Portfolio information

BA (Hons) Dance and Movement for Wellbeing

The School of Arts is ambitious and bold and has an essence of brilliance in shaping Derby as a hub of creativity. We're intrigued by new ideas and concepts, encouraging our students to take risks, experiment with their ideas and processes, and develop their creative voice.

Your portfolio is an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills, interests, and personality for the course you are applying for.

Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. You may be given the opportunity, within your offer letter, to submit a portfolio. If you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.

What should I submit for my portfolio?

A three-minute video portfolio. Applying to our BA in Dance and Movement for Wellbeing requires balancing your artistic abilities with a personal reflection on your connection to dance and its impact on wellbeing.  

Here’s a step-by-step guideline to help you structure your video: 

• Introduction (20-30 seconds)   

Start with a personal introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, including your name, where you're from, and why you're passionate about dance and movement for wellbeing.  

State your purpose: Mention that this portfolio showcases your skills, artistic vision, and personal journey in dance as it relates to wellbeing. 

Highlight your connection to the field: Explain, in a sentence or two, how dance has positively impacted your own wellbeing or others' wellbeing. 

• Show Your Dance Skills (1 minute – 1 minute 30 seconds)   

Solo performance: Include a short dance segment that reflects your technical skill, creativity, and connection to movement. This section should highlight: 

• • Technique: Show your control, precision, and flexibility. 
  • Expression: Demonstrate how you convey emotions or stories through movement. 
  • Connection: Ensure your dance expresses your personal connection to movement as a tool for wellbeing. 
  • Choreography: If applicable, include a clip of choreography you’ve created or collaborated on that reflects how movement can be used to promote emotional or physical wellbeing.

• Mind-Body Connection (30-45 seconds)   

Briefly explain your philosophy: Speak directly to the camera about how you view the relationship between dance and wellbeing. Here are some ideas: 

• • How movement helps reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, or support healing. 
  • How you've witnessed the positive impact of dance on your own life or others. 
  • Your philosophy on using movement as a tool for self-care, mindfulness, or community building. 
    
    
• Closing Reflection (20-30 seconds)   

Conclude the video with a short reflection on why you want to pursue a BA in Dance and Movement for Wellbeing. Mention the following: 

• • What you hope to learn from the programme. 
  • How you plan to use dance in the future to promote wellbeing for yourself or others. 

How do I submit my portfolio?

Send us your portfolio via email at myportfolio@derby.ac.uk.

You may be contacted by our academic team to discuss your portfolio. This will give you the opportunity to participate in a 10/15-minute conversation about the work included in your portfolio.

What if I haven't studied the subject before?

We recognise that some applicants may not have studied their subject before, which is why we are interested in seeing your potential. Submit whatever you think reflects you and your potential for the course you're applying for.

Is there a deadline to submit the portfolio?

Please submit your portfolio within four weeks of the request, however please be mindful of key deadline dates advertised on our website.