Janine Smith MA, BA (Hons), PGCE

Current roles

Programme Leader and Lecturer: BA (Hons) Dance Practice

Biography

Before joining the University Centre, Doncaster I worked as a community dance artist for seven years in various settings as a freelance artist/choreographer.

Whilst studying I became interested in the aesthetic qualities offered to performance by digital technologies and following my undergraduate degree in Performing Arts and Digital Media (Dance) I went on to study Digital Performance at Masters level.

I have recently begun a second Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Psychotherapy and I am currently working in Mental Health settings to gain experience of working as a dance movement psychotherapist with people who have various mental health issues.

Current modules taught

BA (Hons) Dance Practice:

  • Dance Technique
  • Choreography
  • Choreography & Performance
  • Project Realisation
  • Dance Language
  • Dissertation

Research / scholarly activity

MA Dance/movement psychotherapy.

Projects

Recently I have been involved in the SPACE Project which aimed to develop teaching tools to supplement and enhance the teaching of performing arts - www.space.fusedworks.com/

I have recently begun working with Voice of Congolese Woman’s group which is based in Derby and aims to reduce isolation, relieve poverty and help Congolese people integrate into society. My role is to choreograph a piece which will include dance, drama, song and video to help the woman tell their story to the wider community.

External activity / professional links

  • Candoco Dance Company: contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers.
  • Phoenix Dance Company