Dance A Level
Course Overview
Dance at A Level aims to develop technical skill, deepen creative exploration and widen analytical and reflective practice through written and practical study.
Over the two-year course, you will study a minimum of 11 professional works ranging from the pieces that were created during the emergence of modern dance in Britain in 1966 through to the most current contemporary works from leading practitioners and beyond. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of specific study areas as well as connecting areas of practice with your own developing skill and understanding.
You will need a passion for dance and an interest in the mechanics and development of professional dance works including use of movement, theme, and features of production such as costume, lighting, aural setting and set design.
Course Components
- Performance and Choreography
- Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
- Performance in a quartet
- Group choreography
- Critical Engagement
- Area of study – Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002
- Set work: Rooster, Christopher Bruce
- Area of study – Independent contemporary dance scene in Britain 2000 – current
- Set work: Sutra, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including:
- GCSE Grade 4 in English Language or Literature
Assessment
- 50% Exam
- 50% Coursework
- Exam Board: AQA
Subject Lead
Miss H Patrick
Why Choose this Course?
A-level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages you to develop your creative and intellectual capacity through a range of dance styles. The course provides the opportunity to acquire experience of performance and choreography and to engage in critical thinking about dance. The specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it relevant and inspiring, while at the same time promoting a healthy lifestyle through an awareness of the importance of exercise and training.
A Level Dance is a healthy blend of coursework and examination, both practical and written. There is an expectation that much of the performance work is undertaken through rehearsal outside the curriculum lesson.
Skills you Gain
Dance at A Level helps develop a number of skills;
- Visual appreciation of dance and choreography
- Balanced judgement
- Information gathering and assessment
Along with transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem-solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help you stand out in the workplace whatever your choice of career.
After Northgate
A Level Dance is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue arts or dance in higher education, or as support for any course requiring good communication or team-work skills. In addition to performing, choreographing and teaching, this course might lead to such diverse careers as dance therapy, events management, dance marketing or journalism.
"I love dance. Its very creative and I enjoy working with my friends as part of a team."