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Dance
Dance is a dynamic subject that develops your creativity, choreography, and analytical skills.
Why study Dance?
Our students have a real interest in Dance ranging from contemporary, jazz, ballet or modern dance. Practical elements of the course are taught through technique classes, improvisation, and group choreography workshops while theory classes are often delivered through creative tasks, explorations and demonstrations, making it an engaging subject to study.
What will I study?
Component 1 – Performance and choreography
- Solo performance–this may be in the genre of contemporary, jazz or ballet
- Performance in a quartet
- Group choreography
Component 2 – Critical appreciation
- Will test your knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works and two areas of study in a written external assessment.
- We will look at the contemporary dance work, Rooster, choreographed by Christopher Bruce, with the corresponding area of study, Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002. As well as a jazz dance set work, Singin’ in the Rain, choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, with the corresponding area of study, American Jazz Dance 1940-1975.
Entry requirements
No specific entry requirements (other than the College entry points) but essay writing skills are required
Which exam board & how will I be assessed?
AQA Dance
You will be assessed via a combination of non-exam assessment in your performances and choreography work, and an external written exam. These are worth 50% each.
Where could it take me?
Studying A-level Dance opens doors to a wide variety of exciting career paths. While it provides a strong foundation for performance-related degrees at top institutions like Northern Contemporary School, LIPA, Laine Theatre Arts, Bird College, and Trinity Laban, it also equips students with transferable skills valued in fields such as Law, Nursing, Journalism, Architecture, and Psychology. With strong industry links and up-to-date career advice from professionals, students gain real insight into both academic and professional opportunities. Many former students now work in the dance industry and often return to share their journeys, inspiring the next generation of performers and creatives.
For further information on careers in Dance, please visit:
What can I do with a dance degree? | Prospects.ac.ukTo explore top-ranked universities for studying Dance and view available courses, please visit:
Best UK universities for drama & dance – league table | Drama and dance | The GuardianTo see the current jobs available with a Dance degree, please visit:
Subject combinations
The course combines very well with a vast range of subjects, be it creative, humanities or languages. It can also provide a stimulating contrast to subjects such as the sciences.
What support is available?
Outside of class, we provide support with both practical and theoretical areas alongside the extensive cross-college study support. Supervised rehearsals in the lead up to performance exams can help students reach their highest potential.
What extracurricular activity is available?
There are workshop and theatre visits both here and abroad. Recent activities have included movement workshops on Broadway in New York, dance masterclasses with professional dance companies such as Rambert Dance and theatre visits across the country. We have an extensive programme of dance shows and musicals each year.
Did you know?
Every year students audition successfully for prestigious dance colleges to continue their training in dance.
Many former Winstanley College Dance students are now performing professionally for prestigious contemporary dance companies such as Richard Alston Dance Company, Rambert Dance Company, or starring in fabulous West End Shows like ‘Wicked’, ‘Shrek’ or ‘Cats’.
