BTEC Dance

TEACHER IN CHARGE: Mrs E Lee   EXAMINATION BOARD: Edexcel WEBSITE ADDRESS:  www.edexcel.org.uk

Dance Information Video

What will I study?

Throughout the course, you will explore the discipline of Dance and the many different styles within it for example Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary, Ballet and Urban. You will gain an understanding of what it is like to work as a professional within the performing arts industry through the performance and choreography of Dance. This will allow the development of skills and techniques in Dance through the participation in workshops, classes and rehearsals, these skills will then be applied to a performance. You will also have the chance to create your own choreography exploring your chosen Dance style whilst working to a professional brief and collaborating with your peers 

How many pieces of coursework are required?

There are three Components to complete, all of which are coursework based; you will be required to produce practical and written evidence for each component, the written evidence may be in the format of a piece of extended writing, PowerPoint presentation and Log Book.

Practical coursework evidence is submitted via workshop/class recordings, teacher observations and workshop performance.

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (30%)

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (30%)

Component 3: Performing to a Brief (40%)

How many examinations will I take?

●      You will take one examination under controlled assessment conditions. This is Component 3: Performing to a Brief and is worth 40%.

●      You will be given a brief published by the exam board and allowed to explore a stimulus through a chosen dance style.

●      You will choreograph, develop and perform a dance that is inspired by the stimulus.

●      You will be given a time scale to complete this task.

●      You will also be required to document the process in a written log and evaluation report.

What qualities do I need to be successful?

• In order to be successful you will need to be focused and willing to develop your practical Dance skills through workshops, rehearsals and feedback.

• It is important that you are also willing to use any feedback in independent rehearsals to allow you to progress.

• You should have a keen interest in several styles of dance and be open to learning new techniques and specific styles.

• You should also be equally interested in the written aspect of the course that will allow you to gain knowledge and understanding of several practitioners, which in turn will be applied to practical interpretation.

What sort of teaching styles are typically used?

●       Retrieval practices to consistently revisit learned content;

●       Group tasks and discussion in lessons to demonstrate understanding of content;

●       Individual tasks to demonstrate understanding of content;

●       Direct instruction to improve individual skills;

●       Analysis of performances, video and digital camera work;

●       Evaluation of performances as an individual and in a group

●       Practical technique classes.

●       workshops to develop understanding of Dance styles

Is there anything else you think I should know about this subject?

This is a fantastic opportunity that we are now able to offer at Ponteland High school. If you are passionate about Dance, enthusiastic and are willing to learn, you will enjoy this course. An understanding of Dance in one or more styles is desirable. The course can be very demanding when taking into consideration the written and practical element. You should be aware that you may be required to complete rehearsal of practical work in your own time after school; this is to allow you to refine your work to the best of your ability.