying and scanning, plus binding and laminating equipment.
A range of stationery is available for purchase to support your studies. Opening hours during term time are Monday and Wednesday 9.00am to 6.00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am to 8.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. The LRC may be closed for some weeks in June and is also closed during July and August.
ICT Services
LIPA's Information, Communications and Technology Department provides the infrastructure and services framework that enable students to exploit the latest information and communication developments. Industry-standard computer resources are running the latest productivity software on high specification workstations in dedicated computer suites. LIPA also has a colour A0 plotter, ideal for floor plans. All PCs are installed with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office & Project as standard.
There is also access to a range of additional specialist software installed on selected workstations. These include AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud applications, EarMaster, Sibelius, MindManager, Vectorworks and WYSIWYG. All workstations have access to the Internet, email and other electronic resources.
There is free Wi-Fi access throughout our buildings for students and staff members via the Eduroam network which provides a world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. Specialist ICT staff are available to answer questions, give assistance and advise on ICT issues.
LIPA Bar & Canteen
As well as serving food and drink, the bar and canteen are the hub of social activity within LIPA with both spaces licensed for performances. The canteen is the venue for LIPA’s weekly gig night, The 2ube. Most Fridays the 2ube features live performances, showcasing musicians from LIPA and Liverpool’s music scene. The event is a collaboration between Management, Music, Sound Technology and Theatre & Performance Technology students.
The canteen also hosts open mic and jukebox shuffle nights, and independent student organised performances and benefit nights. The bar hosts regular quiz nights and Student Event Board parties.
The bar is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 3pm - 11pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3pm - 10pm, with extended hours for special events. The canteen is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 3pm, serving food and drink at student-friendly prices.
Sarah E. Baker
Head of Dance
Sarah trained at the Quinte Ballet School and the national Ballet School of Canada and has an MA in Choreography. She has performed across Canada and also studied, taught and choreographed in America and Israel in addition to the UK. Sarah has choreographed dance and musical theatre productions for the Bloomsbury and Cochrane theatres in London. She collaborated with composer Stefano Curina on Flood performed at The Place in London and presented her own live and screen-dance work at other dance theatres in London. Sarah understands the demands of the profession and believes it’s important to learn discipline in the classroom and self-discipline out of the classroom but to maintain a sense of humour to achieve a healthy balance. She encourages each student to be individual and follow their own journey.
Andrew Hall
Senior Lecturer
Andrew trained at the Royal Ballet School, where he worked with choreographers and artists including Violette Verdy, Jennifer Jackson, Matthew Hart and David Bintley. He spent the duration of his professional career with the Hamburg Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet under the direction of John Neumeier. Andrew believes that classical ballet training is fundamental to supporting a dancer’s development in other dance styles, and loves seeing how his students apply their ballet training across other techniques. He is also a trained Body Control Pilates® teacher.
Anna Hall
Lecturer
After training at the Royal Ballet School, Anna danced for the Hamburg Ballet where she was directed by John Neumeier. As a member of the corps de ballet she toured over 17 countries, performing at the Palais Garnier in Paris and Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. During her career, Anna had the opportunity to dance many soloist roles and worked with Natalia Makarova, Alexander Grant and Christopher Wheeldon. She passes on her knowledge and experience through a positive approach to teaching which nurtures and trains students holistically. Anna won the inaugural One Dance UK Inspirational Lecturer award in 2016. Anna encourages her students to develop their self-confidence and to gradually become independent learners in preparation for their professional lives.
Kay Hilton
Lecturer
Kay originally came from a dance performance background, moving into choreography in the days of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and then into show production for UK and International theatre, film and television. She produced and choreographed corporate fashion and trade shows for companies such as Clarks, Adidas, All Sports, Warrior Sports, Asian Sound Radio, Argos, Flannels, House of Fraser and Manchester Fashion Week. Kay is a founding director of KMC Agencies (London and Manchester) and has placed dancers with artistes such as Kylie, Cher and 50 Cent tour and also in UK and International (Hollywood) blockbuster films.
Jacqueline Shi
Lecturer
Jacqueline accumulated many awards during her early dance training and was part of the National Youth Dance Company. She trained at the Ballet Rambert Academy in London before joining Janet Smith and Dancers. Jacqueline later became a principal soloist in the Rambert Dance Co under the direction of Richard Alston and Christopher Bruce. She has worked with world renowned choreographers and performed extensively on television and film. Jacqueline established her own company which unites Liverpool and China, and she works to secure graduate employment across Asia. Jacqueline directs shows which bring together students from all disciplines to develop their understanding of the collaborative process.
Carl Parris
Lecturer
Carl has worked with world-class choreographers and dancers during his extensive performing career, including Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. West End credits include Cats, Anything Goes, Fame and Jesus Christ Superstar. Carl performed at the BRIT and Mobo Awards for six years and as part of several Royal Variety Performances. Film work includes Gulliver’s Travels and Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted. Carl is a member of DV8 Physical Theatre company and has been resident choreographer at the Hackney Empire since 1997. His experience allows him to tap into different methods and styles to empower, nurture and instil confidence in his students.
Darren Suarez
Lecturer
Darren is artistic director of the award-winning House of Suarez which produces an annual vogue ball. He works commercially for clients including Adidas and Stella McCartney’s Stella Sports. Darren has also worked as a dance coach for Dancing on Ice and festivals across the UK. He has experience of collaborating with world class dancers and choreographers and teaching all levels of performer, from underprivileged young people to the cast of Billy Elliot in the West End and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. Darren feels it’s important to offer constant feedback in his classes and nurtures students to take responsibility for their own learning.
Rosemary Berkon
Teaching Fellow
Rosemary is an actor, voice coach and community facilitator. She trained as an actor at ALRA and as a voice coach at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. As an actor Rosemary has toured nationally, performing at venues such as HOME theatre, The Leeds Playhouse, Theatre 503, The North Wall Arts Centre and Manchester Opera House. With a passion for new writing and outreach she has worked as a performer and facilitator to create original work that emphasises community engagement with various theatre companies including Odd Arts, Papatango, Quantum Theatre and Byteback Theatre.
She brings her experience as a performer and facilitator into her teaching, alongside her experience as a private coach, which sees her work with many different voices encouraging confidence and communication. She currently works with clients in preparation for auditions, public speaking (that has included TEDx talks) and at other drama schools.
Rosemary is fascinated by accents, how speech is made and the social implications of teaching this to actors. She is a member of The Voice and Speech Trainers Association, passionate about cutting-edge pedagogy and aims to work with a sense of community and inclusivity in her studio spaces.
Rosemary understands the resilience required to sustain a career in the theatre industry, she endeavours to share with honesty challenges from her professional experience and also her hopes for the future of the creative arts.
What Our
Graduates Do
Our graduates work as performers and choreographers in dance shows, musicals, West End productions, touring productions and on cruise liners and appear in music videos, TV shows, award ceremonies and Bollywood films. Their career achievements have included:
Deavion Brown (2019)
Dancer with Thriller Live, West End, Message in a bottle UK tour. Also played Cy in the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Thomas Carsley (2019)
Winner of the 2019 Street Dance Final on BBC Young Dancer. He also won the Theatre Forever Solo competition at Summer Dance Forever in 2020.
Mathilde Caeyers (2018)
Received Norwegian Arts Council funding to create her contemporary dance show Eksogen with Intakt Dance. Awarded artistic grant by Arctic Arts Festival to premiere New Religion. Commissioned to produce new work for Extreme Chill Festival and Insomnia.
Olivia Jones (2018)
Performed in The Lion King UK tour.
Renae Hughes (2017)
Formerly one of Rita Ora’s core dancers, recently toured with Little Mix and performed with the band on their BBC show The Search.
Aishwarya Raut (2017)
Member of leading dance company Rambert. Credits also include the film Rocketman and Brit Awards. BA (Hons) Dance
Ella Redhead (2017)
Recently danced in Heartbeat of Home, West End, previously Thriller Live (also West End).
Charlie Knight (2016)
Spent a year performing in Bat Out of Hell in Germany.
Kristine Berget (2015)
Member of hip-hop company Boy Blue, she also danced on Florence + the Machine’s Big God video.
Jonny Grundy (2015)
International aerial artist performing with silks, hoops and flying pole.
Fortune Jordan (2015)
Has danced with Rita Ora, Cher Lloyd and Rick Astley. TV credits include the Royal Variety Performance, Peaky Blinders and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Zahra Jones (2014)
Dance captain on Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End.
Stevie Mahoney (2013)
Theatre credits include Thriller Live and Exposure. Performed with Dua Lipa, Mabel and Little Mix at the BRIT Awards and on Take That’s 2019 Greatest Hits tour.
Siobhan Hayes (2009)
Artist with dance development agency, Dance4, former assistant artistic director for Stopgap Dance Company.
Bence Vagi (2003)
Founder and artistic director, Recirquel.
GRADUATING DANCERS 2023
It is with great pleasure that we present our graduating Dancers for 2023.
Educational qualifications are important but limited in what they can tell us about you.
Your natural ability, your fit with what and how we teach, your growth and your potential are also key factors in our admission process. We can’t evaluate these solely on your educational achievements, so no matter which course you are applying for, we look for the following attributes on your application and at the interview stage.
-
"LIPA is the real deal, Dance students hone their strengths with budding music producers, writers and artists making this establishment completely unique."
Gary Lloyd
Award-winning director, choreographer and writer
Additional Costs
As part of this course, there are likely to be some additional costs that are not included within your tuition fees. Many of these are optional. We’ve also included information about cost of living expenses in Liverpool in this section.
Physiotherapy & sports massage
We currently work with Bounce Physiotherapy Clinic to provide specialist sports physiotherapy and massage to students throughout the year. Sports massage therapy can relieve over-worked muscles and help to maintain a good range of motion and flexibility in the body. Regular sessions also allow us to identify and treat any injuries and help us to guide you through your rehabilitation with minimum disruption to your training. You will be required to pay *£105 per year towards the cost of your ongoing physiotherapy/massage sessions. This is substantially less expensive than attending private sessions and is a vital part of keeping your body fit and healthy throughout your studies. * This was the fee for 2021 entry so may be subject to an inflationary increase for 2022 entry.
Some injuries can occur due to poor flexibility so it is recommended that you take the time to work on your flexibility before you arrive. While it is not compulsory, yoga classes can be a good way of increasing your flexibility or there are books available that can help you with your own practice.
Uniform
Throughout the year you will have classes in many different styles of dance and you will be expected to dress appropriately for each class. While we have a general dress code for daily classes we also have a more specific uniform list that you must wear for assessments, masterclasses or other events. A detailed list with our supplier information will be sent to you before enrolment.
Compulsory uniform items for women include a black camisole leotard, appropriately coloured footed tights, with matching coloured split-sole ballet shoes, black leather split-sole jazz shoes, Capezio dance heels, oxford style tap shoes and a flesh coloured body stocking.
Men require a black footless tank unitard, a dance belt, black socks, black canvas split-sole dance shoes, black leather split-sole jazz shoes and oxford style tap shoes.
There are specific model numbers for each of these items that must be bought but we will send details of this before enrolment. While it is not compulsory, it will also be useful to have a pair of black dance sneakers and some soft black knee pads.
The daily dress code for ballet classes includes a black leotard with appropriately coloured tights and ballet shoes for ladies, and an ankle-length unitard or tights/leggings, with a t-shirt/vest and ballet shoes (all in black) for men.
Jazz classes require a dance leotard, tights and leather jazz shoes for ladies and a unitard or leggings/tights with a t-shirt/vest and leather jazz shoes for men. While leotards and t-shirts can be coloured, all other items should be in black.
Contemporary classes require a similar uniform to Jazz classes but with footless or convertible tights instead of jazz shoes. Your other classes include Choreography and Tap, and these classes will also follow the same dress code as Jazz, unless otherwise specified by your teacher in class.
For commercial style classes you are invited to dress in current trends in the industry, though your physique must be visible to the teacher (nothing excessively baggy). Footwear (trainers) must be for studio use only as no outdoor shoes are permitted in the dance studios.
While it is not compulsory, it is recommended to have multiples of each item. You will be dancing intensely and so all dance clothes must be washed after each wearing. Having multiples can massively reduce the time that you spend doing laundry.
Script fees
When you enrol at the beginning of your third year, you are asked to pay a small fee for your Musical Theatre script of approximately £25 (although this may be subject to a small inflationary increase).
Seeing shows
It is mandatory for you to attend all Dance department performances, and we recommend that you attend other LIPA shows as well. We offer discounted student tickets to make this as affordable as possible.
You should go to the theatre as often as you can. This is not compulsory, but it will help your development as a performer. Theatre visits are not covered by your tuition fees, so you’ll need to cover these costs yourself. Most theatres offer student discounts for students and we are occasionally offered a limited number of free or discounted tickets for shows in the city.
Professional auditions
Once you have finished your second year we expect you to attend professional auditions. This helps you to assess the industry, your own skills and what areas you need continued work on during training. This could also lead to you gaining representation and/or work that can be done while still in training (with permission of the Head of Department). We advise you to save up during Years 1 and 2, so that you can afford to attend auditions in the performance areas of your choice.
Cost of living
Wherever you choose to study, you'll have to budget for accommodation and other everyday living expenses, such as food and bills.
Liverpool represents great value for students. Accommodation costs are low in comparison with other places in the UK, particularly the South East. The city's shops and entertainment venues also have lots of student discounts.
We’d recommend completing a simple budget plan to predict your income and outgoings. This should include accommodation, bills, insurance, TV licence, food, laundry, clothes, books, travel and socialising. How much you'll want to spend on a lot of these is completely personal.
There is lots of advice available online about budgeting,:
- UCAS budget calculator is a great tool to help you balance your in-comings and out-goings.
- SaveTheStudent provides useful information on student money resources, including loans, budgeting, and scholarship sources.
Most UK students will be able to take out a maintenance loan to assist with living costs and there are some grants available. We also offer some bursaries. To find out more, please see Student Finance and bursaries.
Because our courses are intensive and we have a busy season of student performances, options for part-time work during our teaching periods can be limited. However, many of our students gain flexible part-time work, in performance venues, shops, restaurants and bars. We also provide casual work opportunities for our students ranging from stewarding work on our productions to working with young people to help us widen access to our courses. The long summer break is when many of our students choose to work.
Additional Costs
As part of this course, there are likely to be some additional costs that are not included within your tuition fees. Many of these are optional. We’ve also included information about cost of living expenses in Liverpool in this section.
Physiotherapy & sports massage
We currently work with Bounce Physiotherapy Clinic to provide specialist sports physiotherapy and massage to students throughout the year. Sports massage therapy can relieve over-worked muscles and help to maintain a good range of motion and flexibility in the body. Regular sessions also allow us to identify and treat any injuries and help us to guide you through your rehabilitation with minimum disruption to your training. You will be required to pay *£105 per year towards the cost of your ongoing physiotherapy/massage sessions. This is substantially less expensive than attending private sessions and is a vital part of keeping your body fit and healthy throughout your studies. * This was the fee for 2021 entry so may be subject to an inflationary increase for 2022 entry.
Some injuries can occur due to poor flexibility so it is recommended that you take the time to work on your flexibility before you arrive. While it is not compulsory, yoga classes can be a good way of increasing your flexibility or there are books available that can help you with your own practice.
Uniform
Throughout the year you will have classes in many different styles of dance and you will be expected to dress appropriately for each class. While we have a general dress code for daily classes we also have a more specific uniform list that you must wear for assessments, masterclasses or other events. A detailed list with our supplier information will be sent to you before enrolment.
Compulsory uniform items for women include a black camisole leotard, appropriately coloured footed tights, with matching coloured split-sole ballet shoes, black leather split-sole jazz shoes, Capezio dance heels, oxford style tap shoes and a flesh coloured body stocking.
Men require a black footless tank unitard, a dance belt, black socks, black canvas split-sole dance shoes, black leather split-sole jazz shoes and oxford style tap shoes.
There are specific model numbers for each of these items that must be bought but we will send details of this before enrolment. While it is not compulsory, it will also be useful to have a pair of black dance sneakers and some soft black knee pads.
The daily dress code for ballet classes includes a black leotard with appropriately coloured tights and ballet shoes for ladies, and an ankle-length unitard or tights/leggings, with a t-shirt/vest and ballet shoes (all in black) for men.
Jazz classes require a dance leotard, tights and leather jazz shoes for ladies and a unitard or leggings/tights with a t-shirt/vest and leather jazz shoes for men. While leotards and t-shirts can be coloured, all other items should be in black.
Contemporary classes require a similar uniform to Jazz classes but with footless or convertible tights instead of jazz shoes. Your other classes include Choreography and Tap, and these classes will also follow the same dress code as Jazz, unless otherwise specified by your teacher in class.
For commercial style classes you are invited to dress in current trends in the industry, though your physique must be visible to the teacher (nothing excessively baggy). Footwear (trainers) must be for studio use only as no outdoor shoes are permitted in the dance studios.
While it is not compulsory, it is recommended to have multiples of each item. You will be dancing intensely and so all dance clothes must be washed after each wearing. Having multiples can massively reduce the time that you spend doing laundry.
Script fees
When you enrol at the beginning of your third year, you are asked to pay a small fee for your Musical Theatre script of approximately £25 (although this may be subject to a small inflationary increase).
Seeing shows
It is mandatory for you to attend all Dance department performances, and we recommend that you attend other LIPA shows as well. We offer discounted student tickets to make this as affordable as possible.
You should go to the theatre as often as you can. This is not compulsory, but it will help your development as a performer. Theatre visits are not covered by your tuition fees, so you’ll need to cover these costs yourself. Most theatres offer student discounts for students and we are occasionally offered a limited number of free or discounted tickets for shows in the city.
Professional auditions
Once you have finished your second year we expect you to attend professional auditions. This helps you to assess the industry, your own skills and what areas you need continued work on during training. This could also lead to you gaining representation and/or work that can be done while still in training (with permission of the Head of Department). We advise you to save up during Years 1 and 2, so that you can afford to attend auditions in the performance areas of your choice.
Cost of living
Wherever you choose to study, you'll have to budget for accommodation and other everyday living expenses, such as food and bills.
Liverpool represents great value for students. Accommodation costs are low in comparison with other places in the UK, particularly the South East. The city's shops and entertainment venues also have lots of student discounts.
We’d recommend completing a simple budget plan to predict your income and outgoings. This should include accommodation, bills, insurance, TV licence, food, laundry, clothes, books, travel and socialising. How much you'll want to spend on a lot of these is completely personal.
There is lots of advice available online about budgeting,:
- UCAS budget calculator is a great tool to help you balance your in-comings and out-goings.
- SaveTheStudent provides useful information on student money resources, including loans, budgeting, and scholarship sources.
Most UK students will be able to take out a maintenance loan to assist with living costs and there are some grants available. We also offer some bursaries. To find out more, please see Student Finance and bursaries.
Because our courses are intensive and we have a busy season of student performances, options for part-time work during our teaching periods can be limited. However, many of our students gain flexible part-time work, in performance venues, shops, restaurants and bars. We also provide casual work opportunities for our students ranging from stewarding work on our productions to working with young people to help us widen access to our courses. The long summer break is when many of our students choose to work.
