Dance

Students undertake a study of Dance as an art form. There is an equal emphasis on the components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation in the study of Dance.

Stage 6 Dance is an ATAR subject which not only teaches movement skills but also teaches students:

Autonomy
Speaking skills
How to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
Time management
Creativity
Leadership skills

Students who undertake Preliminary and HSC Dance have earlier practical examinations (Term 3) which can help to alleviate some of the pressures of their formal written examinations as they have already completed a large portion of their Dance studies and formal examination for this subject.

Dance teaches students in a more holistic way with most areas of study taught through practical and theoretical applications to enhance students' deep understanding of the content.

Students also undertake a Major Study in Dance where they are able to select an area of interest:

Major Performance- students perform a 4-6 minute solo dance work showcasing their dance technique and performance quality. This is followed by a short interview with the examiners.
Major Composition- students choreograph a 4-6 minute dance work for 2-3 dancers which conveys an intent. This is followed by a short interview with the examiners.
Major Film- students choreograph, film and edit a 4-6 minute dance film for 2-3 dancers which conveys an intent. This is followed by a short interview with the examiners.
Major Appreciation- students study one prescribed dance work and the choice of a prescribed era and artist. This will involve sitting a written examination.

Topics Covered

Preliminary course

Students studying Dance bring with them a wide range of prior dance experience. Physical training and preparation of the body is fundamental and of paramount importance to the course and informs all three components of the course.

Components to be completed are:

Performance (40%)
Composition (20%)
Appreciation (20%)
Additional (20%) (to be allocated by the teacher to suit the specific circumstances/context of the class).

HSC course

Students continue common study in the three course components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation and also undertake an in-depth study of dance in one of the Major Study components, either Performance, Composition, Appreciation or Dance and Technology.

Components to be completed

Major Study (40%): Performance or Composition or Appreciation or Dance and Technology
Core (60%): Performance 20%, Composition 20%, Appreciation 20%