The Advanced Certificate in Dance Performance is a one-year dance programme at QQI Level 6, with the option to progress into our Supplemental Award in Dance Instruction*. This course will further develop your choreographic and technical dance skills in preparation for a career in the profession in Ireland and internationally.
A particular attraction of this course is the opportunity, over 2 years, to obtain the ISTD DDE international teaching qualifications in Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance. In order to achieve this students need to achieve the full level 6 Award and progress into the Supplemental Award in Dance Instruction, the following year.
At the end of the first year, you will achieve a full Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Dance Award.
After two years you may achieve the QQI Level 6 Supplemental Award in Dance Instruction and the ISTD DDE International teaching qualification. On achievement of the QQI Supplemental Award, you will receive registration with the Irish Board of Dance Performance.
* subject to validation
Course Coordinators: Melissa Harman and Louise Behan
Year 1:
Additional Classes offered:
Year 2: QQI Level 6 Supplemental Award in Dance Instruction*
Additional Subjects offered:
Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons.
Advanced Dance Year 1:
Year 2: Supplemental Award in Dance Instruction*
Minimum Entry Requirements for Dance Studies
QQI Level 5 Award in Dance
or QQI Level 5 Award Performing Arts or equivalent.
Dance Requirements:
Intermediate standard in classical ballet/modern or equivalent
Candidates with a specialised Dance degree may apply directly for the DDE teaching programme.
All applicants will be auditioned and interviewed. More information will be provided when called to interview.
Progression Opportunities
On achievement of Level 6 QQI 6M20595, the opportunity exists to progress to the Second Year of the B.A Contemporary Dance Programme at the University of Limerick.
In addition, the college has established links with many other third level colleges in the UK and Europe, providing further opportunities to advance your dance education and training.
Employment Prospects
Various employment opportunities exist and many of our graduates have gone on to work in Dance schools and in the Performing Arts sector.
Students who elect to stay on and take the additional Supplemental award and/or ISTD DDE International teaching qualifications have the opportunity to set up their own dance schools and work and teach internationally.
Additional Information
For students who have completed the Diploma in Dance Education there are opportunities to take additional components in other dance genres. The students can also progress to study for the Royal Academy of Dance Distance learning Certificate in Classical Ballet Teaching.
Inchicore College also has specific agreements with the Irish Board of Dance Performance. On successful completion of the second year of the QQI Advanced Certificate in Dance, candidates will be eligible to enter their students for the Irish Board of Dance Performance examinations
Paul Doyle
“The work ethic I learned in Inchicore and the passion of the tutors for us all to succeed to our full potential has helped guide me on my career path.
I am now doing my dream job, which is working as a Lecturer in Dance Education for the Royal Academy of Dance’s Faculty of Education in London. I also manage the faculty’s biggest teacher training programme, the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.
I am currently the only Irish member on the Royal Academy of Dance’s panel of examiners. I will always look back fondly at the sweat, time and tears shed during my years at Inchicore College.”