Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is hosting two open events for its new part-time MA in Black British Dance and Performance.

An opportunity to find out more about studying Black British Dance and Performance at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, whether this is to discover the best next step for you, further insight into the key contributors and practitioners or details around the course contents and structure.

The MA in Black British Dance and Performance is the UK’s first master’s programme dedicated specifically to placing impact, voice and gaze at the heart of the curriculum, an opportunity for students to critically engage with how power structures influence representation and visibility in dance.

On Friday 8 May, visit Serendipity in person and meet the faculty at the MA Open Day and Taster sessions.

Join us for an inspiring and informative Open Day and discover a pioneering postgraduate programme that centres Black British dance as a site of excellence, innovation and cultural leadership.

This is a unique opportunity to experience the course first-hand through two dynamic taster masterclasses, meet the core academic and artistic team and connect with international guest artists who shape the global perspective of the programme.

What to Expect

Experience the Practice: Taster Masterclasses
Take part in two powerful practical sessions led by leading figures in the field:

• Masterclass with Sharon Watson, Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, exploring choreographic voice, leadership and artistic legacy.
• Dance Dialogue with Sonja Dumas, internationally recognised artist and educator, offering insights into embodied practice, cultural technique and performance research.

These sessions are designed to give you a sense of the programme’s approach to practice-based research, artistic development and professional progression.

Meet the Core Team

Engage directly with the academic and artistic leadership of the MA:

• Pawlet Brookes MBE, Programme Director, CEO and Artistic Director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
• Thomas Prestø, Academic Lead, specialist in decolonial performance methodologies and global Black dance practices.
• Sharon Watson, Dance Industry leader, shaping contemporary Black British dance.
• Tony Graves, Cultural strategist and leadership specialist supporting professional development and sector impact.

You will also meet international guest artists connected to the course, reflecting the programme’s commitment to building global networks and expanding artistic horizons.

Learn More About the Programme

During the Open Day you will be able to:

• Explore the structure and modules of the MA
• Understand how the course supports working artists, educators and producers
• Discover opportunities for research, leadership development and international collaboration
• Ask questions about applications, entry requirements and career progression
• Experience the learning environment in Leicester

Why Attend?

This Open Day is more than an introduction; it is an opportunity to:

• Test your readiness for postgraduate study
• Expand your artistic thinking
• Connect with a community shaping the future of Black British dance
• Imagine your next step as a cultural leader

Places are limited and booking is essential.