Description of Course

The Higher Dance Course is a physically demanding course where there is a significant emphasis on practical work. Dancers will learn technical skills and performance qualities. The course allows pupils to become successful, independent, and creative in their use of dance. Pupils will learn about the origins and history of contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop dance styles whilst also developing their technique. Pupils will also deepen their knowledge of each style and develop their evaluative skills in order to critique their own performance.

Course Assessment

The course assessment has three components.

Component 1 is a question paper with a two-hour exam paper which assesses:

• Evaluation of technical and performance skills in relation to self, peer, and model performers

• Comparison of technical skills, characteristics, and appreciation of performance styles of two contrasting dance styles

• Principles of safe dance practice

• Technical requirements of two contrasting dance styles

• Impact of performance on two contrasting dance styles and methods used to enhance performance.

• Origins and historical development of dance style

• Evaluation of a professional live or recorded choreography for three or more people

• Understand how a variety of choreography aspects impact on the audience.

Component 2 includes the practical activity which has two sections: choreography and a choreography review. Choreography assesses:

• Understanding a range of choreographic skills and principles to create a group dance (2-3 minutes)

• Working imaginatively and demonstrating creativity

• Using: motif to convey theme, complex structure, three complex devices, spatial elements, music, or sound and two theatre arts.

Choreography review assesses:

• The relationship and reasons behind your chosen research, theme, movement, choreographic principles, spatial elements, music, and theatre arts

• The evaluation of a choreographic skill and the impact this has on the finished dance.

Component 3 is a solo performance where the dancer learns a teacher lead dance and performs it for an external examiner. The performance assesses:

• Development of a range of technical dance and performance skills in Jazz and Contemporary

• Stamina, strength, and flexibility

• Spatial awareness

• Timing and musicality

• Quality and dynamics

• Self-expression and sense of performance

Career Pathways

• Choreographer

• Dance instructor

• Costume designer

• Physiotherapist

• Dancer

• Pilates instructor

• Stage Manager

• Community dance worker

• Dancewear designer

• Theatre Manager

• Dance in musical theatre

• Marketer for dance company