DANCE STUDIES

DEFINITION Dance is expressive human movement that unifies the physical with the intellectual, the emotional and the spiritual. It is a unique art form which uses the body as an instrument of communication. It is a powerful means of unifying people across boundaries of language, cultures, abilities and gender.

FIELD: CULTURE AND ARTS In Grades 8 and 9, all learners study two art forms out of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts Dance Studies is one of the elective options in FET

A vibrant and exciting subject Inclusive Certain requirements Access previously not available to most learners in rural areas

Motivation for offering Dance Studies Develops dancers, choreographers and dance literacy Prepares learners for entry into further tertiary study and for employment in the dance and related industries. Develops personal, interpersonal, cognitive, cultural and economic skills and attributes.

Non-negotiable requirements Specialist teacher Hall or double classroom (minimum) with a sprung wood floor A dedicated CD player/ music system Timetabling to accommodate double periods or at least one hour long periods Security after school hours for practising

Learner Selection Talented, interested or enthusiastic learners Preferably with previous dance training Prepared to commit to additional hours outside of school time for rehearsals and performances Class size should not exceed 20 learners Dance form decided by the school’s choice of teacher

Broad Topics Dance performance including anatomy and health care Improvisation and composition including music for dance Dance Theory and literacy

Advantages Contributes to cultural life of school, community and nation Produces fund-raising concerts for school Develops focused, dedicated, committed, self-disciplined, responsible learners Arts act as a mirror to society

Supported by artists in residence

Current Challenge Dance Studies contributes 20 credits like all other subjects Recognised for university entrance Dance Studies is currently not on the degree designated list but this list is about to change Matric graduates need only 4 subjects on the designated list to qualify for a degree entry. All learners already have 3 subjects on the designated list i.e. Afrik, Eng, Maths/Maths lit) They only need one other elective on the list.

Careers Dance Studies prepares learners to be resourceful, creative thinkers able to create their own opportunities. A dance teacher can work in the school system, community centre or open a dance school in any school hall, church hall, warehouse etc. and be self-employed. Tourism and the Entertainment industry provide jobs for dancers

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Dance Company performer, choreographer, director Free lance dancer in – Musicals, – Operas, – Music videos, – Commercials, – Cabaret Dance teacher/lecturer Arts and Culture teacher/lecturer Dance/Arts Administrator/ Entrepreneur Dance Curriculum Advisor/Planner, Writer, Historian, Researcher, Critic Costume or Set Designer Fitness Instructor (Aerobics, Pilates, Nia, Yoga etc)

Futures Not all history learners become historians and not all dance learners become dancers. Many of our past graduates have become physiotherapists, doctors, biokineticists, and lawyers! Over the past 5 years, 14 of Dance Studies graduates have been accepted into the highly acclaimed Jazzart Dance Theatre Training programme and 18+ into UCT School of Dance

CREATIVITY IS A NATIONAL RESOURCE