Dance is a 200hr course studied over both Year 9 and 10. In the study of dance as an art form students develop knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes ‘through’ and ‘about’ the interrelated experiences of performing, composing and appreciating dance. 

• Performance- students develop dance technique and performance quality to communicate ideas through solo and group work in various styles of dance 

• Composition- students create and structure movement to express and communicate ideas through various solo and group creative tasks 

• Appreciation- students describe and analyse dance as an expression of ideas within a social, cultural or historical context. 

Students will value and appreciate dance as an artform through their own dances, the dances of others and dance as works of art in the public domain. 

The integration of the practices of performance, composition and appreciation is a key feature of the syllabus and the elements of dance are the components that link the study of the practices. The practices are interrelated and equally important. 

This course caters for students with a high level of prior knowledge, skills and experience in dance as well as those without prior knowledge and experience. Dance in Years 9–10 provides a pathway to the study of Dance at Stage 6 and encourages participation in and enjoyment of dance throughout life.  

Safe dance practice is embedded through the practices to ensure that students can maintain safe, healthy and rewarding lives.

NESA course information

Students learn both movement principles and stylised techniques, and they learn through both problem-solving and directed teaching. The development of creativity, imagination and individuality is emphasised equally.  

 Learning in dance and learning through dance enables students to apply their own experiences to their study of dance. They learn to express ideas creatively as they make and perform dances, and analyse dance as works of art. They think imaginatively and share ideas, feelings, values and attitudes while physically and intellectually exploring the communication of ideas through movement. 

• Students must wear appropriate dance attire for all practical class work e.g. leggings/fitted pants/shorts and singlet/t-shirt top or leotard. Hair tied back where necessary.  

• Students need an exercise book or A4 book for year 9 and 10 journal writing and written tasks. 

The study of Dance provides students with knowledge, understanding and skills that form a valuable foundation for a range of courses at university and other tertiary institutions. In addition, the study of Dance assists students to prepare for employment and full and active participation as citizens. In particular, there are opportunities for students to gain recognition in vocational education and training in the areas of: performing, choreography, education/teaching, stage and production, health related careers – Physio, massage, injury prevention, yoga/pilates instructor, personal trainers and Arts administration, Dance critic/writer and much more. 

Dance Education    Dance related jobs    Performing Arts Careers    Full Time Dance Guide 

Attending live performances and participating in dance performance is an important part of the student's development in this course. These may include:  

• Attending an excursion to view a performance of a professional Australian Dance Company.  

• Attending the HSC Call Back performance- a showcase of exemplary performances and compositions of HSC dance students. 

• Performing at Colo performance nights and the annual Hawkesbury Eisteddfod. 

• Year 9 $35.00 

• Year 10 $35.00 

• Excursions are additional costs.