Entry Requirements

4+ in GCSE Dance/ Merit+ in Level 2 BTEC Dance. Under exceptional circumstances, students with high levels of extra-curricular dance performance experience will be considered for this course without formal dance qualifications. You should also have performance experience. 

Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel

Why Study Performing Arts: Dance?

This qualification gives an exciting insight to the dance industry and is perfect for students with an interest in dance who wish to continue their education through applied learning. You will gain an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. You will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work. These include self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers. Other skills essential for further study include research, independent learning, extended writing, sourcing, evaluating information and drawing conclusions.

Studying dance at Ricards Lodge is a remarkable experience. You will be fully supported throughout your time with us to help you maximise your full potential in this subject. You will have numerous performance opportunities over the course, in addition to attending theatre trips and dance workshops. This course will prepare you with the skills needed to progress on to university or vocational dance training in a range of dance disciplines. Previous students have gone on to study Dance at universities and conservatoires and others have gone on to read different subjects at Russell Group universities. One of our alumni dance students even received an offer from Cambridge University for History!

What Topics Will I Study?

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners' Work (focused on critical analysis of professional works)

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance (focused on practical dance training and taking part in performances)

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop (focused on choreography skills and a choreography project)

Unit 10/ 11/ 12: Jazz Dance / Street Dance/ Contemporary Dance Technique

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will complete four units over the two year course. Two units are internally assessed at RR6 and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction; the other two units are set and externally assessed by Pearson. You will be continually assessed through regular assignments, practical projects and performances. Effort, attendance and punctuality also contributes to your grade. Assignments range from assessed rehearsals or performances to project- based written work.  

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

There are a wide variety of careers in the growing dance industry, including choreography, professional and theatre performance,  journalism, physiotherapy and teaching. The Extended Certificate is a nationally recognised qualification and an ideal pathway to access these careers or go on to higher education. It offers progression on to university or vocational dance training. The course also provides you with a background in arts administration and community-based project roles. Universities also offer combined degree courses if you decide to study dance with other subjects, such as: English; media; history; drama and music.

Some of the vocational dance schools and universities that students could progress on to include:

Bird College; LIPA; London Studio Centre; Trinity Laban; Laine Theatre Arts; The Urdang Academy; Stella Mann College; Middlesex University; Chichester University; Roehampton University; Surrey University; Bath University; Kingston University

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying this Course

• Performances to a variety of audiences and in a range of venues

• Collaborative projects with other performing arts students

• Theatre visits

• Workshops/ classes with professional dance artists in a variety of different styles including contemporary, house, commercial and much more

​​​​​​​Previous workshops/ classes include African with Ignition Dance Company, Hip Hop with Zoonation, Waacking with House of Absolute, Commercial Heels with Carlotta Arcolaci and Contemporary with Nafisah Baba. Previous theatre visits include going to see Rambert, Zoonation and Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.