The course is designed to give you a theoretical and practical experience of understanding dance. You will gain experience of choreography and performance to engage you in critically thinking about the subject. The study of dance will help you to gain knowledge and understanding of the dancer in action and of the skills involved in performance. You will develop appreciation skills through the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of dances. Historical and cultural appreciation of dance development will deepen your understanding of this inspirational art form. This course is aimed at anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of Dance and those who have some experience.

You need to commit yourself fully to the demands of academic study both in and out of College. There are also rehearsals that happen outside of lesson time and there is the opportunity to join the college dance company and perform in a range of venues. There are also a number of dance trips and workshops that are organised as part of the course.

You will be required to attend a short practical dance audition. Previous dance experience is necessary. This can include a GCSE in Dance and/or previous technique classes.

Students completing the course successfully will have a thorough understanding of Dance, highly toned analytical and creative skills and an ability to communicate effectively with others. Dance is suitable for anyone wishing to pursue the Arts or Dance in Higher Education or any course requiring good communication and team work skills.

Component 1 : Performance and Choreography (50%).

This unit focuses on knowledge and skills required to choreograph for a group and to prepare and present group work for performance. It also focuses on presenting a solo performance in a style linked to a specific practitioner from the written unit and a performance within a quartet. It will involve a practical exam explore three areas:

Component 2 : Critical Engagement (50%).

This unit focuses on knowledge and understanding arrived at through critical analysis and interpretation of two set works and the context in which they are presented and derived. It will involve a 2 ½ hour written examination.

Practical

• Solo Performance Dance

• Group Choreography and Performance

• Quartet Performance

Written

• Compulsory Set work  “Rooster”.

•  Area of Study= Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002 Section A: short answer questions and Section B: one essay question on the compulsory set work/area of study.

• Optional Set work = Sutra (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, 2008)

Area of Study = The independent contemporary dance scene in Britain 2000–current

Girls will need Black leggings and a black leotard.

Boys will need Black shorts/tracksuit bottoms and a Black T-Shirt.

1. The arts create independent learners and develop students emotional intelligence. They require the students to set their own agenda from within themselves, rather than follow set topics as in other subjects. They have to make independent decisions all the way, and be self-critical. They also need to be brave in exposing their creations, and accept criticism. Working in teams makes students into effective communicators.

2. The arts are stretching drama, music, and art require long hours of hard work and dedication. Students have to pay great attention to detail, to perfect and re-do. Putting on a play, exhibition or concert takes strong organisational skills.

3. Arts students are highly sought-after by employers. Many employers now actively seek those who have studied the arts. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was fond of saying his success was due to his hiring artists and musicians fascinated by technology rather than computer geeks. Top talent management agency, The Curve Group, specialising in financial and business services, concurs: “Employees with an arts degree have developed more quickly in their roles from the start. They have discipline, confidence and can accept criticism.”

4. Arts ‘reach the parts other subjects can’t reach.’ The arts develop the broader dimensions of the human being – mind, body and soul. The arts can express the inexpressible and make sense of things that otherwise do not seem to. This can be very fulfilling and helps us function as human beings – which can only be good for society as a whole.

5. Arts ‘reach the students other subjects can’t reach.’ Teachers find arts subjects particularly beneficial for two groups: those who struggle with traditional subjects and those who are high achieving. Less academic students can become defeatist if they feel they can’t achieve: drama, music or art can be the place they blossom. With studious students, the arts can bring them out of themselves and be a release.