Dance A Level

Dance

What is this course about?
Dance is a study of various forms and styles of dance together with an insight into the work of various choreographers. You will have the opportunity to choreograph work, both individually and within a group. AS/A level Dance is designed to improve the accessibility of dance as a performing art, while at the same time fostering imagination and creativity and promoting, personal and social development. It is a joyous subject to take alongside any mix of AS/A level subjects.

What topics will I study?

At AS :

• Understanding Dance â€"knowledge and understanding arrived at through critical thinking about: dance studio practice; the constituent features and forms of dance and one set work: its present context and the context from which it is derived.
• Choreography and Performance â€"knowledge and skills required to choreograph and perform solo dances.

At A2:

• Dance Appreciation: Content and Context - an investigation into one of: ballet, modern or jazz dance forms.
• Group Choreography and Solo Performance - a combination of choreography and performance of a group dance and solo performance of a style linked to a specific practitioner.

How will my work be assessed?

• At AS: one written examination lasting 1.5 hours and presentation of practical coursework that will be marked internally.
• At A2 : one written examination lasting 1.5 hours and a practical examination that will be marked by a visiting examiner.

Frequently asked questions

What are the lessons like?
A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course, which has a clear focus on dancing and choreography. There are lots of references to, and exploration of, practitioners' works and learning is primarily delivered through practical investigation and workshop activities. You will have the opportunity to visit local and national theatres and to gain the opportunity to work with practising professionals.

What skills do I need to have?
You must be willing to commit to group work and have the desire to grow as a performer and be prepared to perform in public. Due to group based work and individual study elements within the course, you must be capable of unsupervised work and display a high level of maturity.

What have I got to do to do well?

• You need to be capable of working independently as well as part of a group/team and above all have an appreciation of Dance as an art form.
• You must respond well to feedback and encouragement to develop your choreography and performance skills and be willing to explore your skills within the context of the syllabus.

What students say about this course?

• "A fun and energetic course"
• "Gives you the opportunity not only to develop your own skills, but also teaches you to appreciate the styles, genres and techniques used by expert practitioners".
• "Trips and visits widen your experience and understanding".

What do people do with A level Dance?

• Dance is recognised as an academic subject and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Dance or related courses in higher education.
• Dance develops personal and presentation skills in a unique way which makes it an excellent subject to combine with a whole range of A levels.