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🧬 GCSE Dance

AQA

Complete revision notes for GCSE Dance covering all topics across AQA specifications.

Dance — AQA (26 Topics)

Analysing Analysing Performance Artificial Artificial Things Choreographic Choreographic Devices Choreographic Choreographic Intention Choreographic Choreographic Process Comparing Comparing Evaluating Dance Dance Dance Appreciation Skills Dance Dance History Timeline Dance Dance Structure Form Dance Dance Styles Genres Dance Dance Terminology Describing Describing Dance Writing Emancipation Emancipation Expressionism Evaluating Evaluating Dance Works Exam Exam Command Words Dance Expressive Expressive Skills Dance Performance Performance Audience Physical Physical Skills Dance Practical Practical Exam Technique Dance Professional Professional Works Overview Safe Safe Dance Practice Social Social Cultural Dance Stimulus Stimulus Choreography Technical Technical Skills Dance Within Within Her Eyes Written Written Exam Technique Dance

🧭 Exam Board & Specification

AQA GCSE Dance (8236). Assessment: written paper (~40%) on the six anthology set works and dance theory; performance NEA (~30%, including the set phrases and a duo/trio performance); choreography NEA (~30%, with a choreographic log). Coursework is substantial — see the Coursework & NEA Guide on the Dance page for the log structure and recording requirements.

🎯 Coursework & NEA Guide

How it is assessed (AQA 8236): written paper ~40% (six anthology set works + theory) · performance ~30% (set phrases through a solo + duo/trio performance) · choreography ~30% (solo or group choreography + a choreographic log).

Your NEA frame — choreographic log structure:

  • Stimulus and intention — what idea/image drives the piece
  • Choreographic devices used and WHY (motif, development, repetition, contrast, climax)
  • Constituent features: actions, space, dynamics, relationships — annotated per section
  • Rehearsal evidence with dates: what changed across showings and why
  • Safe-practice notes (warm-up protocols, floor checks) — quick marks
  • Evaluation: success against intention, what the audience/readers saw vs what you planned

Performance prep: record the set phrases monthly against the assessment criteria; in the duo/trio, evidence spatial awareness and communication — graders look for eye contact, spacing and reactive timing, not just accuracy.

Top pitfalls: a log that describes the dance instead of explaining DECISIONS; filming from one fixed angle that hides spacing; anthology answers that use dance vocabulary incorrectly.