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Perform...[per fáwrm]

• accomplish something: to carryout an action requiring care or skill

• fulfil requirement: to do what isstated

• present artistic work: to enact anartistic work to an audience

• function or behave: to operate to aparticular standard

...Can You?

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Introduction by the Founder & Artistic Director 4

Principal’s Welcome 4

College Life 5-11

Performance and Teaching in Dance Diploma 12-17

Musical Theatre Diploma 18-21

Work Experience and APL 22

Stay Connected 23

Contents

MDDC

Prospectus

Introduction by the Founder & Artistic Director

Mrs Gaynor OwenARAD, FISTD (MF & IBF),AISTD (BF).ISTD Examiner and Chairperson for the Modern Theatre Faculty.

After more than 50 years teaching and

examining dancers and dance teachers, I

am thrilled to see the next generation of

young performers tread the boards at

Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre.

The aspirations, hopes and dreams of each new year are

constant - to be the best, to perform, to dance.

MDDC offers each student the opportunity for rigorous

study into the practical and theoretical applications of

professional performance and dance. Lessons learnt

become tools a graduating student can use in order to fully

achieve their dream. MDDC expects hard work, discipline,

tenacity and commitment from its students, just as they

expect excellence and knowledge from the faculty.

Reaching a professional standard in dance and musical

theatre performance is only possible through the application

of these qualities.

We know... we’ve built a reputation on it.

Principal’s Welcome

Debbie JamesFISTD (MF & TF), LISTD (IBF).ISTD Examiner to CDE, Modern and Tap.

Welcome to the Merseyside Dance and

Drama Centre prospectus. I am delighted

that you are thinking about auditioning to

study at MDDC. In this prospectus you will

find information about the courses we

offer that can help you prepare for the rigorous life as a

professional performer, dancer and dance teacher. You will

also find out what it’s like being a student at MDDC and

hear about the careers of MDDCGraduates.

Realising your true potential begins with MDDC; the

first step towards professional performance.

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MDDC

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End of year show 2008 - excerpts fromRichard O’Brien’s “The Rocky HorrorPicture Show”

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“MDDC has thehighest standard oftraining.”

Sarah Hulse,Graduating Class of 1999

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“It’s great to get arecord deal and it’s allthanks to MissSuzanne’s training.”

David Jonson, GraduatingClass of 2000

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WhyLiverpool?

WhyMerseyside Dance and Drama Centre?

The vibrant city of Liverpool, Capital of Culture in 2008,

has a lot to offer dance and drama students from all

over the world. A lively theatre, comedy and music

scene provides some of the very best live entertainment

in the North. With more theatres, museums, galleries

and listed buildings than in any other region outside

London, Liverpool’s cultural heritage has produced a

plethora of dancers, performers, actors, comedians

and musicians.

The revival of the city centre began with the construction

of the world-class Echo Arena, rivalling Manchester’s

MEN Arena as THE place to perform for the biggest

international stars. Now a major attraction in itself,

Liverpool One hosts a variety of eateries to suit any

palate complimenting the unique World Heritage site of

the Three Graces.

Act DanceSingLearn

Teach SweatPerform“I chose MDDC because it offered the most rounded andcomprehensive dance and performance training in thecountry.”

Jacqueline Mayor, Graduating Class of 2009

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Situated in the heart of Liverpool, only two minutes from

Lime Street Station, MDDC is ideally located for

everything a bustling city offers. MDDC believes in a

holistic approach to teaching. Each student’s individual

qualities and talents are catered for within the structure

of a rigorous timetable.

This offers the unique opportunity to study for a Double

Diploma as Musical Theatre students can also study

towards ISTD DDI and DDE dance teaching qualifications.

This is recommended for all Musical Theatre students

as it offers a second career in dance teaching when a

performance career ends.

Ballet is compulsory for all students and classes are

available for first years of all levels from Intermediate

through to Advanced II. Ballet lessons are essential

for providing a strong technique necessary in other

dance disciplines.

Singing and drama are also compulsory lessons in the

first year. This enables a true understanding of breathing

techniques and dramatic expression for trainee dance

teachers as well as musical theatre students.

MDDC offer one of the widest ranges of dance genres

in the country. Modern Theatre, Tap and National are

offered to ISTD DDE level and accompanied by Hip

Hop, singing, harmony, drama, and Musical Theatre.

Disco, Contemporary, Ballroom and Latin American

and are available to ISTD Associate level.

True success can be measured in terms of career

longevity. From West End productions, Cats, West Side

Story and Chicago among others, television, films,

videos and modelling to teaching and examining,

MDDC is proud of its graduates’ achievements. After a

performance career many graduates have gone on to

prominent positions in theatre production, choreography,

singing and the teaching profession with their own

schools, and as major examiners all over the world.

Resources

With nine studios over four floors MDDC is one of the

biggest dance teaching and performance colleges in

the UK. A dedicated singing room creates an intimate

atmosphere enhancing assessment and learning. A

fully equipped gymnasium is perfectly suited to

achieving greater strength, especially for lifts in double

work. There is also an IT Room with four internet

connected computers and a printer for essential course

work research.

Accommodation

While many local students remain at home for the duration

of their training, most students prefer to rent flats or

shared accommodation in Liverpool. Student

accommodation is available in many areas of the city and

are ideally situated for local and national transport links.

Welfare

Pro-active pastoral care is available to all students

throughout the three years of training, offering assistance

in finding accommodation, employment and helping

students handle any difficult situations that may arise

within their studies or life outside college. A counselling

service is also offered to any student who may need

further assistance in handling any issues.

A tutoring system is initiated at the start of the first year

and each student is allocated a personal tutor for

confidential discussions regarding issues that may affect

their training.

MDDC views the health and welfare of students as a

primary concern. An on-site, fully qualified physiotherapist

is available and any referrals to local health specialists

maintain a student’s physicality to its fullest ability.

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Application Procedure

All students must pass the academy audition. Entry to

MDDC is by audition and interview with the Principal.

Auditions are held regularly throughout the year for

enrolment in the following academic year. On receipt of

an application form, all prospective students will be

offered an audition date with a request to confirm the

date. Applications forms are available to download

from the MDDC website.

MDDC actively encourage overseas students and, in

the event of attendance difficulties, audition by video is

allowed. This must be accompanied by supporting

evidence of training, qualifications and two full length

photographs in practice outfit.

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• Medical assessment by MDDC resident doctor• GCSE in basic subjects, unless there are special

circumstances acceptable to the Principal• Students hoping to study drama must have

completed GCSE English Language or Literature• Candidates should normally be 16 years of age

before September 1st of the enrolment year• A separate report from an orthopaedic consultant

may be required• Candidates requiring entrance from other

establishments must provide writtenapproval from their tutor

Application Requirements

MDDCPerformance and Teaching in Dance

• Classical Ballet• Modern Theatre• Tap• National• Jazz• Double Work• Latin American & Ballroom• Contemporary• Performance• Creative Choreography• Singing• Acting• Voice & Speech Production• Drama Improvisation• Movement for Actors• AS & A Level Dance• Contextual Studies• Employment Skill• Fitness, Health & Safety• Musical Theory• Musical Theatre

• Teaching Skills:DDI Unit 1/DDE Unit 1

• Health & Safety:DDI Unit 2/DDE Unit 4

• Lifespan Development:DDI Unit 3/DDE Unit 5

• Dance Practice:DDI Unit 4/DDE Unit 6

• Music & Dance Relationship:DDI Unit 5/DDE Unit 7

• Dance Genre Background:DDI Unit 6/DDE Unit 8

• Dance Teaching Practice:DDE Unit 2

• Evaluation:DDE Unit 3

• ISTD Associate Ballroom• ISTD Associate Disco• ISTD Associate Latin American

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“After a 4 year dance career performing around the world,I now have my own school with 130 students.”

Vicky Evans, Class of 2000

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MDDC

Performance&

Teaching

Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Performance & Teaching in DanceYEAR ONEMDDCGrounding - A rounded introduction into the principals of dance, performance and musical theatre.Must be completed before study commences on chosen learning path.Accredited Prior Learning (APL) alsoacknowledged.

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The first year at MDDC provides a solid foundation in all

aspects of dance quality, musicality and breath control

- essential ingredients for achieving a successful

performance career. Laying the groundwork for the

study that follows in Years 2 and 3, the first years primary

aim is to help the student understand and improve

posture, weight distribution, muscle control and limb

extension. Understanding these basics of self- and

spatial-awareness helps to develop the confidence

necessary for a student to achieve their very best.

Individual abilities are identified and catered for within

each module through constant appraisal and review.

This tailored teaching style intends to assist all students

to achieve a minimum of Intermediate level in all dance

genres by the end of the first year. Prior levels of

achievement are fully acknowledged and catered for

within the tailored programmes. High achieving students

will be encouraged to develop their potential within the

structure of the college’s teaching programme. This may

include taking classes with more advanced students.

In the first year work also begins on how to control

breathing in dancing and singing classes. This, along

with vocal confidence in drama and scale building and

voice development in singing, helps to build

performance confidence in all three disciplines.

The expansion of a student’s musical theatre repertoire

is greatly encouraged as is gaining confidence in solo

singing work. Drama classes work towards LAMDA

Bronze examinations and the study of theatrical

knowledge begins the journey to full musical theatre

production. This is complimented by improvisation

work and builds an understanding of characterisation

through movement, prop work, different time periods

and costumes.

Lessons in all dance genres broadens the knowledge

of technical dance vocabulary and students must be

able to demonstrate precise movements of each dance

style and how to achieve correct lines. Potential musical

theatre students are encouraged to attend DDI

classes with important lessons focusing on health &

safety in dance, lifespan development and learning in

dance. Lessons also include the historical development

of dance and the relationship between music and a

chosen dance genre.

The first year of study is often the hardest as students

make the transition from school to college life. It

requires dedication, discipline and hard work - qualities

necessary not just for college but also for a successful

performance and dance teaching career.

MDDC

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Teaching

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Full-Time 3 Year DiplomaPerformance & Teaching in DanceYEAR TWOMDDCCreating - Enhancing creativity through practice,dance classes and examinations in preparation for professionalperformances.

Exercises are designed to increase flexibility, limb

and spine extension, muscle and breathing control.

Increasing the quality and ease of coordinated

movement through all dance genres helps to develop

cleaner lines. Increasing knowledge of dance

genres is demonstrated by performing movements

with assurance and style.

As self-confidence builds during the second year practical

work develops the ideas already learnt in the first into

a stronger knowledge base. ISTD Diploma in Dance

Instruction (DDI) evidence portfolios and written

exams for other DDI modules are completed providing

solid preparation for in-depth assessments in the

CDE examinations modules.

All students are expected to acquire basic research

referencing, presentation and evaluation skills for

DDI completion. Study of the DDE modules will

commence in the second year continuing into the

third year of training.

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MDDC

Performance&

TeachingFull-Time 3 Year Diploma Performance & Teaching in DanceYEAR THREEMDDCProfessional - Enhancing creativity through practice dance classes and examinations in preparation for professional performances.

MDDCProfessional - Deepening dedication and discipline

through concerted study and dance practice to achieve

a professional performance.

The third year at MDDC focuses on assisting the

student to achieve the fullest professional standard

possible in all aspects of dance, dance teaching and

musical theatre.

A clean, instinctive and vital performance is expected of

all students; as is the ability to express an innate creative

intelligence and musicality through choreography and

professional performance. The student must be able to

show developed characterisation and a stronger sense

of individuality to an audience.

The ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) modules

are undertaken which consists of eight units that further

enhance the teaching knowledge already achieved.

Students are expected to achieve the teaching criteria

of, and to successfully complete the DDE examinations

for their chosen dance genres.

Many students achieve DDE in a number of dance genres.

This is only achievable through the dedicated

application of lessons learnt throughout the three years

of study.

In order to graduate students must achieve:

Two ISTD Advanced II in chosen dance genres

and/or

Two DDE Qualifications

The final performance at the end of the year is a

celebration as graduates get ready to embark on their

professional performance career. It also serves as a

Showcase for agents, directors and choreographers.

MDDCGraduates have gone on to successful careers in

professional performance and have seen their careers

continue into teaching all over the world, either in their

own school or as part of a teaching squad.

Keep up-to-date with MDDCGraduates by visiting the

website.

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MDDCMusical Theatre Diploma

• Classical Ballet

• Modern Theatre

• Tap

• National

• Jazz

• Double Work

• Latin American & Ballroom

• Contemporary

• Hip Hop

• Performance

• Singing

• Musical Theatre Acting

• Acting

• Voice & Speech Production

• Drama Improvisation

• Make-up

• Movement for Actors

• Creative Choreography

• Portfolio & CV Production

• Fitness and Health & Safety

• Musical Theatre Production

• Audition Techniques

• Music Theory

• Contextual Studies

• AS & A Level Dance

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After completing the compulsory Year One at MDDC

(see page 14) students may audition to study for the

MDDCMusical Theatre Diploma.

The MDDCMT Diploma does not involve extensive

written assessment and therefore requires a greater

degree of dedication and tenacity in order to be fully

prepared for a performance career.

Acceptance onto the programme is by audition at the

start of the second year, continuous internal assessment

and a second audition at the beginning of the third

year. Auditions will require students to perform both a

song and a monologue of their choosing.

Dedicated students have the option of including the

ISTD DDI and DDE modules into their timetable. These

qualifications offer the opportunity of a second career

in dance teaching after a performance career has

ended. This extra study is strongly recommended.

Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical Theatre

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Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical TheatreYEAR TWOMDDCCreating - Enhancing creativity through practice, dance classes andexaminations in preparation for professional performances.

As well as working on dance classes in chosen genres,

singing and drama classes become more focused.

Following on from scale building and voice development

exercises the second year develops the singing voice

further by more extended vocal exercises. Detailed

understanding of the mechanism of the voice improves

range and tone. Along with more complex register work

a student’s repertoire is increased to encompass more

varied styles of singing. Individual, duet and group

work is accompanied with harmony classes to enhance

vocal confidence that will eventually work towards solo

performances.

Drama classes assist in vocal understanding as

articulation, modulation and dexterity are increased

while improvisation work enhances confidence and

spontaneity bringing with it a more energetic performance.

Solo, duo and group work is accompanied by the use

of props and costumes while scripted text works

towards LAMDA Silver Medal standard.

Getting to grips with dramatic and comedic texts

includes the study of a variety of scenes to assist with

character creation. Working closely with the singing

department, the understanding of the dramatic content

of songs is brought into sharp focus to maintain a

consistent character within a performance.

The third year at MDDC focuses on the achievement ofthe fullest professional standard possible in all aspectsof dance, singing and musical theatre.

A clean, instinctive, and vital performance is expected ofall students; as is the ability to express an innate creativeintelligence and musicality through choreography andprofessional performance. The student must be able toshow developed characterisation and a stronger senseof individuality to an audience.

By the end of the second term, one-to-one and smallgroup singing lessons become more focused andintense to achieve a professional vocal portfolio forforthcoming auditions. Audition work is also carried outin drama classes along with the study of different typesof theatre environments and departments. LAMDA GoldMedal examinations are taken and if a student is fullyapplied to study they can also achieve DDI and DDEQualifications in their chosen dance genres.

In order to graduate students must achieve:ISTD Advanced II in Classical Ballet, Tap or ModernTheatre and LAMDA Gold in Musical Theatre andLAMDA Gold in Acting

Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical TheatreYEAR THREEMDDCProfessional - Enhancing creativity through practice, dance classes and examinations in preparation for professional performances.

The final performance at the end of the year is acelebration as graduates get ready to embark on theirprofessional performance career. It also serves as aShowcase for agents, directors and choreographers.MDDCGraduates have gone on to successful careers inprofessional performance on stage, television and filmaround the world.

Keep up-to-date with MDDCGraduatesby visiting the website.

MDDC

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Work Experience

We know the value of experience. It informs ourdirection, it helps us to make better decisions and it

increases our understanding of the world around us.Work experience placements are available for school

pupils who want to delve deeper into a dance orperformance career. Any pupils who want to gain a work

experience placement at MDDC must have studied ballet.Contact MDDC for more information and to reserve your

work experience placement.

Accredited Prior Learning

Current ISTD dance teachers with Associate level in anydance genre can supplement their existing qualifications and

bring them into line with ISTD DDE examinations. IndividualMaster Classes are available with Miss Owen and Miss James to

increase the speed of your learning and ensure the higheststandards are achieved. Contact MDDC for more information

and to reserve your private DDE lessons.

ISTD Examination Centre

MDDC is the Liverpool Centre for ISTD Dance Examinations.Applications are welcome for all dance genres. Entries for examination

sessions must be made at least eight weeks in advance. All entries willbe accommodated in the first available examination session. Pianist and

tape operator fees are payable with the examination fee. Contact MDDCfor more information about entry to the Liverpool Centre examination

sessions.

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Stay Connected...Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre also offers childrensand adults dance classes in our Birkenhead and Liverpoolstudios.

Get connected at:www.mddcdance.co.ukHome of MDDC on the web - register now for regular updates

www.facebook.comAre you a friend of MDDCDance?

www.mddcdance.comKeep up-to-date with college life on the MDDCBlog

www.twitter.com/MDDCDanceFollow us on Twitter and widen your dance network

MDDC

Connected

Merseyside Dance & Drama CentreThe Studios, 13-17 Camden Street, Liverpool L3 8JR.

Tel: 0151 207 6197Email: info@mddcdance.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @MDDCDanceGaynor Owen ARAD, Examiner, FISTD (MF & IBF),AISTD (BF)

Debbie James Examiner, FISTD (MF & TF), LISTD (IBF)

Jane Baylis BSc, LISTD (IBF),AISTD (MF & NF), RAD (TC)

w w w. m d d c d a n c e . c o . u k