Until now, dance students have received their qualifications as part of physical education or performing arts degrees, but on Saturday, Miss Briggs became the first person to graduate with a specific master of dance qualification.
"I felt really special to be the first. Physical Education has a long history of teaching dance students, but to finally have a dance qualification ... is amazing."
Miss Briggs (32), grew up in Oamaru and began ballet at the age of 5, later switching to modern ballet and contemporary dance.
She completed a physical education degree minoring in dance before moving into rehabilitation therapies for disabled people.
Her master's examined how dance troupes and choreographers integrate disabled dancers.
It was a way of getting back into dance, which she said would be her career.
"It enabled me to explore my passion for dance, increase my qualifications and see ... where I can find my niche."
That is in dance administration and teaching.
As well as her part-time role as Dunedin co-ordinator for the South Island Dance Network, she is a teaching fellow at the university tutoring movement and dance papers.
Miss Briggs might study more yet: "There is a possibility of a PhD in dance. I'm thinking about it."
