Dance BTEC Extended Certificate

What are the entry requirements?

A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above including English.

Whilst Dance GCSE or Dance grades are useful they are not compulsory. It is most important that you are keen to be involved in performance work. You will need passion and dedication to achieve on this course; whilst there are no formal written exams you will need to commit to the high level of ongoing written reflective work through-out the year. A grade 5 Dance level is a good measure of technique. .

How will I be assessed?

You will be encouraged to demonstrate your skills and talent by being assessed in practical ways. You will be assessed through portfolio, written work and performance by your subject tutors. Your work will be moderated by a visiting moderator. Each unit is awarded points, which are translated into an overall grade by the examiners at the end of the course. 

For a National Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A-Level) students will complete 4 modules over 2 years. There is an opportunity to take this as a one year option. The qualification then becomes the BTEC National Certificate which comprises of 2 modules.

What extra work can I do?

Wider reading is always advisable as is seeing plenty of live dance to broaden your experience. Most theatres have student standby arrangements with very good rates. Keep up-to-date with the dance world by reading dance magazines and the Arts section of local and Sunday newspapers. Look for opportunities to take part in work run by professional companies.

What skills will I learn?

The knowledge and skills required to perform solo and group dances will be developed through practical Contemporary technique and choreography classes, observation, analysis and evaluation. Many styles of dance are explored including Ballet, Contemporary, African, Jazz, Street. You will learn to record development and progress and to reflect upon your own professional practice. You will develop skills that allow you to stage your own dance events.

What skills will I develop during the course?

You will develop as a dancer, choreographer and  dance critic through technique classes, group work, observation and analysis. You will be encouraged to find your own unique artistic voice as a dancer. 

What is the department like?

Dance is part of the Drama, Dance and Performing Arts Department. It is taught in a purpose built dance studio, with full mirrors, barre and sprung floor. Performance work takes place in STUDIO 816, our purpose built black box performance space.

 ClassAction believe that performance art training should be a challenging, inspiring, life affirming and ultimately life changing experience. We will: develop a nurturing and supportive environment in which every single student is valued as an individual.

• High Achievement and progression rates.
• Regular performance assessment showcasing work to the public.
• A purpose built Dance Studio
• Taught by professionals who are working/have worked professionally in the industry
• You will learn how to work as part of a performance ensemble – to lead and take the initiative in group work.

What are the progression routes for this qualification?

BTEC Dance can lead to degree courses in Dance, Performing Arts and Education, professional performance work, community work and therapy courses. This course gives students a wide choice of progression options. 

As well as students studying the range of performing art subjects at many universities, over the past few years we have had students gain places at institutes such as RADA, Bristol Old Vic, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Lamda, GSA, East 15, Drama Centre, Mountview, Arts Ed, Birds, Performers, LABAN, London Contemporary Dance School, Urdang. 

The futures for our students are bright and exciting and future careers for ClassAction practitioners are rich and diverse as we develop the dance makers of the future.