Dance Course Details
Introducing… RAW Foundation Arts College
Providing Full-time, Professional Training in the Heart
of the Showbiz Capital of the UK… BLACKPOOL!
Opening SEPTEMBER 2023!
RAW College
RAW Foundation Arts College is an exciting new college for young people aged 16-18 wishing to pursue a career in the arts and wanting to access the very best technical training and industry knowledge, regardless of experience. The Fylde Coast is bursting at the seams with talent and RAW will provide a centre of excellence in which to train. After years of working in the industry and teaching younger students, our faculty of teachers know exactly what it takes and have the knowledge and skills for our students to excel in
this competitive, yet rewarding industry.
Our aim is to guide and develop aspiring artists without financial limitations so students are given solid foundations with the tools, knowledge and support needed for longevity in the industry.
We can deliver fully funded BTEC courses, giving students the ability to access free training whilst gaining recognised qualifications in a friendly and professional atmosphere. In addition to our incredible permanent faculty, we will also be bringing in some of the industry’s most relevant and exciting performers to deliver workshops and talks.
Due to the high demand for qualified dance training we will be launching our BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance, Performing Arts commencing September 2023. This qualification will allow learners to progress onto university and apply to specialist performing arts schools, colleges and universities helping to bridge the gap plus increase their chance of securing a highly sought after place. We are looking for dancers who are dedicated, passionate and committed to improving their skills and becoming their very best!
RAW College boasts 5 fantastic studios and it’s own in-house working theatre complete with advanced facilities, including rigging for all aspects of aerial work, such as hoop, silks and bungee. We specialise in all genres of dance, including acro and are partnered with AcroPad providing both air tracks and a 6m x 8m airfloor. Dance studios are complete with Le Mark Flooring and Harlequin Ballet Barres. On-site parking is available and there are various spaces to relax and recharge including a kitchen for student use along with commercial kitchen offering substantial meals and snacks with healthy options catering for all dietary requirements.
Full Funded Courses 2023
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance, Performing Arts
The LEAD Performing Arts BTEC level 3 study programme will be delivered at RAW Foundation Arts College.
Our BTEC in Dance is in partnership with Lead Education, therefore course fees are fully funded by SCL and the awarding body for the qualification is Pearson.
Additional costs:
Uniform Fee: £200
Enrichment Fee: £250
Entry Requirements
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Completed application form sent directly to Raw Foundation Arts College
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A successful audition and interview at RAW Foundation Arts College
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4x GCSEs Grade 4 or above
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Maths and English at grade 4 or above is preferred however there is the opportunity for these two subjects to be re-studied at the college if not achieved
As the industry becomes evermore competitive, it is vital that our students have experience in other areas of the arts. As RAW has everything in place to extend in September 2024 we have all the resources needed to deliver a well-rounded course.
As part of the course, students will also study:
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Acro
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Aerial
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Acting for camera
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Television presenting
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Public Speaking
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An introduction to teaching pathways
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How to build a brand and following on social media
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An introduction into business studies (invoicing, accounting and a professional portfolio).
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Nutrition and Fitness
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Regular professional workshops
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Audition techniques
Dancing
Dance is at the very heart of RAW and this, coupled with the demand, is why we will initially be offering the BTEC in Dance. Students will take multiple daily dance classes (4 days per week) in: ballet, pointe work, tap, modern, jazz, commercial, lyrical and contemporary, stretch, technique and conditioning.
We also offer all our students the opportunity to complete their ISTD and RAD qualifications in ballet, tap and modern (with an additional top up fee)
Acting
It is vital that dancers who want to successfully gain a place at University, or successfully audition for professional work, to understand the art of performance. This is why we believe it is helpful to benefit from acting classes. These classes look at: devising and improvisation, acting for screen, public speaking, classical and modern text study, physical theatre, extensive audition technique and more.
We also offer all our students the opportunity to complete their LAMDA & RSL Acting qualifications (this will be at an additional top up cost)
Singing
Students will benefit from one-to-one tuition and will spend time on classical technique to understand the voice and vocal development. RAW students will also take group lessons to help learn how to harmonise and sight-read. There will be a strong emphasis on acting through song so that each student can leave with their own audition repertoire.
We also offer all our students the opportunity to complete their ABRSM and Trinity College, London Singing qualifications (with an additional top up fee).
WHAT TO EXPECT…
COURSE CONTENT
YEAR TWO
Dancers will have a comprehensive timetable and partake in all dance disciplines throughout the year including commercial dance, street dance, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary, tap, Latin, singing, acting, and choreography (with levelled technique classes). The units assessed in year one are:
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Exploring performance styles
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Creating performance material
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Performing as a dancer as part of an ensemble
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Planning a career in the industry
YEAR TWO
There will continue to be an array of dance lessons in all disciplines throughout the year to continue with training and development. Year two also involves students working on their own personal profile as well as collaborating with others to develop and produce their own project. The assessed units in year two are as follows:
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Using development plans to refine skills
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Producing a personal project
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Using material for self-promotion and networking
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Undertaking a defined creative or administrative role
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Using creative collaboration to develop a project
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Producing a collaborative project
Students’ work is generated through practical projects, briefs, workshops and engagement with the industry, preparing them through the development of portfolios and materials for progression. Students will develop performing arts skills, learn to manage projects, gain self-analysis skills, and develop appreciation of the performing arts industry and their future in it. Students will visit Move It and other dance conventions to further their understanding of the industry.
You will be assessed in many ways including video evidence of your training and practical performances, assessor witness testimonies, work diary and log books, peer observations, self-assessments, written reports, assignments and work experience.
All learners will be entitled to the same privileges as any further education learner; for example, student bursaries (if eligible), UCAS guidance, pastoral care, education support, FE enrichment programmes and GCSE re-sit opportunities (if required).
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
College shows both internally and at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Choreography showcases, guest projects, termly assessment performances.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
The course is Validated by Pearson Edexcel
The course is funded by SCL Education


HOW TO APPLY
There is NO CHARGE to audition for RAW.
Once your application has been received you will be sent an audition date with requirements of what to prepare. At the audition you will have the opportunity to see the facilities and meet staff as well as undertake an interview. If for any reason there are changes to the audition then you will be contacted directly. Applications are accepted year-round, please contact us via the Webform for more details.