We prepare you for the demands and challenges of a professional career in dance. We work with highly motivated, disciplined and creative people who are interested in shaping the future of dance.
Study Dance at VCA
Our program emphasises artistry, performance, choreographic practice and research within an inclusive environment for achieving excellence. We place curiosity, making, cultural awareness and creative questioning at the heart of our curriculum.
As an undergraduate student you will learn to dance in any direction. Training in an intensive, collaborative, studio-lab environment in key areas of contemporary dance, physical theatre, ballet, choreography and performance, you will acquire skills in physical thinking complimented by body conditioning, dance philosophy, interdisciplinary practice and dance science.
Performance excellence is the nerve centre of the degree. Students engage in studio classes, masterclasses with visiting artists, workshops and interdisciplinary projects culminating in a capstone graduation show directed by renowned choreographers. Breadth subjects at each year level enable you to explore cross disciplinary studies from the wider University community, such as Indigenous Arts and Culture, accessing knowledge and skills that will build on existing knowledge or present opportunities for you to investigate and develop new interests.
Future pathways
Upon completion of the course, you may choose to apply for our Master of Dance or a fourth-year Honours degree. An honours year provides an intensive mode of study allowing you to master your specialisation and create a pathway into advanced graduate study options in dance.
VCA Dance students are part of the vibrant Melbourne dance scene and benefit from the proximity of local choreographers, companies and organisations including Anouk Van Dijk (Countertechnique), Stephanie Lake Company, Lucy Guerin Inc (WXYZ Studios), Chunky Move, Cypher Culture, Temperance Hall and Dancehouse.
First Nations Mentoring and Ann Kantor Fellowships
The aim of the First Nations Mentoring and Ann Kantor Fellowships ensure that when First Nations dancers from across the country choose to study at Melbourne, there is a culturally safe space for them to grow.
For further information contact VCA Dance Lecturer (Indigenous) Rheannan Port port.r@unimelb.edu.au
Dance courses
Our people
One of my favourite things is when the Dance students are introduced to Interactive Composition students to create art together in Choreography class. They push the boundaries of how dance and sound cohabit the space, they gain insights into each other’s disciplines and participate in lively discussion about their artform. Ultimately, lasting collaborative relationships are formed.
Anna SmithLecturer in Dance
Want to know more?
Get information on the courses you’re interested in, or ask our team a question.
View gallery
Showcase
News
Two profound but different ballet legacies: vale Colin Peasley and Garth Welch
Sydney Dance Company’s momenta – a breathtaking study in perpetual motion
Riverdance at 30: How Riverdance shaped Irish dance, and reflected a multicultural Australia
VCA events
-
Masters & Apprentices: the music of Kris Davis
Tuesday 6 October 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pmThe Jazz & Improvisation department celebrate the music of Canadian jazz pianist and composer, Kris Davis. This special project large ensemble features J&I third-year and Honours students alongside their director Andrea Keller. Previous directors have included Melissa Aldana (Chile/US... -
Composition Showcase: did you ever hear me?
Wednesday 7 October 2026 - All dayThe Composition 6 cohort presents: did you ever hear me? A showcase of new works exploring the inward and outward connections to people, music, and the stage. Come celebrate the premiere of six newly written and commissioned works in Hanson Dyer Hall as our composers - Darby Lee, Riley Hogan, Oli... -
Highlights
Wednesday 7 October 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pmThe Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Concert Band presents its final concert of the year, Highlights, an evening celebrating the individual sections, musicians and moments that come together to create the sound of the wind band. The program moves from percussion and woodwind to brass, soloist an...