Dance A-Level (AQA)
Course Overview
Dance is a unique subject and has a valuable place in the curriculum as a means of expression. It combines creativity with physical activity and has been part of education in Britain for a long time. This course will help students develop the key skills of communication, working with others, problem solving, analysis and appreciation.
During dance lessons students will explore a range of movement styles, learn to choreograph in response to a stimulus and develop their technical and expressive skills in preparation for performance.
The A-level Dance specification will develop technical, choreographic and analytical skills, as well as helping to further key skills of communication, problem solving, working with others, literacy and ICT. Students will learn about the development of `Rambert Dance Company’ from 1966 – 2002 and the key practitioners involved in the development of the company and modern dance in Britain. We will also study `Rooster’ choreographed by Christopher Bruce and `Sutra’ by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui as our set works. The other area of study is the Independent Contemporary Dance Scene, which will allow us to study repertoire from British Choreographers such as Matthew Bourne, Hofesh Shechter and Akram Khan.
The practical components comprise a Solo in response to a chosen Practitioner, a group Choreography for up to 5 dancers and a performance in a quartet. The practical components constitute 50% of the overall A-level grade and will allow students to develop their skills in both performance and choreography.
All students will have the opportunity to participate in dance trips, a varied extra-curricular programme and be part of the L&S Youth Dance Company.
A-level Dance could lead to careers in professional dance practice including performance and choreography, dance administration, dance research and development, dance history and work within community arts, dance therapy and dance journalism.
You should be on track to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4 - 9. A grade 5+ in Dance GCSE is advantageous, but by no means essential. Anyone with a genuine interest in dance and a strong technical foundation is welcome.
