MA Diasporic Dance Styles
Deep roots, wide lens, bold moves
The MA Diasporic Dance Styles is a unique distance education/ low residency provision presented by IRIE! dance theatre and validated by Goldsmiths, University of London. This postgraduate provision offers dance artists the opportunity to expand their practice through independently focused research within a supportive learning environment. The programme aims to nurture and support dance artists to reach their full potential as makers, teachers, and policy change advocates for dance in the 21st Century.
The course is delivered online through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with 2 in- person residencies a year at IRIE! dance theatre, featuring guest artists that complement the in-house team to deliver a dynamic programme of workshops and seminars alongside external visits to libraries/archival collections and exhibitions.
Through IRIE! dance theatre you will be part of a hub with time to reflect and develop your practice in the company of diverse and creative artists from many walks of life and at different stages of development. Independent and collaborative thinking brings transformation, and change, encouraging contributions to social, cultural and political dance ecologies.
Through the programme you will:
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Develop your unique artistic practice through research, dialogue, reflection and independent study.
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Learn alongside a rich community of professional artists and become part of an international network.
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Gain postgraduate recognition, clearer professional direction and develop the confidence to shape your next chapter in dance.
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Access to further study at PhD level, with increased access to funding opportunities and the ability to travel for further research and work engagements
Dance artist/practitioners working across a diverse range of dance styles within formal and informal contexts and is not restricted to any style or context of dance and particularly welcomes students working in non- western dance styles and students whose practice sits within African and Caribbean diasporic traditions.
Module 1 60 Credits Professional Practice and Lifelong Learning: Position, Passion, Progress. The module provides you with theory, reflective tasks and stimulates collaborative discussion across the MA community of students and Tutor/Mentors. On completion of this Module, you will have developed a sense of your artistic and scholarly position within your professional field, you will be able to articulate your passion for dance within this context and be able to reflect on potential directions of progress for your own artistic and scholarly practice. This module offers structures and theories for contextualising you’re learning to date within the wider field of dance. Module 2 30 Credits Practice, Research, and Meaning-Making: Diasporic Dance Cultures in Action ( including week – long residency in January 2027) Introducing you to research methods with a focus on practice-based scholarship, the module supports you in developing a theoretical framework, methodology and ethical application for an inquiry plan relevant to your dance practice. You will develop a research inquiry proposal ‘Project Plan’ to explore a topic relevant to the development of your current dance/movement practice having reflected on your current and historical practice previously in the first module of the MA Module Three 30 Credits Independent practice-based research project: cultivating questions through inquiry. The module provides theory, reflective tasks, practical experience and discussion to support the carrying out and reflection of a self-directed, practice-based inquiry project (planned, proposed and approved in the previous module). The self-directed, practice-based inquiry is a real-life experience from which you will both gather data and formulate a reflective critique. The expectation of learning through doing (experiences) is central throughout the course. It is highlighted in this module through this inquiry and reflective activity. Module Four 60 Credits Artistic Practice within Diasporic Dance Styles: Collaboration, Currency, Community The final module sees the consolidation of learning across the MA as you prepare to expand into a wider field of practice. On completion of this module, you will have developed a real-world proposal or first draft application (such as a grant application, a proposal to collaborate with an established organisation/artist, production manager, fellowship opportunity, a draft paper for submission for publication or similar). The module offers structures and theory for contextualising learning across the MA within the wider field of dance through engagement with real-world collaborations, opportunities and proposals.
Each student is allocated a personal tutor for each module, who will guide you through the work to a total of 3 hours 1-1 tutoring for Module 1 and 4, 2 hours 1-1 tutoring module 2 and 3. You will be expected to complete work and reading between the individual and group meetings. These hours can be divided into smaller chunks. Online group meeting will be established for each module at times that suit the time zone of the students. The residencies require full -time attendance. The programme builds on a progressive framework through all four modules, increasingly empowering the student in developing the voice of their practice through building a network of learning drawn from their active dance practice, theory and discussion offered in the programme and their own research and reflexivity.
Each day begins with a masterclass from the pool of artists associated with the course, this is followed by a programme of seminars, practice led research sessions, visits to libraries/archive collections, exhibitions or performance events. Facilitated by the course lecturers the residencies will encourage a spirit of collaboration and open dialogue.
Exit awards are available for those exiting study before completion of the full 180 credit MA: Exit with 60 credits = PGCert (Diasporic Dance Styles) Exit with 120 credits = PG Diploma (Diasporic Dance Styles) The programme is delivered by IRIE dance theatre and operates with the assessment regulations, in accordance with the validating partner institution.
Part Time Route Year 1 2026/2027 Module One September 21 – December 11, 2026 (12 weeks) Module Two January 4 – February 12 2027 (6 weeks) Year 2 start 2028 Module Three January 3 - February 11, 2028 (6 weeks) Module Four May 15– July 28, 2028 (12 weeks)Includes Residency July 3-15 -17 2028 - onsite at IRIE! dance theatre Module Four May 10– July 30, 2028 (12 weeks)Includes Residency 2 – July 5 -17 2027 - onsite at IRIE! dance theatre
Module One September 21 – December 11, 2026 (12 weeks) Module Two January 4 – February 12 2027 (6 weeks) Includes Residency 1 – January 4 – 9 2027 onsite at IRIE! dance theatre Module Three March 8 - April 16, 2027 (6 weeks) Module Four May 10– July 30, 2027 (12 weeks)Includes Residency 2 – July 5 -17 2027 - onsite at IRIE! dance theatre
You will not need a VISA for the course as it is online, and you can attend the residencies as a visitor. If you require assistance in finding accommodation and need a letter to support attendance, please let IRIE! know as soon as possible.
IRIE! dance theatre do not currently offer scholarships or bursaries, although it is possible to pay through instalments to ease the financial hardships. See below for useful websites for funding., https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study https://www.ffwg.org.uk/grants-bursaries-fellowships/ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/funding-postgraduate-study/ https://www.findamasters.com/guides/charities https://www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk/retraining-and-education/ In International Scholarships https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/scholarships-funding-for-international-students-uk.html
Entry Requirements
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BA (Hons) degree or equivalent academic qualification
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Alternative qualifications and experience as an artist/practitioner will be considered
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Personal statement detailing your practice.
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Details of two referees
To Apply
Complete the online application which includes your personal statement, giving details of:
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Your interest in the MA Diverse Dance Styles Course
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Description of your background and work to date
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What you believe you bring to the cohort
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What you hope to gain from the course
Funding
Fees 26-28
Full Time 10,000
Part Time: £5,000
The course is eligible for Student Finance and Instalment plans are available (September, January, April each year)
Further information Contact
Rosie Lehan
MA Lecturers
MA Lecturer Dr Clare Parfitt is an interdisciplinary dance scholar of Portuguese-Guyanese and British heritage. Her research has traversed the Atlantic, exploring popular dance as cultural memory and heritage across Francophone and Anglophone worlds. She weaves expertise in ethnography, archival research and community co-research into her projects, and is adept at working between academia and grassroots dance communities. Clare has published an edited collection, Cultural Memory and Popular Dance: Dancing to remember, dancing to forget (Palgrave, 2021), and her forthcoming monograph is provisionally titled The Kinetics of Memory: Popular dance between France and the Atlantic World (Oxford University Press). In her previous role as Heritage Project Co-ordinator at IRIE! dance theatre, Clare developed co-curated activities and events to activate IRIE!’s performance archive and increase knowledge and participation in African and Caribbean dance and drumming. She is currently Co-Lead of the research project ‘Mapping Atlantic (Im)mobilities: Caribbean dance communities in London and their diasporic connections’ funded by Kingston University and the Society for Dance Research. Clare also co-founded, Chaired and now serves as a co-facilitator for PoP Moves, an international popular dance research network. Clare has over twenty years of experience in dance higher education lecturing and previously held the role of Reader in Popular Dance at University of Chichester, serving as Research Degrees Co-ordinator for Dance, Theatre, Music and Fine Art. Clare’s most recent roles have focused on developing research and knowledge exchange infrastructures and equitable research cultures at specialist arts institutions, currently University for the Creative Arts and previously The Place | London Contemporary Dance School, where she contributed to the establishment of research across the organisation.
MA Lecturer Dr Funmi Adewole Elliott is a performer, researcher and dramaturge. She has a background in academia, arts sector development and performance. She has a M.A in Postcolonial Studies, a PhD in Dance Studies and a Professional Certificate in Education. She is the founder of Enact Arts CIC, which supports initiatives that facilitate creative practice within and beyond professional contexts. She was a senior lecturer De Montfort University and taught there for eight years before returning to independent practice in 2025. A pioneer in developing the professional context for Dance of the African Diaspora in the UK, Funmi has a longstanding track record as an advocate of dance as a profession. She has led professional development initiatives in several places in Africa, Europe and North America. She is an Honorary Fellow at Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research. Her contribution to the field was recognised with a One Dance UK Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
MA Lecturer Dr ‘H’ Patten is an experienced performer, choreographer, filmmaker, and university lecturer. A former principle artist in Adzido Pan-African Dance Ensemble and Artistic Director of Koromanti Arts and ‘H’ Patten Dance Theatre Co. His international reputation in African and Caribbean arts spans 36 years. Patten’s publications include ‘Feel De Riddim, Feel De Vibes’ in Adair, C. and Burt, R. (2016) ‘British Dance: Black Routes’ (Routledge), and ‘Dancehall: A Continuity of Spiritual, Corporeal Practice in Jamaican Dance’ in Akinleye, A. (2018) Narratives in Black British Dance: Embodied practices’ (Palgrave McMillan). Dr. Patten recently completed his PhD at Canterbury Christ Church University (UK) entitled The Spirituality of Reggae Dancehall Dance Vocabulary: a Spiritual, Corporeal Practice in Jamaican Dance. Patten’s awards include the Jamaican High Commission 50th Anniversary Award for Arts, Culture and Entertainment (2012). Dr. Patten is a tutor in Dance of the African Diaspora. Co-developing and delivering classes relating specifically to African and Caribbean contemporary and traditional dance practices, critically grounded in DAD theory, cultural and dance analysis and also an associate Lecturer in Dance of the African Diaspora (Kingston University).
Student Counseller Eszter is a qualified embodied, integrative, and dance movement psychotherapist with more than 10 years of clinical practice. In the therapeutic space, Eszter supports adults and students in exploring and expressing their emotional difficulties, helping them reconnect with their authentic selves and their capacity for self-understanding. She also reminds them that their body can be a valuable source of wisdom. She encourages clients to find proactive solutions by applying an empathetic approach to listening, understanding, and meeting their emotional, mental, and social needs, helping them create stability and enhance their wellbeing. Before moving to London in 2012, Eszter worked as a psychologist with visually impaired people in Hungary. She has a strong interest in creative approaches and research, and she completed her doctorate in psychology and dance at Roehampton University. For more information: eszterivan.co.uk
MA Lecturer As a professional dance artist, choreographer and lecturer specialising in Urban practices, performing, teaching and nurturing the development of aspiring dancers has been an integral part of my career. With over 20 years of professional experience, which has profoundly shaped my teaching philosophy and practice. I am a member of UK dance company Flawless, who were crowned UK Street Dance Champions (2005-2008). Flawless are famously known for competing in the UK’s Britain’s Got Talent (2009), reaching the finals and making a global impact that transcended the culture of dance in the UK and internationally. I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, Giggs, Aston Merrygold, Jermaine Brown, Rafael Bonachela, Mavin Khoo, Shobana Jesaysingh, The English National Ballet and HM The Queen. Collaborating with Anastasia Osei-Kuffour in ‘Love Steps’ & ‘Steps’ (2024) which have all given me unique experiences and contributed to the development of my practice. Remaining active in the industry has kept me connected to the current industry, ensuring that my teaching remains relevant, creative, and grounded in real world performance. This continued engagement enables me to transfer essential professional skills discipline, collaboration, adaptability, and creative problemsolving directly to my students. My love for teaching has continually developed over the years, allowing me to work with various institutions such as Middlesex University, IRIE! dance theatre, Academy Breakin’ Convention and Urdang (City St. George’s University of London). This has also given me the platform to deepen and enhance my practice through research, enriching my teaching methodologies and how I associate with my practice. Obtaining my MA (2022) in Hip-Hop Cultures, helped me delve deeper into my practice of Urban and Hip-Hop practices, allowing me to connect with scholars and practitioners from different parts of the world, allowing me to foster good practice and reflect philosophical customs that continue to shape and impact an ever-growing culture of dance. My research pursuits continue to evolve with Hip-Hop culture and theatre at the forefront. Web: www.leroydias.com Insta:@leroyfx
MA Lecturer Shea Best wears many hats with IRIE!. Along with being the company's current Artist-in-Residence, he is a Dancer and Company Rehearsal Director with the performing company. With a Master’s in Choreography from Leeds Beckett University and ongoing studies in Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Shea's experience seamlessly blends academic research with performance artistry. As a mentor and researcher, Shea’s practice research elevates African and Caribbean dance forms as technically rigorous systems rich in cultural history, identity, and somatic knowledge. His work positions these traditions alongside Western classical counterparts as vital sources of physical longevity and health. By integrating traditional African and Caribbean somatic principles with modern and contemporary dance foundations, he develops holistic training approaches designed to expand physical access and extend career longevity for professional dancers, guiding students through rigorous practice-led inquiry and creative innovation.
