Dance & Performing Arts Revision — GCSE & A-Level | MasteryMind

Dance & Performing Arts Revision

Q: 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.

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?

Dance & Performing Arts qualifications develop creative, technical, and performance skills for careers in theatre, dance, music, film, television, and live events. The UK creative industries contribute over £116 billion to the economy.

Students study performance technique, choreography, devising, production skills, arts management, and the business side of the performing arts. Regular performances and showcases are integral to assessment.

The UK performing arts sector is world-renowned — from the West End to touring companies, festival circuits, and screen work. Vocational performing arts qualifications provide industry-recognised training with strong graduate employment rates.

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

Exam Boards & Specifications

We cover Dance & Performing Arts across all major UK exam boards. Select a board to explore topics, or view the official specification.

AQA

601/8297/0

4 topics covered

View full specification

Agored Cymru

600/8029/2

1 topics covered

View full specification

AIM Qualifications

601/6819/5

4 topics covered

View full specification

AQA Education

100/0061/6

View full specification

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

501/2150/9

48 topics covered

View full specification

ATHE Ltd

601/7997/1

2 topics covered

View full specification

British Ballet Organization

601/7203/4

12 topics covered

View full specification

Cambridge International Education

500/5679/7

View full specification

Cambridge OCR

100/0452/X

7 topics covered

View full specification

CCEA

601/8907/1

8 topics covered

View full specification

City and Guilds of London Institute

601/7541/2

View full specification

City College Norwich Qualifications

601/1433/2

5 topics covered

View full specification

Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

500/2605/7

6 topics covered

View full specification

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

100/2545/5

View full specification

Gateway Qualifications Limited

601/4436/1

29 topics covered

View full specification

Graded Qualifications Alliance

100/1830/X

View full specification

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

100/1347/7

View full specification

International Baccalaureate Organisation

600/0796/5

3 topics covered

View full specification

International Dance Teachers Association

600/6983/1

70 topics covered

View full specification

International School of Musicians

610/6139/6

10 topics covered

View full specification

LAMDA

100/2250/8

View full specification

Leadership Skills Foundation

600/4484/6

7 topics covered

View full specification

MN Awards Ltd

610/3478/2

6 topics covered

View full specification

Music Teachers' Board

610/7051/8

View full specification

National Association of Teachers of Dancing

603/1944/6

7 topics covered

View full specification

NCFE

501/1735/X

13 topics covered

View full specification

New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd

500/9289/3

16 topics covered

View full specification

NOCN

100/2478/5

View full specification

OCN London

603/2529/X

264 topics covered

View full specification

Open Awards

603/6215/7

36 topics covered

View full specification

Open College Network Northern Ireland

601/6359/8

115 topics covered

View full specification

Open College Network West Midlands

600/8087/5

35 topics covered

View full specification

Pearson

600/4785/9

177 topics covered

View full specification

Pearson EDI

100/2628/9

View full specification

Pearson Education Ltd

100/0213/3

View full specification

Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades

603/7376/3

12 topics covered

View full specification

Royal Academy of Dance

100/1339/8

View full specification

RSL Awards Ltd

603/6758/1

10 topics covered

View full specification

Skills and Education Group Awards

100/3123/6

View full specification

The Learning Machine

603/4580/9

1 topics covered

View full specification

Transcend Awards

603/6111/6

9 topics covered

View full specification

Trinity College London

601/0961/0

1 topics covered

View full specification

University of the Arts London

601/7646/5

13 topics covered

View full specification

University of West London

100/2296/X

3 topics covered

View full specification

WJEC-CBAC

100/2755/5

View full specification

Coming Soon

Curriculum data for this subject is being prepared.

Where Dance & Performing Arts Can Take You

Career paths and opportunities for Dance & Performing Arts students

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.

University Courses

Performing Arts

Drama

Dance

Musical Theatre

Arts Management

Film & Television

Subjects That Pair Well with Dance & Performing Arts

These subjects complement Dance & Performing Arts and are often studied together

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

Looking for Past Papers?

Access our comprehensive library of past papers and mark schemes for Vocational Dance & Performing Arts.

View All Mark Schemes

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Dance & Performing Arts Revision

Overview

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GCSE Dance and GCSE Drama?

GCSE Dance focuses on performance, choreography, and appreciation of dance works, emphasizing physical technique and movement analysis. GCSE Drama centres on acting, devising, and evaluating theatre—studying plays, exploring character, and understanding stagecraft. Both involve practical and written assessments, but the artistic disciplines differ; some students take both to broaden their skills.

Do I need previous experience in dance or drama to choose this subject at GCSE or A-level?

While prior experience can be beneficial, it is often not essential, especially at GCSE. A genuine passion and willingness to participate are most important, as courses build skills from foundational level. Some schools may ask for a short audition or evidence of interest at A-level, but many welcome students with strong analytical and creative qualities regardless of formal training.

How is Dance & Performing Arts assessed in the UK curriculum?

Assessment usually combines practical performances (which you rehearse and perform live), coursework or portfolios documenting your creative and rehearsal process, and a written exam. The written paper typically asks you to analyse extracts from set works, evaluate live theatre or dance you've seen, and reflect on your own practical work. Weightings vary between exam boards, so check your specific specification.

Dance & Performing Arts Revision

What is Dance & Performing Arts?

What You'll Learn

Dance & Performing Arts at a Glance

Exam Boards & Specifications

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

Coming Soon

Where Dance & Performing Arts Can Take You

Performer/Actor

Dancer/Choreographer

Stage Manager

Drama Teacher

Arts Administrator

University Courses

Subjects That Pair Well with Dance & Performing Arts

Looking for Past Papers?

Ready to boost your Dance & Performing Arts grades?

Can I still study Dance & Performing Arts if I don't want to be a performer?

What careers can I go into with a qualification in Dance & Performing Arts?

Is studying Dance & Performing Arts respected by universities?

What You'll Learn

Career Paths

Subject Pairings

University Pathways