DANCE

Why choose A Level Dance?

Studying Dance at A-Level will allow you to pursue your creative passions and develop your technical dance skills and fitness levels. In the Critical Appreciation module, you will be able to choose whether you want to specialise in Ballet, Modern Dance, or Jazz, while still enjoying all of these skill areas in Choreography and Performance modules. The written paper also accounts for 50% of the overall mark, making Dance a great choice for students looking to continue into Higher Education.

Course details

Component 1: Performance (practical) 50%

  • Solo performance in the style of a studied practitioner
  • Performance in a quartet
  • Creating original choreography for a group
  • Written Programme Note

Component 2: Critical Engagement (exam) 50%

  • Study of Christopher Bruce’s ‘Rooster’ and Rambert Ballet
  • Study of a further set work in chosen style
  • Short essay questions
  • Set work to be chosen from the following:
    • Giselle, Coralli and Perrot
    • Appalachian Spring, Graham
    • Singin’ In The Rain, Donen and Kelly
    • Sutra, Cherkaoui

Dance at A Level requires students to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge, understanding and experience of a variety of genres and styles of dance, as well as technical skills and appreciation of other works. The study of professional dance works, within the areas of study, promotes the integration of theory and practice as well as enriching your own understanding of both choreography and performance.

Related careers

Dancer; Choreographer; Actor; Musician; Dance Movement Therapist; Lecturer; Teacher; Dance School Owner; Arts Administration; Community Arts Work; Personal Trainer; Fitness Instructor; Events Manager Theatre Director.  

Art, Drama, Business Studies, P.E, English Literature, Music, Photography. 

People who choose to study Dance at degree level are usually those students for whom Dance is more than just a hobby or passion. Whether on a university Dance course or at a specific Performing Arts School, Dance at this level is challenging, demanding and intensive. Study at a university, however, may also include much more theoretical written work than courses at the top Performing Arts schools. Students who pursue Dance at A Level may also wish to continue studying Drama, Musical Theatre, Acting, or Music at degree level, all of which require the same levels of determination and commitment, and for which the study of Dance would be an asset. There are also, however, students who study Dance at A Level and beyond without knowing exactly what industry they would like to eventually go into. Dance at degree level will allow you to explore careers in teaching, Arts administration and planning, fitness, directing or community Arts work. 

Previous Dance experience is advantageous, although you do not need to have studied Dance at GCSE to take the course. A Grade 5 in English would be desirable due to the demands of the written content of the course. 

Dance at Westholme is a new and exciting opportunity. There is one major production every year, which offers plenty of opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills. In addition, there are Dance and Drama showcases throughout the school year, and opportunities to get involved in community projects and performances. There is also a range of trips to support your studies, including a trip to MOVE IT in London in the Spring.