Dance A Level

Students will study contemporary and jazz dance styles and will be given opportunities to take part in a variety of youth dance platforms and other College and external productions. Students will analyse the development of the styles through both practical and theory assessments.

As a way of familiarising students with the professional dance world, each year students are invited to attend an inspiring mix of productions linked to their Dance syllabus.  In the past, some students have been selected to participate in the Young Creatives Programme, in conjunction with Dance Digital and Youth Dance England.

A Level Dance is a two year course and the qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.

The College offers three, one A Level equivalent courses in Performing Arts. These are:

• A Level Dance
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting)
• BTEC Level  3 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

Students can take both A Level Dance and either of the two BTECs in Performing Arts (mentioned above), but due to the overlap in course content, students can’t take both of these BTEC courses in Performing Arts.

If you are particularly keen on Performing Arts you may want to consider the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting, Movement and Musical Theatre). The Extended Diploma is the equivalent of three A Levels.

Take a look at some students’ recent performances in the Performing Arts Photo Gallery.

• Either Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) or Performing Arts (Acting)
• English
• Music
• Sociology
• Media Studies
• Film Studies

This course could lead to a degree in Performing Arts or Dance Theatre at a vocational college or university. Past students have attended The Laban Centre London; London Studio Centre; Laine’s Theatre Arts; Arts Educational; Royal Academy of Dance; London Contemporary Dance School; Performers College; Italia Conti; Bird College and Northern Contemporary. Universities include Chichester; Middlesex; Roehampton; Bath Spa; Surrey and Winchester. Students have also gone on to do an HNC or HND course in Dance, as well as Performing Arts Courses and Physical Theatre courses.

Several past students have already turned professional in either acting, dancing, modelling, singing or directing professions.

The A Level Dance specification requires students to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge, understanding and experience of:

• technical and performance skills
• the process and art of choreography
• the interrelationship between the creation, presentation and viewing/appreciation of dance works
• the development of dance placed within an artistic and cultural context
• professional dance works and the significance of these works
• subject specific terminology and its use.

Knowledge, understanding and skills will be developed and demonstrated within performance, choreography and critical engagement with the study of professional repertoire located within specific areas of study. The study of professional dance works, within the areas of study, promotes the integration of theory and practice and underpins students’ own approaches to performance and choreography.

Areas of study provide students with the opportunity to investigate the key changes in the development of dance linked to a genre(s) and allow students to demonstrate contextual understanding through written communication and performance.

Dance students will be involved in the lively artistic life of the College, including the annual dance show, Hot Feet.  Dance students are encouraged to contribute to other productions throughout the year. There are also many opportunities to take part in recreational dance as part of the Activities Programme. All students are encouraged to audition for RD1, our dance performance company.

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

Dance students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course-related experiences. In the past, these have included:

The College’s annual Hot Feet Dance Show

A trip to see Diversity

A trip to see James Cousins

A trip to see Ballet Boyz

A visit to the Royal Ballet School

A Residency with Frantic Assembly, Raincrew, Sin Cru and Desire to Dance

Move it Dance event

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

Component 1: Performance and Choreography

What’s assessed

• Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography

How it’s assessed

• Practical exam
• 50% of A Level

Coursework is marked by an external assessor from AQA.

Component 2: Critical Engagement

What’s assessed
Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.

• One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
• One optional set work within the corresponding area of study

How it’s assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 50% of A Level

The exam board for this A Level is AQA.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme. 

In addition, students will need to audition for this course and should meet the following minimum GCSE requirement:  

• Grade 4 in English Language 

This course is suitable for students who have an interest and experience in the subject. The course requires imagination, sensitivity and the ability to get on with others. Students should have a mature and committed approach to studying this subject in-depth and be good at managing their own time.

Attending the Dance Workshops for Applicants in the Spring Term is highly recommended although not compulsory.

Do I need to audition for the course?

Yes, there is an audition process. You will be invited to participate in a group workshop and technique class.  You will also have to perform a two minute solo based on a set theme. The theme for your solo will be sent to you a few weeks before your audition.

What style of Dance will I study?

You will predominantly explore contemporary and jazz styles but you will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of street dance, ballet and musical theatre workshops. You will be able to choreograph works in a style of your choice.

Do I have to attend additional rehearsals?

Yes, there is an expectation that you attend group rehearsals, which will vary depending on the performances for each term. You will also be expected to attend independent rehearsals to develop your own choreography and technique skills.

Is there much written work in dance?

50% is practical exploration and 50% is written.

Do I need to have studied GCSE or BTEC Level 2 Dance to be able to take the course?

No, but you must have developed a good level of technical ability by attending dance classes outside of school.

Do I have to wear a specific kit?

You are expected to wear safe and appropriate dance kit but we do not have a set dance uniform.  When representing Reigate College at off-site performances, you will be expected to wear dance hoodies and provide kit appropriate to the event.

What equipment do I need?

You will always need to wear safe and appropriate kit and bring note-taking equipment with you to every lesson.

Where do students go to study Dance after they leave Reigate College?

Students have gone on to study Dance and Performing Arts at a range of institutions including: University of East London, Canterbury University, BIMM Institute, University of Roehampton and Kingston University.

What are the results like?

The Dance department achieves great results. Students who were previously doing the BTEC in Dance achieved high grades of 80% or above.

What are the typical class sizes?

Class sizes can range from 8-20 students.

Which practitioners will I learn about?

You will explore many different practitioners, for example Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey and Matthew Bourne in contemporary dance, and Bob Fosse and Andrew Winghart in jazz.