Dance

Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance

Unit 2: Set Dance

Unit 3: Performance in a duo/ group dance

Unit 4: Choreography

Unit

Assessment

Length

Weighting

Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance (42301)

Written Examination Paper

Accurate description, evaluation and analysis of the features of two professional dance works     

Accurate description, evaluation and analysis of action, dynamic, spatial and relationship content of the two chosen works       

Ability to use appropriate dance terminology. Ability to reflect on own       performance and choreographic work. 

1 hour

50 marks

20%

Unit 2: Set Dance (42302)

Practical Examination: Solo Performance

Technical ability: posture, alignment, co-ordination, balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and control.     

Accurate reproduction of action and spatial content, with reference to the choreography and the characteristic features of the particular chosen dance.

Interpretation of dynamic and expressive qualities.     

Demonstration of style: ability to emulate the style and mood of the original choreography.     

Safe practice as a performer: execution of movements, clothing, jewellery, hair, footwear, appropriateness of choice of same.     

Overall sense of performance: focus, projection, musicality, sensitivity, communication, energy, and commitment.

1–1½ minutes

30 marks 20%

Unit 3: Performance in a duo/ group dance (42303)

Controlled Assessment:

Performance in a duo/ group dance

Technical ability: posture, alignment, co-ordination, balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and control.

Accuracy of action, dynamic and spatial content within the context of the group.  

Communication of choreographic intent: empathy with the mood or meaning of the dance and ability to interpret and communicate this.     

Sensitivity to other dancers in a range of dance relationships: in time and space and in group formations and dance relationships.     

Safe practice as a performer within a group context: execution of movements, clothing, jewellery, hair, footwear, appropriateness of choice of same.     

Overall sense of performance within a group context: focus, projection, musicality, sensitivity, communication, energy, commitment.

3 – 3½ minutes

30 marks – 20%

Unit 4: Choreography (42304/A and 42304/B)

Task A: Solo Composition

Imaginative development of selected or given material through action, space and dynamics.

Successful integration and linking of the motifs into the composition.

Structuring and use of choreographic devices and principles.      

Analysis and evaluation to bring about improvement during the progress of the piece.

Task B: Choreography – solo/ duo/ group

Creative and imaginative response to selected stimulus/starting point.     

Selection of action content and its application to relationships where appropriate.     

Selection of dynamic content and its application to relationships where appropriate.     

Selection of spatial content and relationships content where appropriate.     

Overall form and structure use of choreographic devices and principles.                     

Choice of aural setting.     

Overall communication of dance idea.

Task A: 1–1½ minutes

Task B: (Solo – 1½ – 2 minutes; duo/group – 2½ – 3 minutes)

Task A = 20 marks – 15%

Task B = 40 marks – 25%

Unit total: 60 marks – 40%

Units

Units

Year 12

1.  Understanding Dance

Includes Knowledge & Understanding of:

• Alignment, posture, joints, fitness, technical skills, performance skills, communicate & interpret dance ideas, performing with others and safe practice.
• Movement components, dancers, aural setting, physical setting, relationship of the dance to aural setting, developing ideas, improvisational technique

•   Choreographic devices, rehearsals and keeping a journal   (all linking with a profession repertoire)

2. Choreography and Performance

Solo Choreography –

An understanding, awareness and development of:

• Alignment, actions, strength, dynamic variations, spatial awareness, focus, musicality, timing, communication and interpretation.

Performance in a duo/trio –

An understanding, awareness and development of:

Spatial awareness, sensitivity, choreographic devices, group formations, focus between dancers, relationship to dance idea, safe practice, musicality, timing and the use of contact work.

Year 13

3. Dance Appreciation

Section A: Area of study includes:

• The Royal Ballet
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
• Netherlands Dance Theatre
• Stylistic features, practitioners & their techniques, work of the practitioners, relationship between the development of the genre and its context

Section B: The Set Works include:

• The Prodigal Son
• Zero Degrees
• West Side Story

Students must learn a detailed analysis of:

• Subject Matter & treatment
• Form of the dance
• Constituent features
• Technique & style of the choreographer
• Origins of the dance
• Relationship between the dance and its context.

4. Group Choreography

Research, understanding and awareness of:

• *Constituent features of dance, transposition of the dance idea, improvisational tasks, experiment of movement, development & manipulation, structuring, aural setting, rehearsal process, safe practice, programme notes.

Solo Performance      – Practical Assessment

• *Correct alignment, posture & stability, body actions, strength, spatial awareness stylistic features, relationship of dancers, focus, and aural accompaniment.

Component

Mode of Assessment

Weighting

Unit 1 – DANC1

Understanding Dance

1 hour 30 mins written examination

60 marks

Two sections:

A – structured questions (20 marks)

B – two essay questions (40 marks)

40% of AS

20% of A Level

Unit 2 – DANC2

Choreography and Performance

Practical coursework – internally assessed

90 marks

Two sections:

A – solo choreography and performance (60 marks)

B – performance in a duo/trio (30 marks)

60% of AS

30% of A Level

Unit 3 – DANC3

Dance Appreciation: Content and Context

1 hour 30 mins written examination

80 marks

Two sections:

A – one question on chosen area of study (40 marks)

B – one question on set work studied (40 marks)

25% of A Level

Unit 4 – DANC4

Group Choreography and Solo Performance

Practical examination – externally assessed

75 marks

Two sections:

A – group choreography (45 marks)

B – solo performance (30 marks)

25% of A Level