Benesh International

At Benesh International, we underpin the dance profession by offering training in Benesh Movement Notation (BMN), providing support for the membership community, and preserving BMN as a language through investment in heritage and development.

Our vision is to support the Benesh field by developing mutually sustainable educational and professional sectors. In addition, to move forward in the future, and further into the technological era, we endeavour to preserve the heritage of Benesh in a structured and accessible way. All these measures help create a sense of self-esteem and community among Benesh students and professionals. Our growing number of courses, qualifications and study options in BMN offer a route for students and graduates into this important and rewarding area of dance.

Professional courses Professional Awards in Benesh Movement Notation (PABMN) This course is designed to enable students located all around the world to study BMN solo, partner work and group work theory, to an advanced level. This will be of interest to those wishing to use BMN for purposes including teaching, analysis and documentation, and within dance, research and clinical environments. This course has intakes in January and July.

Postgraduate Diploma in Benesh Movement Notation (PGDBMN) This course is designed to meet the needs of professional dance companies worldwide who employ Benesh choreologists’ to record and reconstruct choreographic works. A key component of the course is the placement with a dance company or other host organisations’ allowing students to experience the use of BMN in a professional context, and engage in integrated practice and theory. Pre and post placement studies are delivered by distance learning. A pre-requisite for entry is completion of the PABMN and entry is open all year-round.

Advanced short courses These distance learning courses are specifically designed for trained Benesh professionals and available throughout the year. We offer a selection of courses including Introduction to the Benesh Encyclopedia, BMN theory updates and theory reviews as well as rehearsal skills. All provide an opportunity to explore the BMN topic being studied and discuss subjects within a cohort (through our virtual learning environment). Our courses include both tutored and self-assessed units. See our online schedule for more details.

Introductory continuing professional development Benesh for Ballet Distance Learning Course (BMN4Ballet) This is a flexible distance learning course, particularly suitable for RAD teachers who want to be able to use Benesh in their study and teaching of ballet. Participants acquire knowledge and understanding of the use of BMN in the context of classical ballet and how to use the notated scores in the RAD syllabus books effectively. This course is available in English, Chinese and Spanish.

Future developments RAD Benesh Examinations (1-4) The RAD Benesh Exams (2019-21 piloted scheme) will enable students to demonstrate skills in: performance and creativity, reading and reconstruction, and communication and comprehension. The assessments combine theoretical and practical knowledge through the submission of a portfolio of work, alongside a physical demonstration within the examination context.

Contact For more information about Benesh International, our training programmes, courses and exams, contact:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7321 8035 Email: beneshinternational @rad.org.uk

royalacademyofdance.org/Benesh facebook.com/groups BeneshInternational

“A knowledge of Benesh makes it much easier to understand and interpret the RAD syllabi and I find it useful and fascinating.”