BTEC Dance

Intent statement: 

The KS4 Dance programs is designed for all students—those with no prior dance experience and those with different degrees of formal training will experience a high school dance programme of study which provides students with the training necessary to understand and critically analyse dance performances, pursue dance as a career, and/or study dance at a college and professional levels. 

Dance is movement, visually organised in space and time. The way a dance shapes movement defines the critical attributes of its style, genre, and place in the history of dance. A dancer’s skills and techniques are often based on tradition and passed down from one generation to the next. Nonetheless, dance is in a constant state of self definition. HDHS dancers, choreographers, and all those involved in studying and performing dance at HDHS take part in defining and reinterpreting the art form. Dance at KS4 provides all students with the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of dance as an art form. 

Students learn and refine dance skills and techniques in class and in performance, they study the historical and cultural significance of dance and its evolution as an art form, and evaluate personal work and the work of others. When all KS4 dance components are aligned, students will;

 • Gain significant knowledge of dance elements, principles, and concepts

 • Develop and apply an understanding of basic principles of choreography 

 • Apply knowledge, skills, and techniques of dance in formal dance shows

• Build self esteem and leadership qualities that can be transferred across a range of subjects.

• Effectively communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings through dance.

Build cultural capital through the kinesthetic learning and historical analysis of a range of dance choreographers, set works and practical tasks.

We pride ourselves at HDHS and foster our students curiosity in order to build a strong foundation through dance to enhance students confidence. We are an inclusive subject and personalise teaching to suit all students, irrespective of their starting point. It is a practical introduction to life and work in the performing arts industry, which will give students the opportunity to develop performing arts skills and techniques, and to analyse and evaluate your skills both independently and within a group. 

The Performing Arts are a major part of the creative and cultural industries in the UK. Overall, the industry contributes £3.5 billion to the UK economy. There are 5,480 businesses in the performing arts sector, and 101,593 people working in a wide range of roles from performers, designers and directors. We deliver our course to ensure industry links are strong and students are able to access the next level of training with an impressive portfolio of dance experience.

‘Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and it always should be delivered back to the people' Alvin Ailey 

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

Presentation Contents

• Introduction

• Brief History of Piece/Choreographer/Company

• Choreographic Intent

• Intentions and Purpose

• Generating Ideas 

• Rehearsal and Performance Process

• Stylistic Features 

• Constituent Features

• Practical Workshop Reflection

• Influences to other professional works

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Bibliography

How it is graded: Pass, Merit and Distinction

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

Component 3: Performing to a Brief