Higher Dance

Eden Court is delighted to offer SQA Higher Dance. Candidates studying at Eden Court benefit from training in a professional dance studio with highly trained and experienced tutors. They will also receive at least one workshop from a visiting company and attend at least one performance at the theatre. They will benefit from access to costumes and props from Eden Court Engagement’s own wardrobe for their choreography assessment. The course will finish with a performance for family and friends.

Candidates will study alongside National 5 Dance candidates every Friday afternoon during term time plus intensive sessions during holidays and in-service days (please check provisional course dates).

The Higher Dance programme at Eden Court from 2007-08 changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me insight, confidence and technical grounding to recognise a real, tangible future in dance. Encouraged by my teachers, I auditioned for conservatoire training and soon moved to London to study at the Laban Centre - a decision that led directly into a decade-long professional career working with Sir Richard Alston and Sir Wayne McGregor, and later to founding my own company, PCK dance, in 2023. Higher Dance laid the groundwork for my entire career and continues to underpin the artist I've become.

James Pett, Choreographer, Dancer, and co-founder of Pett Clausen-Knight Dance

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • This course is suitable for candidates with dance experience and /or have completed National 5 Dance or equivalent.
  • Candidates must be studying or successfully completed National 5 English.
  • It is particularly relevant to students who wish to pursue further training or a career in dance.
  • Candidates will study alongside National 5 Dance candidates every Friday afternoon during term time plus intensive sessions during holidays and in-service days (please check provisional course dates).

ASSESSMENT

Assessment for this course is in three parts:

Performance: Candidates will perform 2 solo dances in contrasting styles, 1.5-2 minutes each, most likely Jazz and Contemporary. Candidates are assessed on technique and performance (40% of final mark).

Practical activity: The practical activity is in two parts. Candidates create a piece of choreography in any style. This can be a solo or for a group of 3 or more dancers, 2-3 minutes long. They are then required to present a choreography review, evaluating their own choreography (combined = 30% of final mark).

Written paper: A 2 hour written exam in 2 sections which covers origins and history of one dance style, knowledge and understanding of two contrasting dance styles, safe dance practice, self-evaluation and an influential choreographer. Section 2 is based on the study of a piece of professional choreography (30% of final mark).

WEBINAR

We are hosting a webinar on Fri 30 Jan 2026, from 5.30 – 6pm, where you can find out more about this course and ask any questions you might have. If you would like to attend, you can sign up here.

APPLICATIONS

Applications will open from Mon 12 Jan 2026 and close on Sun 15 Mar 2026. Dance auditions will take place on Fri 8 May 2026.

APPLY NOW

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For more information, please contact our Engagement Programme Co-ordinator Morag Russell. Our SQA Co-ordinator is Louise Marshall.

Bursaries to support travel costs are available for those that need it. Information on how to claim will be provided at the start of the course.