Dance

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Why choose this subject?

GCSE Dance is a creative and expressive subject that allows you to explore performance, choreography, and critical appreciation. It’s perfect for students who enjoy being active, creative, and expressive through movement. You’ll develop physical skills, confidence, and teamwork while learning to communicate ideas through dance.

Dance builds self-discipline, resilience, and creativity. You’ll also learn how to analyse professional works, understand how choreography is created, and take on the role of both performer and choreographer. These transferable skills — communication, leadership, organisation, and self-motivation — are valuable in many areas of life and future careers.

What does a typical lesson look like?

You’ll have three lessons a week — a mix of practical and theory sessions. Practical lessons explore a variety of dance styles, such as contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, samba, and dance for camera. You’ll create and refine choreography through improvisation and structured tasks.

Theory lessons focus on analysing professional works, understanding choreographic processes, and preparing for the written exam. Lessons are creative, energetic, and collaborative, giving you the chance to express ideas through movement while developing technical and analytical skills.

What sort of learner does well in this subject?

This subject is ideal for students who love to perform and express themselves creatively. You’ll do well if you:
• Have a passion for dance and performing
• Enjoy creating and developing original choreography
• Can work both independently and as part of a team
• Are open to feedback and committed to improving
• Have strong creative, reflective, and analytical skills
• Are disciplined and able to manage practical rehearsals alongside written work

Previous dance experience is desirable but not essential — enthusiasm and dedication are the most important qualities.

How is this course assessed?

The GCSE Dance course is taught over two years and is split into practical and theoretical components:

• Component 1: Performance and Choreography (60%)
- Performance (30%): Two solo performances of set phrases (‘Breathe’ and ‘Shift’) and one duet/trio performance (3–5 minutes).
- Choreography (30%): Solo or group choreography created in response to a stimulus set by AQA.
Performances and choreography are filmed, assessed by your teacher, and moderated by AQA.

• Component 2: Critical Appreciation (40%)
- A 1 hour 30 minute written exam marked by AQA examiners.
- Section A: Understanding choreographic processes and performance skills.
- Section B: Critical appreciation of your own work.
- Section C: Analysis of professional works from the GCSE Dance anthology.

What could this course lead on to?

GCSE Dance provides a foundation for further study at A Level, BTEC, or through vocational qualifications in Performing Arts or Dance. It can lead to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in creative, fitness, and educational industries.

Possible career paths include:
• Professional Dancer or Performer
• Choreographer
• Dance Therapist
• Dance Teacher or Lecturer
• Producer or Director
• Dance Journalist or Critic
• Personal Trainer or Physiotherapist (specialising in dance)
• Sports Psychologist (specialising in performance)
• Dance for Health and Well-being Specialist
• Freelance Dance Practitioner or Educator

Who can tell me more about this subject?

Miss Bowers, Teacher of Dance

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236

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