Dance
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion”
- Martha Graham
Dance is an exciting, dynamic, and challenging course that nurtures both technical precision and expressive artistry. Students refine their performance skills, develop their own choreographic voice, and explore a diverse range of dance styles and techniques.
Students will explore a diverse range of dance styles and techniques, refining their performance abilities while also developing their own choreographic voice. The course provides an in-depth study of key practitioners, professional works, and the historical, social, and cultural contexts of dance. Beyond practical skills, students will cultivate essential life skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience. They will gain confidence in performing, analysing movement, and articulating their ideas with clarity. Dance students also have the chance to experience live professional performances and engage with industry experts, offering them invaluable insight into the world of dance and choreography.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Dance if studied at GCSE. Minimum of 4 students for the course to run.
Topics Covered
The AQA Dance A Level course provides a comprehensive and immersive study of dance, combining practical performance, choreography, and critical appreciation. Students develop their technical and expressive skills through a broad exploration of styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, and physical theatre, while refining their individual choreographic voice.
A key element of the course is the study of professional works, where students analyse the work of influential choreographers such as Matthew Bourne, Hofesh Shechter, and Christopher Bruce, exploring the intention, style, and impact of each piece. This study includes consideration of historical, social, and cultural contexts, enabling students to understand the influences behind choreography and the evolution of dance as an art form.
Students also undertake performance preparation and choreography projects, experimenting with movement motifs, choreographic devices, dynamics, relationships, and use of space, culminating in both solo and group performance assessments. Alongside practical exploration, the course develops critical analysis skills, with students evaluating professional works, writing about dance with clarity, and presenting informed interpretations of both live and recorded performances.
Throughout the A Level course, there is a strong emphasis on independent creative exploration, collaboration, and reflective practice, allowing students to become confident performers, innovative choreographers, and thoughtful critics, fully equipped to progress to higher education or professional dance opportunities.
Methods of Assessment
Component 1: Performance & Choreography (50%)
Component 2: Critical Engagement (50%)
Enrichment Opportunities
Our co-curricular dance programme at Sixth Form is vibrant, inclusive, and tailored to the passions of our students. Current offerings include Contemporary Dance Collective, Ballet Club, Lower School Dance Company, and Senior Dance Company, all of which remain highly popular and much-loved by students of all abilities. These clubs provide opportunities to develop technical skills, performance confidence, and choreographic creativity in a supportive, inspiring environment. Students explore a wide range of dance styles while gaining invaluable experience performing in school showcases and external events, fostering teamwork, leadership, and self-expression.
For Sixth Form students, dance can also be taken as part of Upper Sixth Foundation Studies, where pupils have the chance to explore a variety of dance styles in intensive four-week blocks, offering a unique opportunity to broaden skills and experiment with new forms of movement in a focused, immersive setting.
Productions
Once a year, the department hosts the Dance Gala under the mirror ball in the Dobson Theatre, a highlight of the school calendar. This event celebrates the talent, creativity, and enthusiasm of dancers across all year groups and abilities. Students frequently perform in assemblies and special services at prestigious venues such as Romsey Abbey and Winchester Cathedral, gaining experience in professional and inspiring performance contexts.
The Dance Department also contributes significantly to the school’s major productions, bringing energy, choreography, and creativity to the stage. Recent musicals have included Legally Blonde, The Lion King Jr., Chicago, Singin’ in the Rain, Matilda Jr., Les Misérables, West Side Story, and Beauty & the Beast, providing Sixth Form dancers with the opportunity to perform a wide range of styles and genres while honing stagecraft and performance skills.
Trips, Workshops, and Guest Artists
The department provides regular access to professional dance experiences, including theatre trips and workshops led by industry experts. Students have participated in workshops led by past pupils, masterclasses with Luke Brown from Luke Brown Company, GCSE and A Level-focused workshops with Juka Dance, and Musical Theatre sessions inspired by productions such as Dirty Dancing with West End professionals.
Students also work regularly with New Adventures, exploring contemporary choreography, performance techniques, and professional creative processes. These experiences help Sixth Form dancers develop technical mastery, performance confidence, and critical artistic understanding, while gaining first-hand insight into professional practice and the wider dance industry.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Dance Department, email SJBarnett@kes.school
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Miss S Barnett BA |
Teacher of Dance, Music & Drama | Dance Co-Ordinator |
