DANCE
Dance Clubs & Practices PADco Dance Competition Squad Dance Diary Dates
Over the last 4 years the MVC dance department had gone from strength to strength with GCSE numbers increasing by over 300% since 2007. Dance is taught in a purpose built dance studio with specialist flooring and mirrors and is taught by Miss Tizzy Patterson. Miss Patterson is a specialist dance teacher who, as well as having danced professionally, has an MA in Dance and Choreography, a PGCE with Masters credits in Education and was rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
MVC is a specialist performing arts college and we are very proud of this status. We believe that an active involvement in the performing arts provides students with the skills and talents that further enable them to achieve highly across all subjects. This belief is proven by the schools outstanding GCSE results in English, Maths and Science.
All students at MVC have dance lessons covering everything from ballroom to break dance and everything in between! There are also many extra-curricular clubs and other opportunities such as residential trips, theatre visits and competitions, for those who wish to take their interest in dance further.
Why Dance?
Dance improves self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. If a student can dance in front of their peers then standing up and talking in front of them can seem a lot less daunting.
Dance education offers students alternatives for self-expression and communication. It is an outlet for effective interpersonal and intrapersonal expression.
Creative movement encourages analytical thinking. Learning to participate in dance movement, as well as an observer, aids in developing upper-level critical thinking skills.
Dance is a healthy form of exercise and encourages an active lifestyle from a young age. Students develop their strength, stamina, flexibility and core strength as well as developing a positive body image.
Dance teaches and encourages the values and skills of creativity, teamwork, problem solving and risk taking. Skills which are useful and transferable in all aspects of life.
Key Stage 3 Dance
In years 7, 8 and 9 students study a diverse range of dance styles whilst studying dance terminology, a number of professional pieces and learning how to choreograph and perform. Topics studied include A Brief History of Dance, James Bond, Nutcracker! By Matthew Bourne, Capoeira, Physical Theatre, Carnival, Dancing Science, Swansong and Dance in Films
Students are graded based on their performance skills, their original choice of movement when choreography, the communication of their intent to the audience and their dance workbooks. All practical assessments are filmed which allows self-assessment. This is an important process which requires students to reflect upon their work and performance and allows them to set targets for improvement.
If possible, take your child to see any live performances of dance or musical theatre. The theatre is always a wonderful experience for children and will certainly inspire them further.
Throughout KS3 parents can encourage students to practice and rehearse at home in front of an audience or in front of a mirror to allow feedback and refinement.
The music we use in class is easily available to buy or download and this would enable your child to rehearse more successfully at home. If you would like to know what music your child is currently dancing to in class please contact Miss Patterson: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Key Stage 4 Dance
GCSE Dance
(AQA 3231)
Students will study at least 3 professional works and choreographers in depth, as well as learning and performing the professional repertoire they will also study lighting, costume and set design.
The Dance GCSE is divided into three main areas: performance, choreograpy and analysing professional pieces. Students will learn about dance as an art form both practically and theoretically and lessons will often combine skills to create a holistic teaching approach.
Students will work on their technique and dance skills in contemporary dance and will be able to explore different styles within the syllabus. The GCSE is an exploration of the creative and expressive possibilities within dance.
GCSE Dance students will be expected to perform in at least one of the many shows held at Melbourn Village College. This may be an arts collaboration project with Music or Drama, or a pure Dance show. By taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible these performances increase students' enjoyment and success in the subject.
