A Level Dance

You will study dance within three main components: performance, composition (choreography) and appreciation. You will learn to be a well-rounded and versatile dancer in a vocational and academic context. You will achieve this by studying a variety of choreographers, companies and techniques. This is enhanced by trips, visits and workshops, as well as learning about career progression opportunities in the dance industry.

2 Years

This course will be delivered through practical and theory lessons. 75% of the course will be taught within the Dance studio, applying vocational (practical) understanding to theoretical content as well as performance and dance technique. Engagement with professional dance artists, choreographers and dance companies, theatres, trips and performances will add variety to the delivery of this course.

You will be assessed through external practical and academic assessments. 50% of your final grade will be from practical exams (Component 1) and 50% will be from a written exam (Component 2).

For Component 1 you will be assessed through your performance of:
– Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study,
– Quartet (4 dancers),
– Group choreography.

For Component 2 you will be assessed on your knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of 2 set works, in a 2hr 30mins exam. This will cover:
– One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study,
– One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of works.

Level 3 AQA GCE A Level in Dance

All Dance students will gain performance experience through showcases and performances. Students will experience working as a choreographer and work with professional dance artists and dance companies on choreographic and creative workshops and projects.

Students will be given opportunities to engage with professionals through the variety of trips, visiting speakers and workshops arranged for students on the course.

All Dance students in their 1st year of study will also undertake an additional qualification called the Level 2 Dance Leadership Award. This additional qualification will alow students to gain experience in planning and leading dance sessions for different age groups within different areas of the community. Students will therefore gain key employability skills and work experience on the course.

You can choose to progress into: Dance or Performing Arts courses at:

Universities such as:

Chichester, Kingston, Bath Spa, De Montford, Roehampton

Conservatoires such as:

Creative Academy, Trinity Laban, London Studio Centre, Italia Conti.

Other students choose to progress onto other university courses which apply skills developed in Dance, such as:

Journalism, Marketing and Project Management, Psychology, Media Studies, Teaching.

Level 3

Dance kit will be required for practical lessons.

As a general uniform expectation, female dancers are expected to wear black footless tights and a leotard (the choice of colour can be selected by the student). Male dancers are expected to wear black t-shirt and black jogging bottoms.

Dancers can be barefoot, but some choice to wear jack shoes, ballet shoes or foot thongs, Footwear is optional and not compulsory.

Strode’s College offers students the chance to purchase Strode’s Dance branded kit, including: hoodies, t-shirts, shorts and/or leggings. Details about where you can purchase kit will be made available to you when you start on the course.