Diploma in Dance

Modules

The following programme modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2025 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2024/2025 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Programme and Module Information Booklet on the Student Portal for the programme modules in your respective years of enrolment.

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.	10
School Core	Dance and Performance Practices 1A You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice. Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.	30
School Core	Body and Movement Studies 1 You will be introduced to a holistic approach to the physical and mental well-being of a dancer, as well as a range of dance wellness and scientific practices to explore various approaches with dance health. You will investigate the development of dance and wellbeing with the reference to a scientific framework to understand the human body, mind and movement, as well as body management, diet and nutrition. You will also engage in somatic movement practices as the physical conditioning for dancers, and learn how to prevent injury, maintain strength and mobility. The importance of safety, sensitivity and responsibility are emphasized. The range of dance wellness and somatic practices will help you to develop emotional, cognitive, physical and social well-being, grounded on the fundamental principle of dance as a holistic approach to health.	10
School Core	Creative Lab 1 You will learn a range of choreographic approaches and practices in the creation and exploration of short composition, movement scores and choreographies. There will also be opportunities for you to collaborate and work with other disciplines during the creative process. In doing so, their communication skills and professional behaviour are developed to collaborate/work effectively with others and other disciplines. This module also aims to prepare you for the challenges of various experimentations and/or what is currently trending, as well as how to enhance your personal and multidisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary dance practices. You will have the opportunity to develop the creative concept and skills through guided explorations.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 1 In this module, students are introduced to the foundational skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the performing arts, encompassing dance, theatre, and music. You will learn about the multifaceted nature of the performing arts industry, including historical development, career paths, and the integration of multidisciplinary collaboration. The module aims to equip you with the tools necessary for crafting a realistic and personalized career plan, enhancing your professional skills such as communication, CV writing, and interview techniques, as well as fostering an understanding of personal branding and digital literacy in the modern arts landscape.	10
School Core	Dance and Performance Practices 1B You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice. Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.	30
School Core	Dance Studies in Context 1 You will learn various aspects of culture and dance history to inform your dance practice and contextual understanding, as well as the exploration of new pathways in dance. This module will investigate the development of dance with a view towards the future and explore the development of dance in Southeast Asia/ Asia. Asian dance practice and movement is informed by or derived from cultural forms, histories, contexts, and practitioners. You will also be guided to explore a personal artistic expression based on the understanding and appreciation of different Asian dance forms, traditions, references, and influences.	10
School Core	Industry and Professional Skills 1 You will learn various aspects of production to support and enhance dance practices and explore new pathways. You will explore the world of dance management, acquiring knowledge and skills that pertain to the planning and execution of dance performances, as well as the organisation and understanding of various production elements. This module aims to amalgamate and strengthen proficiency in the intricate facets of dance production and theatre fundamentals. It involves a unique set of considerations that pertains to the specific requirements of dance performances, as well as the knowledge of theatre and production terminology and workflow. You will gain insight into how dance integrates various elements for proficient support and management in dance productions.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 2) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
School Core	Dance and Performance Practices 2A You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice. Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.	30
School Core	Body and Movement Studies 2 You will learn various aspects of dance science to an embodied understanding of human anatomy through direct sensory experience and movement. Experiential anatomy will provide you with a kinesthetic understanding of the body's structure and function. You will also learn to investigate the development of dance with reference to scientific framework to understand the human body and movement in relation to body awareness. With the transference of basic dance and movement principles, you will be guided through various fundamental concepts that form the basis of movement in dance. This will inform your dance practice and allow you to gain an understanding of how the body moves, the principles that govern movement, and the ways in which these principles can be applied in dance and bodily movement across authentic, relevant, and diverse applications.	10
School Core	Creative Lab 2 You will learn to consolidate dance composition and choreographic skills and understanding towards producing and presenting a contemporary choreography. You will also be introduced to various digital tools/ media and learn how to incorporate technology with the creative experimentation and improvisation strategies. You will also be prepared to take on the challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending to enhance your personal dance practice with various creative practices. The creation process progresses from conceptualisation to guided exploration to culminate in a dance creative work integrating various digital tools or platforms. You will have the opportunity to rework or create a new dance work towards developing a personal style and creative voice.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 1) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 In this module, you are introduced to a comprehensive range of professional skills and digital tools essential for a successful career in the performing arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre). You will learn how to effectively showcase your talents through the creation of ePortfolios, develop compelling curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters, and enhance your interview skills. The module is designed to expand your career opportunities beyond traditional performing roles, highlighting the transferability of your artistic skills to a variety of professional contexts. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present yourself effectively to potential employers and collaborators, opening doors to diverse career paths within and outside the performing arts sector.	10
School Core	Dance Studies in Context 2 You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the dance landscape in Singapore, covering aspects related to history, current trends, community engagement, and professional opportunities. Personal dance practice is informed by or derived from cultural forms, histories, contexts, and key practitioners. This module will also investigate the development of dance with a view towards the future and explore the development of dance in Southeast Asia. Asian dance practice and movement is informed by or derived from cultural forms, histories, contexts, and practitioners. You will also be guided to explore a personal artistic expression based on the understanding and appreciation of different Asian dance forms, references, and influences.	10
School Core	Industry and Professional Skills 2 You will learn various aspects of dance education to support and enhance the dance practice through the application of fundamental pedagogical concepts and practices, as well as in the planning and the organisation of a dance class. In addition, you will also learn to establish the role, responsibilities and limitations of a person teaching or helping others through movement/dance; and prepare well-planned, relevant and thoughtful lessons.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Industry-Based Learning You will learn to immerse yourself in the dance or a related industry in an authentic setting through this module. You will be exposed to the industry/work environment and develop professional skill sets and the appropriate work etiquette. You will learn to consolidate and apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in an authentic industry/work situation, as well as establish networks and connections with the industry partners and potential employers. Industry-based learning also provides the opportunity for industry partners to benefit from student talent, skills, knowledge, and perspectives, as well as to play a role in students’ professional development.	30
School Core	Dance and Performance Practices 3A You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice. Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.	10
Elective	Option A (Elective) Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions. Option B (Overseas Immersion Programme) The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is a 2- to 3-week experience that provides students with the chance to immerse in a different culture and academic environment. Through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration, the programme fosters academic and professional growth, equipping participants to thrive in our interconnected global landscape.	20

Type

Title

Credits

Faculty Core

Industry-Based Learning

You will learn to immerse yourself in the dance or a related industry in an authentic setting through this module. You will be exposed to the industry/work environment and develop professional skill sets and the appropriate work etiquette. You will learn to consolidate and apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in an authentic industry/work situation, as well as establish networks and connections with the industry partners and potential employers.

Industry-based learning also provides the opportunity for industry partners to benefit from student talent, skills, knowledge, and perspectives, as well as to play a role in students’ professional development.

School Core

Dance and Performance Practices 3A

You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice.

Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.

Elective

Option A (Elective)

Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions.

Option B (Overseas Immersion Programme)

The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is a 2- to 3-week experience that provides students with the chance to immerse in a different culture and academic environment. Through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration, the programme fosters academic and professional growth, equipping participants to thrive in our interconnected global landscape.

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Dance and Performance Practices 3B You will learn to develop technical and artistic proficiency in Ballet and Contemporary Dance forms, while expose to a diversity of dance styles at different levels of competency. You will develop technical assurance, artistic synthesis, movement efficiency, safe practices as well as the concepts across different dance techniques. This module will prepare you to take on the physical challenges of more practice and/or what is currently trending in order to enhance personal dance practice. Besides dance technique training, you will also be introduced to performance process by rehearsing and performing in dance repertory and work with various choreographers and dance artists. You will learn existing dance works and/or new creative works, honing the dance performance skills and developing the artistry. You will also learn to focus on cultivating professional behaviour and be guided to explore a personal artistic expression.	30
School Core	Community Dance and Outreach You will learn look at your own practice with the view to contribute to the development of dance; establish the role, responsibilities and limitations of a person teaching or helping others through movement/dance; and apply assessment strategies to promote learning. You will also learn about the outreach effort and how to conduct an outreach project to various target participants in the community using dance and movement as a tool and as an art form. This module aims to provide students the opportunity to participate in the conceptualisation, planning and execution a dance project by employing various dance pedagogy skills and strategies. You will collaborate with an external organisation under the supervision of a module lecturer and/or guest artist, and consolidate the dance knowledge, skills and interests in an authentic experience.	10
School Core	Professional and Digital Project You will learn to be involved in a dance project that integrates various aspects of specialisation. You will learn the intricacies of production management, and dive into the world of proposal, scheduling, budgeting, contracts, and agreements. Discover the principles and practices that make dance management an art in itself. Explore digital tools and strategies that enhance the creativity of dance production and backstage management. With this module, there will be an opportunity for you to experience the journey from guiding a production team to executing and managing a dance production and performance. Implement measures to assure the quality of the dance production and refine aspects of the performance to meet artistic and professional standards.	20

entry requirements

NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

Audition/Interview Requirements
Educational Qualification
English Language Proficiency
Special Factor

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.
Find out about the specific entry requirements that apply to you.

Audition/Interview Requirements

Audition Instructions
You will receive a confirmation email containing the audition details nearer to your assigned audition date.

You will be required to attend an audition.

The audition consists of two sections - Practical Assessment and Interview.
You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register, warm up and change into appropriate attire for dancing. You must bring your own attire.
The audition may take up to 2 hours.

Audition Date
23 October 2024
6 November 2024
22 January 2025
19 February 2025
19 March 2025
23 April 2025
21 May 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Practical Assessment
You are expected to prepare and perform two contrasting solos of any dance genre/style (e.g. Ballet and Cultural Dance; Chinese classical dance and Chinese folk dance).

Each dance should not exceed 90 seconds. The solo dance can be choreographed by yourself or by someone else (e.g. your dance teacher).
You are required to bring your own music which can played from your own media device (e.g. phone, tablet, or other audio device).
A costume (e.g. tutu for female ballet classical solo) may be worn.
Through your performance, assessors will evaluate your:
- Technique - coordination, control and alignment
- Artistry - spatial awareness, musicality, dynamic range and performance quality
- Fitness - strength, control, flexibility, coordination, speed, stamina and stretch

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study dance during the interview. You will be evaluated based on your:

Existing knowledge of and experience in dance performance
Dance-related interests and career aspirations
Dance proclivity and learning attitude
Any medical or health concerns

Applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may request for an online audition. Both options will be followed by an online interview with the applicant alone and without the assistance of any other person.

Guidelines for the pre-recorded solos are as follows:

You cannot perform/ dance with any make up in the audition videos, although you can tie your hair according to what's necessary.
You have to come to the front of the camera (where your face can be seen clearly) and do a brief introduction of yourself. You will then proceed to move into the space and start dancing your solos after the introduction. * Please note that the video has to be shot in one take and not being edited in any way. Otherwise, the audition videos will not be considered.
This applies to both male and female applicants.
The photo that you send in should be the one that resembles how you look like now.
For the online interview, no interpreter should be around, or the interview could be disqualified.

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level: Aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.
Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.
Types of bonus points No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2 2 points
Grades of B3–C6 1 point
Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE):
- Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec
- Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	1 point

Educational Qualifications - International

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma programmes at NAFA. Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

GCE O-Level English	IELTS Academic	TOEFL - iBT	PTE Academic	Duolingo English Test	SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
C6	5	50	42	80	480

Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

Special Factor

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

Early Admissions Exercise

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) August 2026 intake

The Diploma EAE application window for the August 2026 intake is from 16 June to 30 June 2025. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here for free.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process	Period
Application	16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission (for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)	By 14 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional (for School of Arts Management)	By 14 July 2025
Audition (for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)	14 to 18 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance	31 July to 14 August 2025

Applicants to:

Apply online here from 16 June to 30 June 2025 for free. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 7 July 2025, whichever is earlier.

Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design by 14 July 2025 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE.

Submit Personal Statement for Diploma in Arts Management by 14 July 2025 online here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.

Attend Audition for programmes under the Faculty of Performing Arts (Dance/Music/Theatre). Audition dates are from 14 to 18 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

Offer and Acceptance

Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 31 July to 14 August 2025. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement for each programme

Withdrawal

Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

Entry Requirements for EAE

For O-Level Students
Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE).

For ITE Students
ITE students who are in their final year of study of their Nitec or Higher Nitec courses. For the August 2026 intake, ITE students who complete their Nitec course in June or December 2025 and Higher Nitec course in September 2025 or March 2026 will be eligible to apply for admission.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission
Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following document, as applicable:

GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)

Applicant who fails to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemptions if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test.

Applicants with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)
NAFA School of Young Talents (SYT)

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.

How to Apply

Take the leap! A promising future in dance awaits.

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

For all programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

	Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents	International Students
Application fee	S$75.00	S$105.00

Application fee is inclusive of prevailing GST.

Attend the audition at NAFA

Attend the audition at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Apply by 30 Jun

Diploma in Dance

Diploma in Dance

Put Your Best Foot Forward on the Dance Stage

Students' Work

Modules

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply

Diploma in Dance

Diploma in Dance

Put Your Best Foot Forward on the Dance Stage

Students' Work

Modules

Year 1 Semester 1

Year 1 Semester 2

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 2 Semester 2

Year 3 Semester 1

Year 3 Semester 2

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply