Performing Arts Dance - BTEC

Duration of course: 2 years

Course type: BTEC

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Overview: 

BTEC dance is designed to give:

• Students the opportunity to develop subject specific knowledge and practical skills, which provides a stimulating introduction to the world of dance.
• Students that are interested in aesthetics, the opportunity to achieve a level 2 qualification.
• Students the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
• Encourage students to develop their people, communication, planning and team-working skills by having the opportunity to work in a group during in the qualification structure.
• Encourages attitudes considered imperative in dance including personal development through practical participation and performance to peers and wider audiences.
• Students an insight into the process that underpins effective ways of working in Dance.

Assessment Method and Component Percentages: 

Component 1: Coursework 30%

Component 2: Performance and coursework 30%

Component 3: Performance and written report 40%

There is no external written exam.

What will I learn? 

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

• Learners will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners’ work and the processes used to create performance.
• Students will analyse 3 professional dance repertoire and write a written response that focuses on one of these professional pieces.

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

• Learners will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of a dance repertoire.
• Students will learn a 2-minute professional dance routine and perform in front of a small live audience. 

Component 3: Responding to a Brief

• Learners will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance in response to a given brief, stimulus and/or scenario.
• Students will choreograph a 7-minute group piece and perform to a small audience as well as write a written response of the choreographic process. 

How will I learn? 

You will learn using a variety of methods including:

• Classroom based group activities
• Video analysis

Departmental Expectations: 

• To be passionate about Dance and the joys of the industry.
• To be actively involved in dance inside of the Academy.
• To be actively involved in dance outside of the Academy is not essential but will help the student in the course.
• Experience of performing in dance.
• To have a willingness to collaborate within a group.
• To have creative skills in order to choreograph dance.
• To have a thirst to learn in both theory and practical lessons alongside a genuine interest for the subject.
• To have an understanding of the basic skills and techniques in dance.
• Have adequate literacy skills to complete written work.

Career Potential: 

Professional Dancer in Music Videos, Professional Dancer on Cruises, Backup Dancer, Choreographer, Administration for a Dance Company, Theatre Stage Manager, Dance Teacher, Dance School Owner, Fitness Instructor, Dance.

Future Progression routes possible: 

• Study of BTEC National in Performing Arts at level 3
• A levels as preparation for entry into higher education.
• Diploma or Degree course at Dance college or Degree course at Vocational Dance and Drama School

Entry Requirements:

• To be actively involved in Dance (inside or outside of school)
• Top 80 in Dance Rank Order
• Top 80 in English Rank Order
• A discussion with Miss Dornan regarding your passion for the subject (if you are outside rank requirements)