A-level Dance focuses on developing your practical choreographic skills, enhanced by analytical studies and dance technique.
Confidence, creativity, fitness and well-being are consistently nurtured and developed, alongside a conscious awareness of current practice through analysis and critical writing. We study both practically and theoretically a wide range of unique and exciting modern Dance practitioners from Ricahrd Alston to Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Dance students enjoy this practically driven course where opportunites to perform are always seized and creative collaboration with industry professionals encouraged.
The course is designed to give you theoretical and practical experience through an understanding of dance. You will acquire technical skills in choreography, contemporary dance and performance and engage in critical thinking about dance practice.
You will develop dance appreciation skills through the analysis of professional works, gaining an understanding of the historical and cultural context of dances. You will develop an understanding of a dancer’s physiology and the rehearsal and performance process.
The Dance A-level is a linear course. Examinations taken in the 2nd year are as follows:
|
Component 1 50% of A-level
|
Performance and choreography
|
|
Component 2 50% of A-level
|
Critical engagement
|
Sadie Ferguson
Method of Assessment
Each component will be assessed by one of two methods:
1. Practical Examination – Component One
2. Written Examination – Component Two
You will be expected to rehearse out of College hours. A commitment to this is essential.
Resources
The facilities relating to Performing Arts include:
- Fully equipped performance space.
- Excellent state of the art technical/backstage equipment.
- A bespoke Dance studio with sprung floor, mirrors and air-conditioning.
- We also have a dance specific dance classroom with projector, interactive whiteboard and professional works library.
Working with industry professionals and technique training
Further Dance Training
You will be expected to partake in further technique training in an extra lesson per week. This will be delivered by a range of professionals working in the industry. There is a discounted cost for this as we host it in-house during your timetable, a great opportunity to access professional development and perform in choreographer's works.
It is necessary that all dance students attend in order to develop their technique and choreographic practice, as it feeds into and supports the course components.
Meet the Performing Arts teachers and students
Progression
Students completing this course have gone on to Higher Education courses such as BA Honours degrees in Dance, Performing Arts, and a selection of students have gone on to Performing Arts or Dance Schools. Whilst a performer’s career can be brief, a career or vocation, in the dance ‘industry’ can last your entire life. Skills learnt lead to employment in Education, PR, Marketing, Creative Administration, Events management or many roles requiring communication and a creative outlook.
Enrichment and additional costs
You will be given many opportunities to get involved in workshops within college and regular theatre trips. You should therefore allow £30-£50 per term to put towards these excellent opportunities.
Dance attire (ballet/jazz shoes and dance wear) are required by all dance students.
Entry Requirements
You are required to have five GCSE passes or the equivalent including English. It is advisable that you participate in dance outside College or have GCSE Dance or Performing Arts or Expressive Arts. Students will be required to attend an audition to gain entry to the course.
