Specialist Diploma, Choreological Studies

The course runs over three years and is structured into three modules (one per year), each focused on distinct areas that accumulate in assessment. Each module follows the same pattern of delivery: 

• 5 Day intensives of studio practice and delivery: October 
• 5 Day intensives of studio practice and delivery: February 
• 5 Days for tutorials and practical assessments: July 

Each module of study will culminate with assignments before you start the next module. This pattern of study allows you to enter the course in any one year of the three-year cycle. 

 Modules

The three modules are delivered in the same order. On entering the course, students will start with whichever module is running that year.  

The Dynamic Body in Motion (2022) 

The module includes practical and theoretical exploration of Laban’s dynamic theories as they are embodied in human movement. Rhythm and dynamics are essential in expressive and functional movement. Explorations include embodying, recognising, naming, and documenting dynamic and rhythmic variations in movement. The amount of effort used is identified through experiencing and closely observing alternation of tension and release for movement expressivity. This is relevant for dancers, artists, theatre directors, sports scientists, architects, and nurses. 

Relatedness in Motion (2023) 

The module includes practical and theoretical exploration of intra- and inter-personal relationships as they are embodied in human movement, behaviour, theatre practice, and sports. You will examine how one body part relates to another, and how we relate to others and the environment. This module reveals the significance of our relationship to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

Living Architecture (2024) 

The module includes exploration of Laban’s theories of space harmony (Choreutics), and how the principles are embodied in human movement. You will understand the hidden rules of space and how we engage with space, making it visible through our interactions, behaviour, and creative choices. This module provides skills for conscious decision making by directors, actors, dancers, and artists. It will also provide in-depth, rigorous spatial analysis for dance / sports scientists, clinicians, and nurses. 

“I joined the SDCS programme with a view to learning and embodying movement practice from a transdisciplinary perspective. I have found the lectures and workshops to be inspiring and relevant. You are presented by teachers who are genuinely passionate about Choreology, along with creative demonstrations by visiting artists from various fields of dance and movement. From my point of view, this has provided an excellent environment for bringing art and science together. The teachers are kind, professional, supportive of the interests of each individual student, and encourage each of us to develop and apply the principles of Choreology to the nature of our own practice.”

 

Chris Lord, student. 

Teaching and Learning

Each module includes 61.5 hours made up of two intensive weeks of five days of six hours / day and 1.5 hours of tutorials per module. Students are expected to engage in a further 233 hours of study including self-directed study and preparation for assessment.  

• Intensive weeks of studio-based delivery and study as a cohort. 
• The week includes practical workshops and lectures. 
• Participants are expected to pursue their own lines of enquiry through personal independent practice and research. 
• Tutorial support leading up to assessment tasks. Tutorials are offered in a range of forums, face-to-face, or online. 
• Blended learning – you will have the opportunity to engage with fellow course students throughout the year via an online forum. 

 Assessment

Assessment is in three parts per module to evaluate knowledge, skills, values, and application. Each module has three assessments listed below as the culmination of each year of the programme.  

• Written Document: evidences your reflective and critical thinking in relation to your theoretical research and wider reading. 
• Embodiment and Symbology: evidences your application of the theories to the creation of movement and to your own bodily execution. 
• Lecture demonstration: evidences your individual application of the theories to a particular area of interest and practice alongside your communication skills. 

“The specialist diploma in choreological studies changes you. By digging into the core concepts of Laban and chronological theories, practitioners are gifted with exceptional analytical skills for moving, observing, and describing movement. Throughout the three years, the programme offers learning weeks to absorb and consolidate theorical aspects through embodied understanding, making the course inclusive and open to movement artists from different fields. SDCS is an exceptional personal journey lead by incredibly exceptional teachers. It is that kind of experience that never leaves you.”

           Rebecca Rosa, Student. 

• Automatic entry following completion of How Movement Works intensive week, available as part of the Trinity Laban Summer School.  
• Or some prior knowledge of Laban Studies or Choreological Studies. 
• Or a practice-based BA (Hons) in movement or dance studies with a movement analysis component.  
• Or a Laban / Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS) qualification 
• Or equivalent professional experience 
• Or an interest in movement relating to a professional discipline 

English Language requirements

IELTS Band 6 (General English Test) or above (or equivalents). Certificates will need to be provided in order for your application to be fully considered. If the panel feel that there is a lack of English Language proficiency or understanding of a subject area, then you may be asked to supply additional written material. 

“The choreological perspective has been a valuable framework to bridge my experiences of movement from various disciplines into a coherent and articulate pedagogical practice as a movement artist and yoga teacher. The SCDS programme has offered me space to analyse, dissect and articulate movement with a more refined sensibility to what I have intuitively been developing in my personal conduct of facilitating movement. Hugely rewarding programme and highly recommended.”

           David Kam, student.