Dance

A-level Dance provides students with the opportunity to acquire experience of performance and choreography and to engage in critical thinking about dance. The content allows dancers to study a subject which can be extended through higher education and promotes a healthy lifestyle through an awareness of the importance of exercise and training. The course content is all taught through practical and theory based learning.
 
Who is this course for?
 
For some people, dance is simply the way in which they express themselves. Joy, sadness, loneliness, love... if you can imagine how dance would portray human emotions and stories, this course is for you. Step inside the world of dance and gain knowledge and understanding of the dancer in action and the skills involved in performance. Through the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of dances you will gain an appreciation and understanding of their historical and cultural context. You’ll take your first steps in developing your own creativity as a dancer and choreographer. Not to mention keeping fit and trim.
 
GCSE Dance is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue the arts or dance in Higher Education, or as support for any course requiring good communication and group work skills. Anyone looking in to this course would need relevant dance experience, preferably GCSE Dance at C or above or equivalent qualifications.
 
 
Qualification: 
AS Dance
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 periods per week
Unit 1: 

The study of performance ability of a dancer, including dance technique and health and safety. Students will be required to study the work of choreographers through analysis of dance works, exploring the choreographic devices used as well as how the choreographer has explored the subject matter. Students will learn about the demands placed on the dancer as performer through exploration of anatomy and physiology, health and safety in the classroom, as well as learning about diet and nutrition.

 

Unit 2: 

There are two practical performance opportunities. Students will have to choreograph a solo dance performance lasting between two and three minutes. This will be assessed both on the choreography and performance of the solo dance. The second element of the practical coursework examines your performance abilities within a small group choreography, lasting between three and four minutes, which can be choreographed jointly between the student and the teacher. 

 

Exam Board: 
AQA
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements.