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Dance

Year 9 (Block 3)

In Block 3 students take part in dance within the curriculum, which acts as a taster for them to opt to take the BAC.

They will be involved in a wide range of dance styles as an introduction to and preparation for the BAC course. Choreographing, performing and evaluating are the key areas of learning - the aim is to introduce these elements through a lively, fun and stimulating programme.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

“To dance well is to be well educated” Plato 428 -348 BC

Dance today is a vital art form and a wonderful medium for self-expression and personal development. Students do not have to be dancers to take Dance BAC, the curriculum is both an academic and practical pursuit for the students, developing an enquiring mind and preparing them for A Level arts subjects by:

• Analysing and discussing theatre works looking at meaning, intention, narrative and design
• Developing research skills by working on an independent research project, be it looking into a choreographer or theatre company
• Developing IT skills through presentation, film making, music editing and designing
• Involving those who may wish to work in the creative industries in this vital, modern, progressive art form
• Introducing students to boundary-breaking theatre companies and artists such as DV8, Akram Khan and Rambert

Students on the Bedales Assessed Course will learn to perform, understand and appreciate dance in a wide variety of styles. Set topics include an in-depth study of a professional British dance work post-1950 and an extended specialist study resulting in a substantial written and practical response. Students are also offered the chance to work with professional dancers in workshops and are invited to attend theatre performances - opportunities that are not on offer through independent dance classes. Recently students have visited Sadler’s Wells, The Point Art Centre and The Minerva Theatre.

Throughout the two year course, students work as critics, dancers, choreographers and directors studying dance within theatre, film and modern media. Students of the BAC are also given the opportunity of performing in the Youth Platform, Bedales Dance Performs and Parents Day events. Students get the chance to form a Dance Company, a project that takes place in the spring term, overseen by Claire Gammon and performed at the Youth Dance Platform.

Dance within the curriculum is both an academic and practical pursuit for the students. Recent workshops and performances include:

2010 –C-12 Dance Theatre Company
2009 – Precarious, Junior Jones Street dance, 2 Faced dance Company
2007 - Retina Dance
2006 - Union Dance
2005 - Ace Dance

The film below shows a performance entitled 'Queue' by Blocks 4 & 5 from their Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) at the Youth Dance Platform 2010.

Sixth Form

The course presents an exciting way to study Dance as an art form and is suitable for those who have an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of Dance and the skills needed to create and perform. Dance is also particularly valuable for students considering the theatre as a career.

The course has three main areas of focus:

• To enable students to experience performance and choreography
• To extend their appreciation of Dance and to develop critical thinking skills in relation to Dance as an art form
• To allow teachers to choose the genres and styles for study, looking at a diverse range of dance works and choreographers

At AS Level, students will focus on the development and performance of their own choreography and performing within a duo/trio. Candidates will receive training on technique and the health and safety of the dancer. They will begin to develop critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional repertoire.

At A2  level students will focus on investigating one area of study from: ballet, modern dance or jazz dance. Critical analysis and appreciation of a set work; group choreography from investigation and research of ideas through to outcome and solo performance skills form the basis of the second year.

Students of Dance may take part in three main performances during the year. Regular workshops are organised with visiting professional companies. Live performances are also an integral part of the course and regular theatre visits take place to watch performances both in our own theatre and further afield. Dance has close links with the Drama Department and frequently work alongside each other on school productions.

All students have the opportunity to participate in the Bedales Dance Company. A group which meet regularly to create and perform exciting and challenging pieces both within our own programme and beyond.

The film below shows a performance from the Bedales Dance Company depicting the impact of the Berlin Wall on Berlin's society entitled 'The Wall' at the Youth Dance Platform 2010.

ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern can all be taken as extra curricular activities with visiting peripatetic teachers.

Examining Board: AQA

Course Teachers: Claire Gammon, Jo Alldridge

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum.

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