Identifying dance in UK higher education

Abstract

In this panel a group of University academics from six different UK Higher Education institutions, discusses their understandings of their academic environment with regard to both national and institutional contexts to contemplate the notion of common and distinctive features. Questions to be addressed include whether Higher Education in Dance across the UK is in any way uniform, if so, in what ways? Conversely, in what ways do the distinctive features of each setting differentiate dance education from one institution to another. How do commonalities contribute to an identity of UK Dance in HE that is in turn distinct from Dance among institutions elsewhere in the world? What are similarities across other systems? At the heart of the discussion is a partial construct of an identity of Dance in Higher Education in the UK. Viewed from within we could be forgiven for believing that we are all clearly distinct from one another. From beyond the UK it may appear that we have a common approach to Dance in HE that is in certain ways unique and distinct from the work of colleagues from other countries. Doubtlessly there are overlaps with colleagues from elsewhere and that these will probably emerge through the discussion from the floor.  What we hope to uncover in this session is the continuity and diversity of our work and how this is distinct and as such can be either a starting point from which we can learn from our colleagues or what they might learn from us