Dance
Welcome to the Dance Department – Meet the team
Miss Pereira
Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.
Dance Curriculum Intent
To develop thinking dancers who are able to demonstrate creativity, teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, self-discipline, have good physical health and the ability to work collaboratively—all beneficial in any 21st century career path and for a good quality of life.
Dance seeks to explore the art of choreography and performance and discuss their intricacies so that the joy of the art form can be experienced. Dance also serves as a mechanism for maintaining a healthy lifestyle – both physical and mental.
KS3 Dance introduces the concept of Dance as an Art form; it explores the craft of choreography and performance and studies professional dance works as a vehicle of inspiration. It explores PSHCE topics such as bullying and racism and introduces students to a wealth of cultural understanding through the study of dances from other cultures. The completion of a written test at the end of each year in KS3 ensures that there is sufficient emphasis placed on the academic nature of this subject and enables a more holistic understanding of student progress to be made. It ensures that critical appreciation of all dance work begins pre-GCSE. KS 4 Dance builds upon the foundations laid at KS3, re-visiting the core skills intrinsic to choreography and performance; critically appreciating the 6 professional dance works from the AQA Anthology in addition to performing and choreographing in a variety of settings. The GCSE leads naturally into the study of Dance at Post-16 and Higher education
Key Features
“Dance is vital, an activity both exhilarating and liberating to watch or do. The instinct to dance is fundamentally joyous and no matter how hard you try you can’t get away from that for long. It can also be a huge force for good, effectively drawing people together and levelling everyone through sheer hard work. It can speed up your heart rate, it can enliven your being, it can change your life”.
- Richard Alston CBE, Dance UK
The study of dance as an art form contributes to students’ aesthetic and social development. As a physical activity it promotes fitness and well-being. Dance also supports learning across a range of subjects. As performers, students develop confidence and self-esteem. They develop self and body awareness as well as sensitivity to others and team-working skills. Effective performance requires physical effort and the determination to succeed and improve. As choreographers, students employ the skills of problem-solving and creativity. Effective choreography requires imagination and the ability to synthesise a number of elements. In directing others, students develop their interpersonal and communication skills. As critics, students make informed decisions about the dances they see. They articulate their knowledge, opinions and preferences. Viewing professional dances fulfils students’ cultural entitlement and broadens their artistic experience.
Skills gained:
- Increased Confidence
- Analysis
- Decision Making
- Presenting ideas
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Evaluation
- Planning and Research
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Creativity
Extra Opportunities
- Dance Company
- Ballet Club
- Street dance club
- Commercial and Jazz club
- Theatre trips
- Competition opportunities