GCSE Dance

Introduction

The AQA Performing Arts; Dance syllabus is studied here at Saint George’s. The course is a very popular option and there are currently 30 pupils in year 9, 15 in year 10 and 20 in year 11.

Aims of the Course

The aim of the course is to provide pupils with a broad understanding of Dance through the process of composing, performing and evaluating. It is hoped that students will be enthused to develop a life long interest in Dance.

Assessment

Compostion 40% Performance peice 20% Set study 20% Written exam 20%

Composition 40% A solo or group dance piece based on a pupils own idea. 30% A page of programme notes to support the pupils dance idea. 10%

Performanc peice 20% A group dance of 3-5 students Choreographed by the teacher and a proffessional dance company.

Set Study 20% A one minute contemporaty solo set by the examining board AQA.

Written examination 20% Pupils will study 5 professional works through the history of dance and answer questions in relation to the content, the themes, costume, set design and lighting, music and dance styles. They will also be expected to have an awareness of safe studio practice and the importance of health on the dancer.

What prior learning would help me on this course?

Find out about the different historical periods in Dance; 16th Century Court Dance, Romantic Ballet, Classical Ballet, Diaghilevs Ballet Russes, the Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, London Contemparary Dance Theatre, Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Find out about the following dance works and the choreographer; Swan Lake (any version), Petrushka by Mikail Fokine, Ghost Dances and Swansong by Christopher Bruce, Still Life at the Penguin Café and Hobsons Choice by David Bintley, Cross Channel By Laurie Anderson. and Front Line by Henri Oguike. Find out about the following dance styles; Ballet, Contemporary, African and Jazz, Ballroom, Tap and Folk Dance. Find out about; what a healthy diet should contain, how to warm-up and cool down, what strength, stamina and flexibility mean.

Recommended Enrichment Activities

Attend a weekly technique class in any style that interests you. Attend the schools extra-curricular club, or even better, run one of your own. See as many live dance performances as you can. Look out for dance programmes on Television and watch them!