Department of Dance and Movement
The Department of Dance and Movement at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA), established in 2003, remains the foremost institution in Lithuania for training specialists in contemporary and classical dance. The department offers three study programmes that cover both practical and theoretical aspects of dance art, while also fostering interdisciplinary artistic research.
Bachelor’s Studies in Dance (BA). The programme offers two specialisations: contemporary dance and classical dance (with an option to pursue additional pedagogical studies). It focuses on developing practical competencies, enabling students to achieve high levels of mastery in dance performance, choreography, and dance pedagogy. The programme is grounded in practices directly related to the professional dance field, aiming to educate skilled dance specialists capable of working in both artistic and educational institutions.
Master’s Studies in Dance Art (MA). This programme allows students to deepen their knowledge and conduct artistic research, with a particular focus on issues in the fields of dance and performing arts. It encourages interdisciplinary research and the development of creative methodologies within the context of dance studies.
Master’s Studies in Art Therapy (MA) This interdisciplinary joint program, specializing in dance and movement therapy, is delivered in collaboration with Vilnius University. It emphasizes the application of dance and movement in therapy, integrating artistic and psychosocial practices. The programme’s aim is to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills for professional application of dance and movement therapy in various therapeutic contexts.
Graduates of master’s programs can continue their academic careers in doctoral studies, which include specializations in performing arts and cinema, with opportunities to explore artistic research in dance. Doctoral students conduct cutting-edge research in dance and choreography, contributing to the development of original academic discourse in dance and performing arts. This pathway enables them to become leaders in both academic and professional dance communities, fostering the discipline’s growth and international outreach.
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 6770
Room 210