D A N C E

Dance is a distinct form of nonverbal communication that uses the body as an instrument of expression, articulating the culture and society from which it emerges. Dance exists today in many forms and is performed for a variety of purposes in differing contexts.

In dance elective for years 9 and 10, students explore three main components; Performance, Composition (creating) and Appreciation (written analysis). Through both practical and theoretical components, students develop valuable knowledge and understanding of their physical bodies capabilities and biomechanics through a variety of technique classes and various styles of dance throughout the course. Students will also explore solo and group compositions and learn how to communicate their ideas and express themselves through dance as well as the analysis of modern dance pioneers and historical dance works of art.

What does the learning look like?

PERFORMANCE

Dance is an art that is meant to be performed for an audience. A performance refers to the application of dance technique and performance quality to a dance that communicates an idea.

Dance performance can be the informal or formal presentation of a classroom technique sequence or class sequence, a student composition, a choreographed dance or an excerpt of a dance work of art which is based on the elements of dance.

COMPOSITION

Dance expresses ideas, feelings and experiences, and is developed through the creative methods of dance composition.

Students engage in problem-solving tasks and manipulate the elements of dance as they explore, devise, select, refine and structure movement in a personal response to various stimuli to communicate ideas.

APPRECIATION

Dance provides opportunities for students to gain understanding of people, culture and society.

In Appreciation, students study and analyse dance. They observe and describe performances, compositions and dance works of art (professional choreography intended to be performed for an audience) through the elements of dance, reinforcing the students’ understanding of their own dance performance and composition.