Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/3DAN

What is this course about?
We will use both theoretical and practical aspects to explore and interpret different dance forms, investigating through movement, the dance elements of body awareness, space, time, energy and relationships, using personal experiences and imagination to express ideas. We will choreograph and share movement through both formal and informal presentation in both solo and group works. We will get to participate in a variety of different dance genres with the opportunity to experience lessons taught by leaders of those styles and with a particular focus on contemporary dance technique. There is a requirement to produce a major piece of your own choreography during the year that will focus on a current issue. We will be viewing live performances throughout the course from a range of different genres and styles. You will undertake research in New Zealand dance development and will learn to speak the language of dance in preparation for one written academic exam at the end of the year which covers critical analysis of a professional dance work.

What will I learn?
Students will:

Further extend practical and theoretical knowledge of dance Extend and refine performance skills in a range of genres and styles Extend dance choreography skills using advanced structures and devices Choreograph a dance to develop and resolve ideas Further develop critical analysis skills of important dance works Further develop ensemble dance skills and awareness                                                                                                                                                                                          Gain NCEA credits at a high and achievable standard

What sorts of things will I do?
You will practice performing, choreographing and dancing in a variety of dance genres, in preparation for performance opportunities and assessments during the year. You will work on dance theory, critically viewing and analysing dance performances throughout the year in preparation for external exams. You will work on your choreography, teaching and design skills in preparation for producing your own dance work for an invited audience.

Key Dates and Milestones will be set at the beginning of the school year

Scholarship opportunities
NCEA Scholarship dance is likely to be available in NZ for the first time in 2011. Details will appear when they become available.