Why choose A level dance?
A level dance is a dynamic and engaging course that develops students’ creative, physical and analytical skills through performance, choreography and critical study. Students explore both historical and contemporary dance practices while developing their technical ability, artistic expression and understanding of professional dance works.
The course encourages creativity, collaboration and independent thinking, while developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving. Students study a range of dance styles and practitioners, create original choreography and analyse professional repertoire, making the course both practical and academically challenging.
Course type:
A level
Exam board:
AQA
Entry requirements:
GCSE grade 5 in dance
Why study A level dance?
Dance is ideal for students who enjoy performance, creativity and collaboration. The course combines practical and academic study, allowing students to develop as performers, choreographers and critical thinkers while gaining valuable skills that support progression into higher education, employment and the creative industries.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Develop advanced performance skills across a range of dance styles.
- Create and perform original choreography.
- Study influential choreographers and professional dance companies.
- Perform collaboratively in group and ensemble work.
- Enhance confidence, communication and leadership skills through practical performance experiences.
What will I study?
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
| Develop technical performance skills through practical dance training and workshops. | Refine technical and expressive performance skills in preparation for assessment. |
| Explore a range of dance styles, practitioners and performance approaches. | Perform a solo linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study. |
| Learn choreographic principles and develop original movement material. | Perform as part of a quartet for the practical examination. |
| Create and develop group choreography inspired by a range of stimuli. | Create, develop and refine a group choreography performance. |
| Investigate historical and contemporary dance practices. | Analyse and evaluate professional dance works and choreographic approaches. |
| Develop knowledge and understanding of key dance practitioners and areas of study. | Study two set works in depth, exploring their artistic, cultural and historical context. |
| Build skills in critical appreciation and written analysis of dance. | Prepare for the written examination through critical engagement with professional repertoire. |
How will I be assessed?
| Component | Description | Weight |
| Component 1: performance and choreography | Practical assessment including a solo performance linked to a specified practitioner, performance in a quartet and group choreography. | 50% |
| Component 2: critical engagement | Written examination assessing knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works and areas of study. | 50% |
Future pathways and progression
A level dance provides an excellent foundation for higher education, apprenticeships and careers in:
- Dance performance
- Choreography
- Dance teaching
- Dance science
- Musical theatre
- Theatre and performance
- Arts management
- Community arts
- Event production
- Physical theatre
- Fitness and wellbeing
- Sports coaching
- Education
Students also develop highly transferable skills including teamwork, communication, creativity, self-discipline, presentation and problem-solving that are valued across a wide range of professions.
