The AQA GCSE Dance course focuses on the artistic qualities of dance and how we can use dance as a medium of expression and communication through many different styles of dance.  Dance will allow you to study performance, creation and appreciation and you will have many opportunities to create your own work and perform it to different audiences. You will also have the opportunity to work with costume and technology to enhance your practical work including lighting.

Dance is a mixture of theory (writing and appreciating) and practical (get up and go).


Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance Written Paper – 1 hour -50 marks – 20%
Unit 2: Set Dance Practical Examination Solo Performance – 1–1½ minutes 30 marks – 20%
Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance 3 – 3½ minutes - Controlled Assessment30 marks – 20%
Unit 4: Choreography
Task 1: Solo Composition 1–1½ mins 20 marks – 15%
Task 2: Choreography – solo/duo/group40 marks – 25%
Unit total: 60 marks – 40%


Dance will give you many life skills including an understanding of different cultures and tradition through the dance works studied.  You may in the future wish to pursue dance in the Sixth Form, at college or at university. You could go on to be a performer, teacher, physiotherapist, choreographer or be involved in other aspects of the arts or theatre such as journalist, critic, working in dance science & even movement therapy.

To find out more, visit the AQA website or speak to Miss Johnson.