Department of Dance and Movement
Founded in 2003, it has been a pivotal institution in the cultivation of contemporary and classical dance education in Lithuania over the past two decades. The Department offers three distinct academic programmes:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance is designed to foster expertise in two distinct, practice-based specializations: Contemporary Dance and Classical Dance Pedagogy.
- Master of Arts (MA) in Dance Arts is centred on advancing students’ engagement with artistic research in dance, encouraging an exploration of innovative methodologies and the critical investigation of dance as a performative and creative art form.
- Master of Arts in Art Therapy: Dance and Movement Therapy is a joint degree programme with the Vilnius University. It focuses on the interdisciplinary application of dance in therapeutic contexts, equipping students with the necessary skills for professional practice in dance and movement therapy.
The BA in Dance programme emphasizes the development of practical competencies in either contemporary or classical dance, while the MA programs offer specialized academic and research opportunities and aim at deeper engagement with the artistic and therapeutic dimensions of dance.
Graduates from the MA in Dance Arts programme may apply for the Doctor of Arts (PhD) in Performing Art and Film with a focus on dance, or related interdisciplinary research fields at the LMTA.
Doctoral programme fosters advanced research in artistic research in dance and choreography, providing a platform for the production of original, practice-led artistic work or scholarly investigation. Doctoral candidates engage in rigorous theoretical inquiry and contribute to the academic discourse in dance, performance studies, and related fields, positioning themselves as leaders in both academic and professional dance communities.
Staff and students
Dynamic community of the Department of Dance and Movement includes 45 students, supported by a dedicated faculty of 8 permanent academic staff. In addition, the department benefits from the expertise of over 20 short-term and visiting lecturers annually, enriching the curriculum with diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge in both contemporary and classical dance, as well as in therapeutic practices. This blend of permanent and visiting faculty ensures a vibrant and evolving educational environment that keeps pace with global developments in dance and movement studies.
Cooperation and Project Activities
The dance programmes maintain collaborations with a range of international and professional partners. Key partnerships include the Norteas network, Nordplus initiative linking Nordic and Baltic performing arts institutions, and SHARE, an international festival of dance universities of Vyšehrad countries and Central Europe. Additionally, the department actively collaborates with CAMPING by CND (Centre National de la Danse), a renowned global platform for dance creation and education, further enhancing its international outreach and opportunities for students. At the master’s level, the MA in Dance Arts program collaborates with Tallinn University and the Latvian Academy of Culture, promoting cross-border academic exchange and joint projects (Erasmus BIPs and other cooperation forms). These collaborations enhance global connections, offering students a broader range of academic and artistic opportunities across the Baltic and international dance communities.
Students gain practical experience through partnerships with prominent Lithuanian dance theatres and companies such as Agnija Šeiko Dance Theatre, LowAir, Vytis Jankauskas Dance Theatre, AIROS dance theatre and the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre (LNOBT). Participating and volunteering in events such as the New Baltic Dance Festival in collaboration with the Lithuanian Dance Information Centre. Focus on collaboration with regional partners within Lithuania is a growing activity at the department for promoting artistic works of students and providing them possibilities with artistic residencies.
Head of the Department:
Assoc. Prof. Andrius Katinas
E-mail: andrius.katinas@lmta.lt
Coordinator:
Viktorija Akavickaitė
E-mail: viktorija.akavickaite@lmta.lt
Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre Study Campus
Olandų st. 21A, 01100 Vilnius, Lithuania
Phone: (+370 5) 262 67 70
Room 210