AS/A2 Dance

AS/A2 Dance

Why study Dance?
Students who apply for the Dance course should have an interest in Dance and should be keen to find out more about professional Dance Companies, choreographers and Dance works. The D
Students who apply for the Dance course should have an interest in Dance and should be keen to find out more about professional Dance Companies, choreographers and Dance works. The Dance course provides students with the opportunity to acquire experience of performance and choreography and to engage in critical thinking about dance.

The topic content allows dance students 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. There are many skills to be gained through studying dance, which are beneficial for employment and job opportunities.

It is a particularly good subject to take if you are considering a career where communication, confidence and creative skills are essential.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
In the classroom much of the time will be spent in practical sessions, developing Performance and Choreographic skills. For the AS students the focus is on choreography and performance of a solo dance and within a duo/trio. We will also explore the physical training of technique, and the health and safety of the dancer. You will be expected to work creatively and imaginatively with other students, sharing and developing ideas. You will also spend time in theory sessions, analysing choreography and performance within professional repertoire.

You will be asked to complete homework and to organise and present information and construct clear and logical arguments through essay writing. We shall also encourage you to broaden background reading and research topic areas covered in class.

As the course progresses you will be expected to organise and manage rehearsals and there will be opportunities to perform your work to a public audience.

Assessments for AS Dance
Unit 1 40% of AS, 20% of total A Level marks Understanding Dance A written examination in the first year will test your knowledge and understanding of good, choreographic practice and your ability to critically consider dance studio practice.

Unit 2 60% of AS, 30% of total A Level marks Choreography and Performance You will be examined in the first year by taking a Practical examination consisting of a choreography and performance of a Solo dance and performance within a duo or trio. This unit will be internally assessed.

Assessments for A2 Dance
Unit 3 25% of final A Level Dance Appreciation: Content and Context A final written examination will test your ability to critically analyse and interpret dances and the context in which they are presented.

Unit 4 25% of final A Level Group Choreography and Solo Performance You will be examined on a Group Choreography where you will select up to five dancers to perform your choreographed piece. You will also be examined on a performance of a solo dance, assessing your ability as a dancer in practice.

Does Dance link particularly well with other subjects?
Dance can be combined with almost every other subject and would be useful coupled with Performance Studies, Art, Music or English. It might also be a good subject to opt for if you are keen to pursue the Sciences, but would like to broaden your curriculum with Dance at AS Level.