AS and A Level Dance

Dance for joy 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.

Dance as a living Do you dream of making a living from your passion for dance? It’s really possible: as a dancer yourself, as a choreographer, or maybe as a teacher. This course will be a constant pleasure... but it also has a vision. And that is to be the first step in a career for you that includes dance.

Your key learning topics 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. You’ll learn from studying the professionals and see how dance can have great meaning and expression. Your coursework will include physical, interpretative and performance skills.

The second year 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. This area of study, called ‘Group choreography and solo performance’ includes your very own performance in the style of one of the three genres.

On your marks…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 in two parts as well. The 90 minute paper you’ll sit on ‘Dance appreciation’ accounts for 50% of your marks. A practical examination on group choreography and solo performance accounts for the remaining 50% of your A2 marks.

Where will success take me?GCE Dance is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue the arts or dance in Higher Education, or as support for any course requiring good communication and group work skills. In addition to performing, choreographing and teaching, this course might lead to such diverse careers as dance therapy or journalism.

What skills will I learn? Dance helps students develop a number of skills:

• Visual appreciation of dance and choreography

• Balanced judgement

• Information gathering and assessment

• Ability to work on your own or as part of a team

• Communication.

Will it fit my life? Many students who take dance at A Level also take Drama and Theatre Studies, Performing Arts and PE. English Literature, Media Studies, Communication Studies and Music are also great companion courses.

Useful links:

AQA Dance Overview

A Level Dance Specification

Student Guide

Past Papers

A2 outline

Candidates continue to receive instruction on technique and the health and safety of the dancer:

Clicke here to download a powerpoint on the development of Modern Dance in Britian