1. GCSE Dance You should be taking Dance if...
... you would like to improve your dance skills by learning dances in various styles and taking part in performances
... you would like to learn how to choreograph and create your own dance pieces
... you would like to go on theatre trips and learn how to understand professional dance pieces
If you love dancing, choreographing and watching dance then this is the course for you!

2. What does the course involve?
In GCSE Dance you will be studying the three main skills involved in dance:
Performance: improving your dance skills by learning to dance in different styles and take part in various performances.
Choreography: learning about creating a dance from finding a starting point/theme to performing the finished piece.
Appreciation: studying the elements of a professional dance works e.g. the movement, music, costume, lighting, set design etc.

3. How are you assessed?
80% of the course is assessed through practical work and 20% is a written exam.
The practical assessment is made up of:
Set dance (20%) This is a minute long contemporary dance that everybody studying dance learns and performs.
Performing in a group (20%) You will learn and perform a dance based on a professional work in small groups
Choreography (40%) You will choreograph two dance pieces, one is a solo based on a professional dance and for the other dance you choose your own theme and decide how many dancers are in it.
The written assessment is a one hour written exam (20%) at the end of the course where you answer questions about the two professional dances you have studied and your performing/choreography experiences.

4. What will I achieve from studying GCSE dance?
 Life long skills - including creative and critical thinking, decision making, physical fitness, confidence and the ability to work as a team. Universities and employers look very favourably on students who study arts subjects due to all the life skills they develop.
An understanding and appreciation of a range of dance styles and dance works.
The skills needed to perform and choreograph dance.
A sense of enjoyment and confidence!

5. Career/Further study opportunities
Any arts course at university – dance, drama, media, music etc
Dance or drama colleges
Theatre – performing or backstage
Choreographer
Dance teaching
Dance therapy
Media
Fitness instructor

6. What do we need from you? Commitment 100% effort Positive attitude
Willingness to try different dance styles
Creativity
It doesn’t matter if your not the best dancer in the world commitment and effort are the main requirements.
What do I wear for lessons?
You must bring your Dance/PE kit for every lesson. You must either have bare feet or wear jazz shoes
If you have any questions please see Ms Crawford or Ms Salsbury