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    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.

    AQA, OCR, WJEC, AIM Qualifications, British Ballet Organization, CCEA, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd, 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, OCN London, Open Awards, Open College Network Northern Ireland, Pearson Edexcel, Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades, Royal Academy of Dance, RSL Awards Ltd, Transcend Awards, Trinity College London, University of the Arts London, University of West London aligned
    Exam tips & practice Qs

    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

    30

    exam boards

    Awarding Bodies & Qualifications

    Explore Dance & Performing Arts qualifications from 30 awarding bodies. Select one to view units and assessment criteria.

    OCR

    601/0111/8

    WJEC

    603/7020/8

    AIM Qualifications

    600/8092/9

    British Ballet Organization

    601/7203/4

    CCEA

    501/0086/5

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

    501/1662/9

    Graded Qualifications Alliance

    600/3115/3

    Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

    603/3094/6

    International Baccalaureate Organisation

    600/0796/5

    International Dance Teachers Association

    601/8383/4

    International School of Musicians

    610/6139/6

    LAMDA

    610/2961/0

    Leadership Skills Foundation

    603/1244/0

    MN Awards Ltd

    610/3478/2

    Music Teachers' Board

    610/7051/8

    National Association of Teachers of Dancing

    603/1944/6

    NCFE

    500/9177/3

    New Era Academy of Drama and Music (London) Ltd

    600/6179/0

    OCN London

    603/2529/X

    Open Awards

    603/6215/7

    Open College Network Northern Ireland

    601/6359/8

    Pearson Edexcel

    600/4785/9

    Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance Grades

    603/7376/3

    Royal Academy of Dance

    501/1375/6

    RSL Awards Ltd

    601/4247/9

    Transcend Awards

    603/6111/6

    Trinity College London

    501/1935/7

    University of the Arts London

    601/1780/1

    University of West London

    603/1086/8

    Explore 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

    Performing Arts
    Drama
    Dance
    Musical Theatre
    Arts Management
    Film & Television

    Frequently Asked Questions

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