Dance
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The A Level Dance specification aims to cultivate creativity in students by allowing individual enquiry within the areas of performance, choreography and critical engagement. The wide range of skills and the connections Abbeygate Sixth Form College have with the professional industry enable students to develop performance and choreography at the highest level.
Students of A Level Dance will experience a wide, varied and exciting programme. Developing a solo performance which is linked to a specific practitioner allows students to engage in-depth with the core skills of Dance; developing creativity, teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, self-discipline, physical health and the ability to work collaboratively. They will also develop their ability to work together and communicate effectively when devising their quartet pieces which in turn will support the development of group choreography.
Within component two students learn to analyse and explore specific performance techniques and develop their written exploration of the history of dance. The course is designed to give you theoretical and practical experience through an understanding of dance. You will acquire technical skills in choreography, contemporary dance and performance and engage in critical thinking about dance practice. You will develop dance appreciation skills through the analysis of professional works, gaining an understanding of the historical and cultural context of dances. You will develop an understanding of a dancer’s physiology and the rehearsal and performance process.
Next steps
This A Level course can lead to further study in Dance and other Performing Arts subjects. From this point there are many options, for example: dance performance, dance teaching, dance historian, dance journalist, physiotherapist or movement therapist. Dance students have also pursued a wide range of higher education courses including Law and Anthropology.
Students have successfully gone onto conservatoires and top Colleges including Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Laban, London Studios and The Royal Academy of Dance.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements, plus:
· Minimum Grade 4 Dance
· L2 vocational equivalent at Merit or Distinction
· If neither have been studied: Audition may be required
Please note if dance not taken at GCSE considerable practical experience in dance. Confidence with written communication is an essential skill. Previous experience in areas such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, street, Latin, ballroom or modern dance will be an advantage.
Exam board
AQA
