Why study Dance?

If you love dance then you’ll love this course. You’ll be performing, choreographing, watching and analysing the dancer, Choreographer and audience. Learn to understand the processes of dance performance, the form of choreography and increase your knowledge of how your body works. Dance is a course which will stimulate your mind and your body!

What do I study?

You will study practical classes in Contemporary Dance and Choreography.  Theory classes covering the dancer in action, dance appreciation and a detailed study of a historic area of dance. You are expected to understand dance from the perspective of the dancer, Choreographer and audience member, through watching as much live and videoed professional work as possible.

Year 1 (AS)
Unit 1: Understanding Dance

• the dancer as performer: knowledgeand understandingnof the demands made in practice and performance on
  the dancer
• the process and craft of choreography
• the significance of dances

Unit 2: Choreography and Performance

• the process of solo choreography from investigation and research of ideas through to outcome
• physical and interpretative skills in relation to performance of the solo choreography
• performance skills within a duo/trio performance context

Year 2 (A2)
Unit 3: Appreciation: Content and Context

• investigating one area of study from ballet, modern dance or jazz dance (we study the area of modern dance)
• critical analysis and appreciation of one set work from a choice of three

Unit 4: Group choreography and solo performance

• group choreography from investigation and research of ideas through to outcome
• solo performance skills in relation to a specific practitioner within a specific area of dance study prescribed for unit three

Where does Dance take me?

This subject complements Drama & Theatre Studies in providing a rounded understanding of the Performing Arts industry; it can also be taken alongside BTEC Performing Arts to further develop dance skills and understanding and also PE courses for working within the leisure industry. You can pursue dance at university or professional dance college towards a career as a professional dancer, dance teacher, community dance worker etc.

What do I need?

You must have commitment and enthusiasm for Dance first and foremost. You have to be prepared to perform as a soloist and as part of a small group for the exam and annual dance show. GCSE Dance is desirable but not essential. Appropriate dance wear is required for class and examination, black jazz pants, a black (tank style) leotard and bare feet (male dancers: jogging trousers and close fitting t-shirt).

*Please note that if you study this course you will not always be able to catch the College bus in the evenings as you will need to be available after College for rehearsals and shows. On these occasions you will have to make your own arrangements for transport home.

*There is an additional fee of approximately £125 which contributes towards the cost of attending theatre events. This is a compulsory part of the course.