A world first for the University of Auckland
A world first dual Masters agreement between the University of Auckland and Beijing Dance Academy was signed this week
in Beijing, China.
In front of 50 of the world’s leading dance educators, Professor Diane Brand, Dean of the National Institute of Creative
Arts and Industries (NICAI) at the University of Auckland and President Gao Lei, of the Beijing Dance Academy ratified a
three-year dual Masters in Dance Education and Community Dance.
The signing was a culmination of five years of negotiations and partnerships led by Associate Professor Ralph Buck,
Associate Professor Nicholas Rowe and Dr Rose Martin from the University of Auckland. Beijing Dance Academy is one of
the world’s largest, oldest and most prestigious tertiary dance institutions and this agreement is the first time they
have forged a postgraduate research degree partnership with anyone in the world.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Beijing Dance Academy, the signing ceremony was the conclusion of a three-day
conference and performance festival. The University of Auckland Dance Studies programme was profiled as a world leader
in community dance and dance pedagogy.
“We are very proud of this agreement. The Dance Studies staff have worked hard to accomplish this and we see it as a
major international vote of confidence in the quality of our research and teaching,” said Associate Professor Ralph
Buck.
Students enrolling in the dual Masters degree will complete a two-year Masters in Dance Education at the Beijing Dance
Academy, and a one year Masters in Community Dance at the University of Auckland.
This agreement places the University of Auckland at the forefront of tertiary dance studies in Asia, consolidating its
reputation for research and curriculum development in community dance. The Beijing Dance Academy profiled the
partnership during their 60th anniversary celebrations, and noted the University of Auckland’s exceptional work to
foster postgraduate research in community dance.
Following the signing of the agreement, applications for places, which are due in December this year, will begin. The
first group of students from China will commence the Masters in Community Dance at the University of Auckland in July
2016.
Professor Diane Brand, who signed the agreement on behalf of the University of Auckland said, “This agreement is a
highlight of our year and marks Dance Studies and NICAI’s commitment to internationalisation of our postgraduate
degrees.”
The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the Elam School of Fine Arts,
School of Architecture and Planning, the Centre for Art Studies, the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.
ENDS