What careers can I pursue with Dance & Performing Arts?

Performer/Actor: Performing in theatre, film, television, and live events. Dancer/Choreographer: Performing and creating dance works for stage and screen. Stage Manager: Coordinating technical and logistical aspects of productions. Drama Teacher: Teaching performing arts in schools and youth theatres. Arts Administrator: Managing venues, festivals, and creative organisations.

What university courses does Dance & Performing Arts lead to?

Dance & Performing Arts is a strong foundation for university study in: Performing Arts, Drama, Dance, Musical Theatre, Arts Management, Film & Television.

Dance & Performing Arts Revision

Q: What subjects pair well with Dance & Performing Arts?

Publishing & Media: Media production and performing arts frequently overlap Teaching & Education: Many performers transition into teaching roles Employability & Work Skills: Self-employment and freelancing skills are essential

Study performance technique, choreography, and performing arts production.

AQA, Agored Cymru, AIM Qualifications, AQA Education, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, ATHE Ltd, British Ballet Organization, Cambridge International Education, Cambridge OCR, CCEA, City and Guilds of London Institute, City College Norwich Qualifications, Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd, Gateway Qualifications Limited, Graded Qualifications Alliance, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, International Baccalaureate Organisation, International Dance Teachers Association, International School of Musicians , LAMDA, Leadership Skills Foundation, MN Awards Ltd, Music Teachers' Board, National Association of Teachers of Dancing, NCFE, New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd, NOCN, OCN London, Open Awards, Open College Network Northern Ireland, Open College Network West Midlands, Pearson, Pearson EDI, Pearson Education Ltd, Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades, Royal Academy of Dance, RSL Awards Ltd, Skills and Education Group Awards, The Learning Machine, Transcend Awards, Trinity College London, University of the Arts London, University of West London, WJEC-CBAC aligned

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What is Dance & Performing Arts?

Studying Dance & Performing Arts at GCSE or A-level offers a dynamic blend of practical performance, creative exploration, and analytical study. You'll develop technical skills in dance, drama, or both, learning to embody characters, express emotions through movement, and bring scripts and choreography to life. The curriculum often includes the study of influential practitioners, set works, and live theatre or dance performances, enabling you to critique and understand the cultural and historical context of the arts. You'll also devise your own original pieces, honing your ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and think innovatively.

This subject goes far beyond the stage—it builds confidence, communication, and teamwork. You'll learn to give and receive constructive feedback through regular rehearsal and performance, fostering resilience and self-discipline. Theoretical components develop your written and analytical skills as you evaluate your own work and that of professionals. Whether you aspire to a career in the creative industries or not, the transferable skills gained are highly valued by universities and employers across fields such as law, business, and media, where confident presentation and creative thinking are crucial.

Progression from GCSE to A-level deepens your artistic independence, with greater emphasis on personal style and critical interpretation. Many students continue to vocational training at drama schools, dance conservatoires, or university degrees in performing arts, dance, drama, or musical theatre. The subject also supports pathways into arts management, teaching, therapy, and community arts, proving that a qualification in Dance & Performing Arts opens doors to a rich and varied future.

Why Study Dance & Performing Arts?

It equips you with powerful communication and presentation skills that benefit any career—from law to business—by making you a confident, articulate speaker and listener.

You'll learn to think creatively and critically, solving problems under pressure during live performances and in devising original work, which is highly valued by universities and employers.

The subject offers a unique blend of physical and intellectual challenge, keeping you engaged and active while developing your analytical writing and evaluation skills for further academic success.

You join a collaborative and supportive community, building strong teamwork and interpersonal abilities that are essential in any professional environment, all while exploring diverse cultures and artistic expressions.

What You'll Learn

Performance technique — acting, dance, or musical theatre

Choreography and devising original work

Production skills — lighting, sound, stage management

Performing arts business and self-promotion

Rehearsal disciplines and ensemble work

Critical analysis of live and recorded performance

Dance & Performing Arts at a Glance

~40,000 learners

students/year

Top creative arts sector

popularity

exam boards

Awarding Bodies & Qualifications

Explore Dance & Performing Arts qualifications from 45 awarding bodies. Select one to view units and assessment criteria.

AQA

601/8297/0

4 topics covered

Dance & Performing Arts Revision

What is Dance & Performing Arts?

Why Study Dance & Performing Arts?

What You'll Learn

Dance & Performing Arts at a Glance

Awarding Bodies & Qualifications

AQA

Agored Cymru

AIM Qualifications

AQA Education

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

ATHE Ltd

British Ballet Organization

Cambridge International Education

Cambridge OCR

CCEA

City and Guilds of London Institute

City College Norwich Qualifications

Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Gateway Qualifications Limited

Graded Qualifications Alliance

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

International Baccalaureate Organisation

International Dance Teachers Association

International School of Musicians

LAMDA

Leadership Skills Foundation

MN Awards Ltd

Music Teachers' Board

National Association of Teachers of Dancing

NCFE

New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd

NOCN

OCN London

Open Awards

Open College Network Northern Ireland

Open College Network West Midlands

Pearson

Pearson EDI

Pearson Education Ltd

Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades

Royal Academy of Dance

RSL Awards Ltd

Skills and Education Group Awards

The Learning Machine

Transcend Awards

Trinity College London

University of the Arts London

University of West London

WJEC-CBAC

Explore Dance & Performing Arts Qualifications

AQA