Performing Arts: BTEC (Dance)

Practical Content

Students study a variety of styles of dance in depth, from which three practical assessments count towards their final grades. Practical work is undertaken during every lesson.

Written Content

Although BTEC dance is 100% practical assessment, there is a strong written element. Students create a written portfolio to evidence their practical performance, which is assessed together with their practical work. This might be in the form of evaluations of performances, explanation of skills or comparisons of set works, to evidence style understanding, or self-progress documents.

Skills Developed

In each practical dance assignment, performance skills are developed to a high level which must also be applied in a performance situation. Students must develop a sound knowledge of dance technique, human anatomy and how the body works for a professional dancer.

Additionally, students must learn to observe, analyse, and evaluate their own and other students’ performances and offer advice for them to improve their skills.

An essential part of the course is the planning, performing and evaluation of a solo dance showcase, highlighting students’ performance and technical abilities.

Students must ensure they have their correct and full P.E/Dance kit for every lesson and be aware that even though this is a fully practical course, there is a strong written element (although there is no final written exam).

Practical: Includes practical assessment grades from three different dance performances – worth 100% of the final mark. This includes learning professional choreography and developing your own solo and group choreography.

Controlled Assessment: Includes assessment in the following:

• Analysis, evaluation and action plans for improvement
• Written work to evidence all practical experiences on the course
• Analytical journal of three professional set works

You love dancing and have good skills and understanding in a variety of dance genres. You enjoy learning about the history of dance and where and how different dance styles began.

BTEC dance lends itself to Level 3 study at A Level or BTEC National Extended/Subsidiary Diplomas. Potential career paths after further study include teaching, choreography, dance journalism and professional performance opportunities.