Dance

This is the first year we are running this course and we are delighted to bring you the opportunity to specialise in Dance as a standalone subject. This course prepares you for the AQA AS/A level in Dance, which is concerned with the following areas:

Performance and Choreography
Dance Appreciation
Dance Genres and Styles
Developing Dance skills and Technique

It is taught in a dance studio, which has a sprung floor, mirrored walls, portable sound and lighting equipment, and practical examinations take place in the beautiful black box theatre.

Some dance experience is desirable but not essential, although you must show a willingness to experiment with different styles. If you have an enthusiasm and passion for the arts then this course may be suitable for you.

There are two modules at AS Level:

Module 1: Understanding Dance

This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute written exam comprising of two sections. Both structured and essay style questions will be set on the dancer as a performer, the process and craft of choreography and the significance of dances.

You will receive training on technique and the health and safety of the dancer, as well as begin to develop critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within your own work and in professional repertoire.

Module 2: Choreography and Performance

There are two aspects to this module:

You are required to choreograph and perform a solo dance in response to a question set by the exam board. The process will involve investigation and research of ideas through to developing and applying the physical skills required.

You are also required to demonstrate performance skills in the context of a duo/trio that could be choreographed by teacher, student or both. This dance must reflect a particular genre or style, a variety of which you will be exposed to throughout the year, looking at a diverse range of dance works and choreographers.

N.B. There would be no problem with students taking this course alongside Performance Studies and Drama & Theatre Studies.

In the second year, at A2 you are given the opportunity to develop skills and extend and apply knowledge gained at AS level. The focus of choreography is shifted towards group dance. You will develop knowledge and understanding of a specific area of study related to the development of modern dance. Performance skills will be developed in relation to one of the specific areas of study.

There are a further two modules at A2 Level:

Module 3: Appreciation: Content and Context

This unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute written exam comprising of two sections.

One section focuses on a chosen area of study within Modern Dance, and for the other you will answer questions on one set work, having made an analytical study of its cultural and artistic context. These theoretical areas of dance study will incorporate practical exploration that feeds into the final module and you will continue to receive instruction on technique and the health and safety of the dancer, throughout the year.

Module 4: Group Choreography and Solo Performance

As with Module 2, this practically assessed module contains two aspects:

Firstly you will choreograph a group dance in which you will not perform. Similar to the Module 2 solo, the dance will be choreographed as an answer to a question set by the exam board and involves an advanced process of investigation and research of ideas.

The second part is to present a solo performance which demonstrates understanding of a performance style linked to a specific practitioner from the study of Modern Dance in Module 3. The teacher, student or both may choreograph this solo dance. A visiting examiner marks this final module.

There is currently one course teacher and we also bring in visiting workshops several times each year. For example, last year we enjoyed a brilliant workshop with Retina Dance Company and we have also entered into Episodes The County Youth Dance Platform providing a great opportunity for students to gain valuable performance experience in front of a public audience.

In its pilot year, students studying AS Dance were also studying A2 Performance Studies and some are now applying to attend a diverse range of Higher Education dance, performance and drama courses.