Dance*
A-level
One-year AS/two-year A-level
If you are passionate about dance you will love this subject. You will learn various techniques and styles including ballet and contemporary. You will choreograph and perform your own work to develop your performance skills.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*–C grades at GCSE including English language. All applicants will be required to attend an audition as part of the interview process. You will need an interest in developing your knowledge of practical skills and theory through dance.
What will I study?
The course will focus on:
- developing your dance technique and performance skills
- exploring and understanding choreography
- the healthy dancer – anatomy and physiology
- the critical analysis of your skills through written work
- the study and reworking of professional works.
On the course you will:
- build up your skills as a performer and choreographer
- work as part of a group to perform your own production
- look at other areas of employment, such as arts management and put on your own creative event
- develop a clear understanding of the different demands within dance
- study and work with professional artists and analyse professional dance works
- showcase your work to external audiences at Stratford Circus.
In recent years, students have also performed at high profile venues including LABAN and the Royal Festival Hall.
Method of assessment
The course includes a large written component (60% of the course) which covers planning for a creative event, dance skills development and research into employment opportunities and dance companies. The other 40% of the course will be assessed through practical assignments.
What will I be able to progress to?
This is an ideal subject if you want to go on to study performing arts or dance in higher education. This subject will also provide you with a solid foundation of critical and analytical skills which will complement studies in humanities and media.
*Please note, the formal qualification will be A-level performing arts and you will focus your studies on dance.