Pick a path

Choosing the right qualification can be a daunting process.
Nina Levy offers some guidance.

Certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, degree… if you’re looking at full-time dance courses for next year, one thing you will quickly realise is that there are many schools in Australia offering nationally-recognised qualifications. But how do you know whether to apply for a certificate, a diploma, an advanced diploma or a degree? Nina Levy spoke to several schools offering these courses to find out more.

Certificate v Diploma v Advanced Diploma
Spectrum Dance in Victoria offers Certificate III and Certificate IV in Dance, Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) and Diploma of Musical Theatre. While students are expected to have prior dance training before entering the certificate programs, and are accepted into these courses by audition, these courses are intended to prepare students for further training, rather than employment. “Once students have attained their certificate qualifications we find that they are in a better position to decide what direction they want to take,” explains Spectrum Dance’s Danielle Marrs.

“Following on from the certificate level courses, Spectrum Dance offers both a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) and a Diploma of Musical Theatre. These courses allow the performers further opportunities to perfect their craft and gain professional industry experience,” continues Marrs. On completing a diploma, Spectrum considers students to be ready for employment as performers in contexts such as musical theatre, dance companies, touring productions, cruise ships, children’s entertainment, television, music videos, commercials, night clubs and corporate events.

Similarly, at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in Victoria, which offers certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses, the certificate and diploma courses can act as qualifications in their own right or stepping stones to the advanced diploma. “If a student does not have much foundation in dance technique then, regardless of their age, that student would need to apply for the Certificate IV in Dance or Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance),” says managing director Christine Walsh. “As the Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) is designed for students at a pre-professional level, the students applying would already need a considerable amount of knowledge and technical ability to audition for this course.” . . .

This is an extract from the 2018 Full-Time Guide in the August/September 2017 issue of 'Dance Australia'. Buy it at your favourite magazine retailer or subscribe HERE, or purchase an online copy via the Dance Australia APP.