Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4
What is Dance?
Dance fosters creative and expressive communication. It uses the body as an instrument for expression and communication of ideas. It provides opportunities for students to critically examine and reflect on their world through higher order thinking and movement. It encourages the holistic development of a person, providing a way of knowing about oneself, others and the world.
Students study dance in various genres and styles, embracing a variety of cultural, societal and historical viewpoints integrating new technologies in all facets of the subject. Historical, current and emerging dance practices, works and artists are explored in global contexts and Australian contexts, including the dance of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students learn about dance as it is now and explore its origins across time and cultures.
Students apply critical thinking and literacy skills to create, demonstrate, express and reflect on meaning made through movement. Exploring dance through the lens of making and responding, students learn to pose and solve problems, and work independently and collaboratively. They develop aesthetic and kinaesthetic intelligence, and personal and social skills
What makes a student suited to Dance?
Students who achieve success in Dance are those who enjoy:
- using the body as an instrument of communication.
- exploring differing contexts, genres and styles of dance
- participating in various dance contexts, genres and styles
- choreographing, performing and appreciating dance works.
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?
- Year 9 - minimum C Standard in Year 9 Core English (Recommended background in dance in any genre)
- Year 10 - minimum C Standard in Year 9 Core English (Recommended background in dance in any genre OR the study of dance in year 10)
What is the cost of this subject?
Students are expected to attend one live performance a year with a cost of approximately $35 per year.
- What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
- Appropriate costuming for performance tasks
- Appropriate dance shoes - jazz shoes or foot undies
- Year 11 - compulsory BYOD
What do students study in this subject and how are they assessed?
| | | Unit Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 1 | Dance Apprentice: During this unit students train in a range of styles whilst exploring the audition and entry requirements for professional dancers in the 21st century. They will study the history and pioneers of Ballet and Contemporary Dance as the foundation of technique and will apply technique in a practical performance exam.
Dance Company-Australian Dance; Styles + stories: Students explore Australian choreographers and companies such as EDC, Sydney Dance Company, QB and Bangarra Dance Theatre and examine the Australian stories told within their works. This unit examines how dance can communicate a political/social/cultural issue. | Summative internal assessment 1:
· Performance
Summative internal assessment 2:
· Extended Written Response |
| | Semester 2 | Dance Production: They will explore different choreographic methods to devise their own routine that communicates an intent. They will explore the roles and requirements of a Dance Company in Production including; marketing, front of house, lighting, sound, costuming, make-up
Commercial Dance: In this unit, students learn about commercial dance styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre. Students will perform a teacher devised class dance and choreograph and perform their own routine. Students also respond to a dance work production in an unseen analytical essay exam. | Summative internal assessment 3:
• Project
Choreography, Performance and Multi-Modal Presentation
Summative internal assessment 4:
• Project
-Class Dance
-Student choreography
• Unseen Written Exam |
| Year 11 | Unit 1 | Moving bodies
How does dance communicate meaning for different purposes and in different contexts?
• Genres: Contemporary
at least one other genre
• Subject matter: meaning, purpose and context historical and cultural origins of focus genres | Formative internal assessment 1: 20%
• Performance
Formative internal assessment 2: 20%
• Choreography |
| | Unit 2 | Moving through environments
How does the integration of the environment shape dance to communicate meaning?
• Genres: Contemporary
at least one other genre
• Subject matter: physical dance environments including site-specific dance virtual dance environments | Formative internal assessment 3: 35%
• Project — dance work Formative internal assessment 4: 25%
• Examination — extended response |
| Year 12 | Unit 3 | Moving statements
How is dance used to communicate viewpoints?
• Genres: Contemporary at least one other genre
• Subject matter: social, political and cultural influences on dance | Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 20%
• Performance
Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 20%
• Choreography |
| | Unit 4 | Moving my way
How does dance communicate meaning for me?
• Genres: fusion of movement styles
• Subject matter: developing a personal movement style personal viewpoints and influences on genre | Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 35%
• Project — dance work
Summative external assessment (EA): 25%
• Examination — extended response
|