Performance Art Dance Route
This course is designed for post-16 learners with an interest in Dance and Performing Arts and who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to Higher Education. The qualification is equivalent to one A Level.
- Five units, of which two are mandatory and one is external.
- Mandatory content (50%) External assessment (33%)
Please note that you cannot take BTEC Extended Certificate in Performance (Acting Route) as well as this course.
Year 1
Unit 34: Developing Skills and Techniques for Performance
In this unit, you will develop the appropriate skills and techniques for a dance performance in a small group as well as duets and trios. You will participate in regular workshops, classes and exercises where you will acquire, practise and develop the necessary technical, practical and interpretative performance skills to help you succeed when performing live to an audience. You will work with existing performance works, analysing and interpreting the material in order to understand and apply the relevant skills and techniques appropriate to the style. You will reflect and analyse your progress in this unit, setting targets to improve and develop your skills.
This Unit also gives you the opportunity to research employment opportunities in performing arts. You will research Training opportunities and examine the role and skills of a performer.
Unit 14: Choreography for Live Performance
You will develop knowledge, skills and techniques through practical workshops, exploring and devising group choreography work. Lessons will be both theory and practical based. You will study six works by different choreographers and analyse the use of choreographic intent. You will work practically to create a group piece that you will perform to a live audience. The skills you develop in this unit will prepare you for further study at vocational dance school or university and can lead to a career as a choreographer, community dance artist or teacher.
Unit 12: Contemporary Dance Technique
In this unit, you will develop the skills needed to be a contemporary dancer by participating in technique classes, rehearsals and performance. You will gain an understanding of this dance style and the key influences on its development through research and practical application. Throughout your learning and development, you will be taught how to reflect on your progress and practice, which will support your development as a dancer.
YEAR 2
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience. As a member of a team, you will contribute to the creative development and rehearsal process, shaping and refining the work and applying performance and teamwork skills. You will share responsibility for creative decisions regarding the nature and direction of the intended performance, and your individual contribution will reflect your own skills through the group’s interests and ideas. The workshop performance will be an opportunity to try out the work before an audience to invite discussion and evaluation of its potential. You will reflect on the development process, considering the success and potential of the work for further development, as well as evaluating your own contribution to the process and the performance. To complete the assessment tasks within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme.
Unit 11: Street Dance
In this unit, you will develop the skills and techniques that will enable you to understand the key technical and stylistic features of street dance through participating in technique classes, rehearsals and performance work. By learning and watching different street dance techniques, you will develop an understanding of the diversity of this dance form and the practitioners who have influenced the development of the style. You will reflect on your progress as you develop skills and techniques, setting targets and reviewing your progress.
Students who gain the BTEC qualification Level 3 can go on to study Dance or performance related subjects at university or progress to HE. Auditioning for dance schools is also a popular option for students to explore performing or choreography work as a career.
Students are fully supported with career choices whilst at Aquinas through trips to dance career conventions, career days as well as interaction with professional dance artists and companies throughout the year who provide career advice and talks.
We will go to see a range of dance works at local theatres. There is an optional overnight trip to London to attend Move It.
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