AQA A Level Dance

What is the course about?

Component 1: Performance and Choreography

• Solo performance linked to a specific practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography

Component 2: Critical engagement

Area of study:

Rambert Dance Company (formerly Ballet Rambert) 1966–2002

Rooster by Rambert Dance Company

Two named practitioners from:

• Glen Tetley (1926–2007)
• Robert North (born 1945)
• Richard Alston (born 1948)
• Siobhan Davies (born 1950)
• Ashley Page (born 1956)

What sort of work will I be doing?

Component 1: Performance and Choreography

• Creating group and solo choreography based on a variety stimuli
• Create a variety of performance quartets
• Performing at different school performances
• Participate in external workshops from dance companies

Component 2: Critical engagement

Dancers will study:

• The stylistic features of Rambert Dance Company
• The technique and style of two named practitioners including:  
• The influences affecting the development of the named practitioner’s technique and style
• At least two works from the two selected named practitioners
• The importance of the practitioners’ works in the development of the genre in relation to Rambert Dance Company
• The relationship between the development of the genre and its context, ie the position of the genre within history, culture and society
• The genre’s ability to reflect and challenge society
• Terminology specific to the genre.

Students will be required to respond to both short answer and essay questions on the compulsory set work and corresponding area of study in the written exam.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Performance and Choreography

• Practical exam
• 50% of A-level
• Practical work is marked by an external assessor from AQA during a visit between March and May.
• Practical tasks will be set in September and prepared for the following March – May.
• Theory exams will take from June

Component 2: Critical engagement

• Section A: short answer questions (25 marks) and one essay question (25 marks) on the compulsory set work/area of study.
• Section B: two essay questions on the second set work/area of study (25 marks for each essay).

What board do we follow and what qualifications will I need to take the course?

AQA A Level Dance

GCSE Dance – 6

GCSE English – 5

What do the students say?

“I really enjoy studying different practitioners.  I like analysing how their choreographic style has evolved as well as how society and historical factor impact on the creation of dance.”

“The choreography elements are challenging and encourage you to develop your own choreographic style and flair.”

BTEC Level 3: National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

What is the course about?

BTEC Dance is a specialist qualification focusing on developing key knowledge and practical skills required in the Dance employment sector.  Technique classes are predominately contemporary dance based with workshops exploring other dance genres.  Students appreciate and analyse their own work as well as those by professional companies.  Choreography and performance are also key aspects.  Students that show potential maybe considered for entry into the A Level Dance qualification in addition to the BTEC.

Units that are compulsory:

1. Investigating Practitioners’ Work
2. Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
3. Group Performance Workshop

Optional units (choice of one):

• Classical Ballet Technique
• Tap Dance Technique
• Jazz Dance Technique
• Street Dance Technique
• Contemporary Dance Technique

How will I be assessed?

1. Investigating Practitioners’ Work - unit assessed externally
2. Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance – internally assessed 
3. Group Performance Workshop – unit assessed externally

Optional unit is assessed by teacher and externally verified.

What qualifications do I need to take the course?

You will need to have achieved at least a GCSE grade 6 in Dance and grade 5 in GCSE English.  Auditions are available for students who have experience of dance outside of school at the department’s discretion.

What extra work can I do?

Attend extra dance classes will help to improve technique and develop your movement vocabulary.  Attending performances by professional dance companies will aid your critical thinking and choreography.