AS/A2 Dance

What is involved in studying Dance at A Level?During this course you will develop the skills to perform and interpret dance ideas, create and choreograph your own imaginative dances and comment on and write about the structure and expressive aspects of dances through the analysis of professional dance works.

You will be taught in a variety of ways including:

· Contemporary dance technique classes

· Choreographic workshops

· Theoretical lessons covering areas such as music and dance, dance history, dance analysis, anatomy and nutrition
But how will I be assesed in this subject?
Two units make up the assessment of the first year course:

· Understanding dance: written examination questions on the dancer as a performer, the process and craft of choreography and the significance of dances.

· Choreography and performance: practical courseworkThe use and impact of ICT in different contexts

i) Solo choreography and performance

ii) Performance in a duo/trio

A further two units comprise the second year course. They are designed to build on and develop the skills acquired in the first year and are:

· Dance appreciation content and context: written examination questions on a chosen area of study (e.g. Modern Dance in Britain 1965 - 1985) and questions on a specific professional dance (e.g. Beach Birds, Cunningham, 1991). Here you will be asked to write about dance in an informed way, analysing key features and historical context.

· Group choreography and solo performance: practical examination

Group choreography: you will lead a group of dancers to create a dance piece that you do not perform yourself

Solo performance: you will present a solo which demonstrates understanding of a performance style linked to a specific practitioner from the area of study chosen for the written examination

Progression
The creative, co-operative and communication skills acquired by following this course are attractive to a wide range of employers. It carries the same weight as other Arts courses when applying to higher education and is an excellent foundation for those hopeful of a career in Performance. You can apply directly to employment in the performance industry whether that be a performance role or a supporting role off stage, although many students decide to follow a degree in Dance as their first choice when they leave Cardinal Newman College.