Level 1 Dance
11DAN Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs E. McKellar.
Recommended Prior LearningOpen Entry.
Some previous dance experience would be beneficial but is not required.
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about and perform dance.
Students should have an interest in working with others, learning about dance and dance performance.
In the Level 1 Dance programme, students will explore, create, and perform a variety of dance styles, such as hip hop, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and cultural dances. They’ll develop technique, expressive skills and confidence through group work and performance opportunities.
Students will choreograph original dances using movement, devices, and technology to tell stories, express ideas, and inspire change. Leadership is developed through creating and leading workshops at a local intermediate school.
The course also encourages reflection on dance elements, cultural contexts, and performance techniques, equipping students with strong choreographic, performance, and leadership skills.
Watch the video attached below to see snippets from Level 1 Dance classes and performances.
Course Overview
Term 1
Unit 1: Move It/ Nekehia
In this unit, student will learn, rehearse and refine three dance sequences from different dance genres chosen by the class.
As part of this unit, students will complete the 'Perform Dance Sequences' achievement standard worth 6 credits.
Term 2
Unit 2: Make It/ Hangaia
In this unit, students learn to explore and apply the elements of dance and choreographic devices. Students learn to work collaboratively with their group members to create a dance choreography that communicates their chosen intention.
Term 3
Unit 3: Show It/ Whakakitea
In this unit, students develop their creative thinking to make design decisions and apply production technologies (lighting, props, costumes, music).
Students build on their performance skills and confidence. They reflect on, refine and present their dance performances and choreographies from term 1 and 2 at the dance showcase.
Term 4
Unit 4: Lead It/ Whakahaeretea
In this unit, student work in groups to research, create and lead a dance workshop on a chosen dance genre at Farm Cove Intermediate.
Assessment Information
Assessment 1: Move It
AS1.2 Perform dance sequences - Performance Assessment
Assessment 2: Make It
Create Dance Sequences - Choreography Assessment
Assessment 3: Lead It
Create and lead dance workshops - Leadership Assessment
The Year 11 Dance course leads to Level 2 and 3 Dance programmes, as well as scholarship dance.
These programmes provide university entrance and lead to a number of tertiary dance study options.
Tertiary Pathways could include, but are not limited to:
Bachelor of Dance Studies - University of Auckland
Dance Studies - University of Waikato
Unitec - Contemporary Dance Studies
New Zealand School of Dance
New Zealand Diploma in Dance - Whitireia New Zealand
Career pathways could include but are not limited to:
Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Teacher, Performer, Freelance Dance Instructor, Movement Therapy, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts, Actor/Actress.