Dance
The dance department is a vibrant and expanding department that aims to celebrate the many dance styles and abilities our students have passion for. Our dancers are encouraged to express themselves freely and dance for their personal enjoyment and development.
We aim to promote inclusivity by offering opportunity to all abilities in a fun and welcoming environment. Our dancers are encouraged to express themselves freely and dance for their personal enjoyment and development. The Dance Department consists of a fully equipped Dance Studio and state of the art Dobson Theatre. The studio and theatre are both equipped with sound systems and lighting facilities. The Dance Studio also includes a smart board, two walls of mirrors and ballet barres.
Head of Department, Miss Barnett, shares more information about Dance at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
Dance is offered as part of the Extended Studies provision through studies of the Jive, Musical Theatre, Ballet & Contemporary, Street and Dance Crazes.
Year 9
Dance is offered as part of the Sport provision for our Year 9 students. Students will follow a 5-block week block on rotation. Please see the below for the dance styles covered in Year 9.
Exploration of motifs: freeze frames, levels, choreographic devices, space, dynamics, spatial awareness & choreographic skills.
Year 10
Dance becomes an GCSE option in Year 10. This course focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas and concepts through the interrelated processes of performance, choreography, and appreciation.
Term 1: Emancipation of Expressionism and Artificial Things, choreography, and performance skills
Term 2: Shadows and A Linha Curva, choreography, and performance skills
Term 3: Infra and Within Her Eyes, choreography, and performance skills
The practical component of the course enables students to study dance by ‘doing’ and the anthology of professional works will provide a springboard for the development of creative and engaging practical tasks.
The study of the anthology will facilitate the development of students’ skills in performance and choreography as well as broadening their knowledge and understanding of dance and ability to critically appraise dances of a range of styles and cultural influences.
Year 11
In Year 11, students study the following topics:
Term 1: Set pieces, choreography preparation, set phrases and duet/trio performances
Term 2: Set pieces, choreography, set phrases and duet/trio performances
Term 3: Revision
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
Our co-curricular programme is continuously developing to suit the interests of our pupils and enhance their enjoyment. Our regular Ballet Club, Tap Club Lower School and Upper School Dance Clubs are not limited by standard, and we welcome beginners through to advanced dancers alike. Click on the document below for further information.
2023-2024-Opportunties-to-Dance-and-Perform.pdf
Productions
Once a year, we host our annual Dance Gala under the mirror ball in the Dobson Theatre. This event is for all year groups and abilities and offers a full celebration of the wealth of talent and enthusiasm of our dancers. Many of our dancers are also invited to perform in assemblies and services in venues such as Romsey Abbey and Winchester Cathedral.
The Dance Department also plays a prominent role in many of the shows staged here at King Edward VI School. Previous School musicals have included Singin’ in the Rain, Matilda Jr, Les Misérables, West Side Story and Beauty & the Beast.
Trips
Regular trips to the theatre are arranged and professional companies and leading artists from the industry are invited into the department to lead a range of workshops and masterclasses.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Dance Department, email stjb@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Miss S Barnett BA | Teacher in Charge: Dance, Teacher of Music, Teacher of Drama, Dance Co-Ordinator |
| Miss H Crompton BA | Teacher of Biology, Head of Summer Camp, Tap & Lower School Dance Teacher |
| Mr G L Piggott BA | Head of Creative Arts Faculty, Head of Art, Design Co-ordinator, School Photographer, Co-ordinator of Creative and Cultural Education, Rugby |
