Dance intensive as an effective form of enhancing the performance skills of future choreographers

Modern training of higher education students in the field of choreographic art involves not only theoretical learning but also active practical engagement. One of the effective forms of such activity is dance intensives, which contribute to the development of performance skills, creative thinking, and professional competencies of students.

A vivid example of this was the dance intensive «Dance Weekend», held on April 19, 2026, in Zaporizhzhia. The event was organized for first (Bachelor’s) level students enrolled in the educational and professional program «Choreography». The program of the intensive was rich and diverse, allowing participants to gain comprehensive experience in the field of dance art.

 The intensive began with attending a concert of the Academic Cossack Song and Dance Ensemble «Zaporozhtsi» at the Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic, together with the Deputy Dean for Educational Work of the Faculty of Physical Culture, Sports and Health, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Choreography and Fitness at BDPU, Nataliia Kryvun. This provided students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of professional stage performance, feel the energy of folk dance, and appreciate the high level of artistry of the performers.

The following program included a master class titled «Techniques of Allegro and Turns in the Structure of a Classical Dance Lesson», conducted by the Head of the Choreography Department of Zaporizhzhia Children’s Art School No. 2 and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Choreography and Fitness at BDPU, Daria Zhuzhura. Higher education students were able to improve their technical skills, paying special attention to movement precision and coordination.

Particular interest was generated by a lecture-practical session conducted by Viktoriia Oleniak, Head of the Exemplary Folk Dance Studio «Druzhba» at the Extracurricular Education Institution «Center for Children and Youth Creativity of the Oleksandrivskyi District» of Zaporizhzhia City Council and lecturer at BDPU. The session was devoted to dance vocabulary and turning techniques in the dances of the Zaporizhzhia region, which contributed to a deeper understanding of regional choreographic features.

An equally important part of the intensive was the psychological training «Nonverbal Communication as a Way of Expressing Inner State», conducted by Senior Lecturer of the Department of Foreign Languages and Teaching Methods Artem Poluliakhov and Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology Olha Frolova. Participants explored how movement, gestures, and facial expressions can convey inner states and emotions. This helped them realize the importance of emotional expressiveness in dance as a means of artistic self-expression.

The final stage of the event included a summary session with the participation of lecturers from the Department of Choreography and Fitness. Participants shared their impressions and the experience they had gained. The dance intensive demonstrated its effectiveness as a form of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills, as well as a powerful стимул for the professional development of future choreographers.

Thus, such events play an important role in shaping competitive specialists in the field of choreographic art, contributing to their creative growth and self-realization.

The article was prepared by
Senior Lecturer of the Department of Choreography and Fitness
Nataliia Kryvun