Dance
Overview
Utilising the specialist Dance Studio facilities at the College, this A Level will focus on the development of choreographic and performance skills as well as an analytical understanding of the constituent features of dance performance and dance creation. The historical development of various dance genres, dance companies and specific choreographers is also a fundamental part of the course.
Course Outline
AS Level
The AS course develops students’ creative, technical and performance skills through the solo performance of their own choreography and through performing within duo, trio and group dances. Students will begin to develop critical skills in relation to the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional repertoire. The study of Anatomy and Physiology supports the focus on safe practice.
Unit assessments will be as follows:
Unit 1: Understanding Dance – this is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes.
Unit 2: Choreography and Performance – this is assessed by two performances: one solo (2-3 minutes) and one in a duo/trio (3-4 minutes).
A2 Level
The A2 specification extends and applies the knowledge and skills gained at AS Level to a range of dance genres and historical study areas. The focus of choreography is shifted towards creating group dances that require students to explore a range of themes. Technical and performance skills will be developed in relation to a prolific choreographer and students will perform a technical solo replicating the practitioner’s style. Students will make an analytical study of a range of works by Alvin Ailey and Akram Khan and also the cultural and artistic context in which their works were created. Dance historical study allows students to develop knowledge and understanding of developments and establishment of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre company.
Units will be as follows:
Unit 3: Appreciation: Content and Context – this is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes.
Unit 4: Group Choreography and Solo Performance – this is assessed by a solo performance and a group choreography in which you do not dance.
Assessment
Practical Examination (AS 60%, A2 50%)
Written Examination (AS 40%, A2 50%)
Examining Board – AQA.
Special Entry Requirements
An aptitude for, and ability in dance, is required, however not in a specific dance style. You must be open to experimenting with new dance styles, particularly contemporary modern dance.
Prohibited Options
None.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Students often continue to study dance as a single, specialist area, or alongside other performing arts at a higher level. This may be at HND or Degree level at local and national colleges and universities, as well as at vocational dance and performing arts schools. Students have gone on to study combined degrees in, for example, Dance and Drama, Dance and Psychology and others, as well as, teaching qualifications and movement therapy and arts management courses. Studying dance can also lead to careers in health, arts management, sport, physiotherapy, teaching, performing, choreography, community arts and theatre.
Other Information
Students are required to attend live performances and are encouraged to take theatre visits throughout the year, to support their understanding of professional dance/theatre works and to inform their own work. Students have been to the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells, Birmingham Hippodrome, Malvern and Stoke theatres to watch a range of dance and theatre performances. Parallel to this, students are also offered the opportunity to take part in workshops run by visiting professionals. The College also has a dance company, who have performed locally and nationally; membership by audition or invitation only.
This information is correct for September 2013 entry.