What is the course about?

A Level Dance is an exciting and challenging qualification that allows students to discover more about the history of dance and further develop their versatility as a performer and choreographer. The course is intended to meet the needs of students who wish to undertake further studies in dance at university or pursue a vocational course. Dance combines well with many other subjects, both in the arts, English literature, history and PE.

Course content

Component 1: Performance and choreography

• Perform as a soloist in the style of a specified practitioner.
• Perform within a quartet.
• Create an original piece of group choreography.

Component 2: Critical engagement

• Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of two set works and their corresponding areas of study.

Assessment

Component 1: Performance and choreography

• Practical exam
• 80 marks
• 50% of A Level

Component 2: Critical engagement

• 2 hour 30 written examination
• 100 marks
• 50% of A Level

Career pathways

Dance can be studied at university at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as a single discipline or as a part of a combined degree with a vast range of subjects. A Level Dance students have gone on to forge careers as professional dancers, west end performers, teachers, community dance artists, arts managers, dance company managers or education officer for dance companies. Skills learnt in A Level Dance can also be transferred to other careers in business and sport. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include One Dance, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide.

Entry criteria

Minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Dance. If you fail to meet the entrance requirement for this subject, regular attendance at a dancing school studying jazz, ballet and contemporary styles may further support your application.