
Dance & Performing Arts Revision
Study performance technique, choreography, and performing arts production.
Starting Vocational Dance & Performing Arts this term? Every topic on your spec is here.
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?
What You'll Learn
Dance & Performing Arts at a Glance
30
exam boards
Awarding Bodies & Qualifications
Explore Dance & Performing Arts qualifications from 30 awarding bodies. Select one to view units and assessment criteria.
AQA
601/8549/1
OCR
601/0111/8
3 topics covered
View qualification detailsWJEC
603/7020/8
3 topics covered
View qualification detailsAIM Qualifications
600/8092/9
34 topics covered
View qualification detailsBritish Ballet Organization
601/7203/4
4 topics covered
View qualification detailsCCEA
501/0086/5
3 topics covered
View qualification detailsEnglish Speaking Board (International) Ltd
501/1662/9
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsGraded Qualifications Alliance
600/3115/3
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsImperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
603/3094/6
20 topics covered
View qualification detailsInternational Baccalaureate Organisation
600/0796/5
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsInternational Dance Teachers Association
601/8383/4
3 topics covered
View qualification detailsInternational School of Musicians
610/6139/6
6 topics covered
View qualification detailsLAMDA
610/2961/0
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsLeadership Skills Foundation
603/1244/0
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsMN Awards Ltd
610/3478/2
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsMusic Teachers' Board
610/7051/8
National Association of Teachers of Dancing
603/1944/6
4 topics covered
View qualification detailsNCFE
500/9177/3
12 topics covered
View qualification detailsNew Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd
600/6179/0
8 topics covered
View qualification detailsOCN London
603/2529/X
50 topics covered
View qualification detailsOpen Awards
603/6215/7
8 topics covered
View qualification detailsOpen College Network Northern Ireland
601/6359/8
26 topics covered
View qualification detailsPearson Edexcel
600/4785/9
Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades
603/7376/3
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsRoyal Academy of Dance
501/1375/6
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsRSL Awards Ltd
601/4247/9
4 topics covered
View qualification detailsTranscend Awards
603/6111/6
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsTrinity College London
501/1935/7
1 topics covered
View qualification detailsUniversity of the Arts London
601/1780/1
8 topics covered
View qualification detailsUniversity of West London
603/1086/8
4 topics covered
View qualification detailsExplore Dance & Performing Arts Qualifications
Select an awarding body above to view units, assessment criteria, and learning outcomes for your qualification.
Where Dance & Performing Arts Can Take You
Career paths and opportunities for Dance & Performing Arts students
Actor/Performer
The practical performance training and character analysis skills developed in Dance & Performing Arts directly prepare you for a career on stage or screen. You'll gain experience in audition techniques, script work, and building a performance repertoire, which are essential for professional acting roles.
Choreographer/Dancer
Through studying dance technique, composition, and the work of renowned choreographers, you'll cultivate the artistry and physical expertise needed for a career in dance. The subject teaches you how to create and notate movement, a skill vital for choreographing pieces for companies, theatre productions, or commercial projects.
Drama Therapist
The subject's emphasis on non-verbal communication, emotional expression, and collaborative work provides a strong foundation for drama therapy. You'll learn how creative processes can be used therapeutically, and further postgraduate training enables you to use these skills to support mental health and wellbeing.
Arts Administrator/Producer
Understanding the creative and logistical aspects of staging a performance—from budgeting to marketing—is fostered through managing your own devised work. This insight into the arts industry equips you for behind-the-scenes roles that keep theatres, dance companies, and festivals running.
Secondary School Drama/Dance Teacher
The subject builds both your practical ability and your capacity to evaluate and explain artistic concepts. With further study for Qualified Teacher Status, you can share your passion by leading classes, directing school productions, and inspiring the next generation of performers.
University Courses
Subjects That Pair Well with Dance & Performing Arts
These subjects complement Dance & Performing Arts and are often studied together
Frequently Asked Questions
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