A-level Dance

Course duration: 2 years
Coursework: 50%
Contact: Miss Shoosmith/Miss Skinner

What is this course about?

For some people, dance is simply the way in which they express themselves. Joy, sadness, loneliness, love... if you can imagine how dance would portray human emotions and stories, this course is for you. Step inside the world of dance and gain knowledge and understanding of the dancer in action and the skills involved in performance. Through the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of dances you will gain an appreciation and understanding of their historical and cultural context. You’ll take your first steps in developing your own creativity as a dancer and choreographer. Not to mention keeping fit and trim.

In the first year (AS) you’ll have two main areas of study: ‘Understanding dance’ and ‘Choreography and performance’. Both are designed to get you on your feet dancing solo and with others, in a practical expression of your new-found skills.

The second year (A2) takes you up a step with two more study topics. In the first – ‘Dance appreciation’ – you’ll be able to choose from ballet, modern or jazz to study a dance genre in more detail. There’ll be a set work to study, chosen from three professional dance pieces. Then you’ll develop your choreography skills even further, creating a dance for others to perform.

Assessment

In the first year you’ll sit a written paper on ‘Understanding dance’. This paper will account for 40% of your AS marks. The remaining 60% of your marks are for the practical coursework from your ‘Choreography and performance’ study. The second year assessment is also in two parts, a 90 minute paper you’ll sit on ‘Dance appreciation’ which accounts for 50% of your marks. A practical examination on group choreography and solo performance accounts for the remaining 50% of your A2 marks.