Rubicon Dance - Extended Diploma

L3 Level 3
Full Time
9 September 2024 — 11 July 2025
Rubicon Dance

About this course

This course provides exceptional dance training, in a working dance environment for young people with talent and drive. Primarily we are looking for people with potential and a strong work ethic who wish to pursue careers in dance.

You will develop strong technique in a range of dance styles, the creative and performance skills you need as well as studying for the academic qualifications necessary to progress to the UK’s leading conservatoires, dance and stage schools. 

Learners gain valuable performance and work experience at Wales’ largest employer in the dance sector and also receive individual support and career guidance.

You apply for to this course directly to Rubicon, click the apply button above/ book to attend an open event:

BTEC Open Day | Rubicon Dance 

Sat 28th January- at Rubicon 10.30-2pm
Fri 10th February -Online 4.30-5.30pm
Sat 4th March -at Rubicon 10.30-2pm


All photography is credited to Sian Trenberth.

What you will study

Rubicon’s Full Time Pre-Vocational Dance Course aims to nurture, educate and inspire learners.  It will enhance your knowledge and technical dance skills as well as provide you with a thorough understanding of the career paths available in the sector.


We are ambitious for all our learners and we want you to have fulfilling, long term careers so we focus on developing you as a thinking, independent and intelligent dancer. We expect excellent attendance, punctuality and a commitment to hard work.  There is also a strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and setting high standards. 
Learners become part of the day to day life of Rubicon and are taught by our experience team of tutors, visiting artists and companies which means that you benefit from learning a wide range of skills and develop your artistry in a way that is relevant for today’s dance industry.


You will be with us five days a week, and over two years you will study a wide range of topics including:

  • Anatomy and Safe Dance Practice
  • Body Conditioning, Fitness, Pilates and
  • Yoga
  • Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Jazz
  • Street
  • Creative Movement & Improvisation
  • Choreography and Performance
  • Community Dance
  • The Dance Sector and Professional
  • Practice

You will develop your improvisation and choreographic skills as well as learn a wide range of repertoire. There are frequent opportunities to perform, work with guest choreographers and attend workshops and performances.
You will also have free access to the full range of Rubicon’s open dance classes including Tap, Street, Ballet and Contemporary if you wish to top up your skills.

Every learner is encouraged to set individual goals and aspirations in Individual Learning Plans which are used as a basis for monitoring progress and providing pastoral support.  Tutors provide regular one to one tutorials and guidance is provided on career options within the dance sector matched to your individual skills and aspirations.

In some circumstances we may be able to offer a shorter, one year full time “top up” course for candidates who need to develop their triple threat by improving their dance skills.

Entry requirements

Course admission is subject to audition for which there is a £15 fee. Candidates do not need to prepare material for the audition which is held in a relaxed and positive atmosphere. Potential is as important to us as formal dance training and we are looking for people who will apply themselves and are willing to work hard. As part of the audition you will undertake short classes in ballet and contemporary that are used to assess what you can do and your ability to apply corrections. Do not worry even if these styles are new to you as you will be supported and encouraged to demonstrate your unique potential. These classes will be followed by a creative task and a short interview where you will have opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. We recommend that you wear clothing suitable for dancing. You will be working barefoot for contemporary and the creative task. You may wear ballet shoes for the ballet class but this is not an absolute requirement. We suggest you bring a bottle with water to drink into the studio. You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including English, Mathematics, Dance and ideally Science. However, in some circumstances and for exceptionally talented dancers we may consider those who do not quite meet this requirement. We also require two references, one of which should be academic. Please contact Rubicon Dance on 02920 491477 or visit www.rubicondance.co.uk for details of how to apply, an application form and for up and coming audition dates.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

Course code

Qualification

Career prospects & further study

2,400

According to data contained in the Clwstwr Report 2020, There are more than 2,400 jobs in the Music, performing and visual arts with an average yearly growth rate of 2.2% in Cardiff (2009-2017).

Rubicon Alumni have access to work placements and apprenticeships on completion of a degree or BA in Dance to help you make the next step into your professional career.

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What our students say

Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me this year. I would not be about to make this big step without either of you, thank you for taking a chance on me! You have literally helped change the course of my life onto one that has always been a dream. Thanks for helping me reach the next step and guiding me along the way. Thanks Rubicon!

Catrin T
Rubicon Student