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EnglandDance

Component 1: Performance

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a dancer communicate meaning, character and mood to an audience?

Expressive skills (projection, focus, spatial awareness, facial expression, phrasing, musicality, sensitivity to other dancers) used to communicate choreographic intent to an audience.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Dance Component 1, covering the expressive skills (projection, focus, spatial awareness, facial expression, phrasing, musicality and sensitivity to other dancers) used to communicate meaning and choreographic intent to an audience.
8 min answer →

How does a dancer prepare mentally and work safely to perform well and avoid injury?

Mental skills used during performance and in rehearsal (movement memory, commitment, concentration, confidence, systematic repetition, mental rehearsal, rehearsal discipline) and safe working practices including warm up, cool down and safe execution.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Dance Component 1, covering the mental skills used in performance and rehearsal (movement memory, commitment, concentration, confidence, mental rehearsal) and safe working practices such as warming up, cooling down and safe execution.
8 min answer →

What extra skills are needed when performing with other dancers in a duet or group?

Performing in a duet or group: relationship content (lead and follow, mirroring, action and reaction, accumulation, complement and contrast, counterpoint, contact, formations) and the awareness, sensitivity and timing needed to dance with others.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Dance Component 1, covering the relationship content (lead and follow, mirroring, action and reaction, contact, formations) and the sensitivity, spatial awareness and timing a dancer needs to perform with others in a duet or group.
8 min answer →

What physical skills and technical skills does a dancer need to perform accurately and safely?

Physical skills (posture, alignment, balance, coordination, control, flexibility, mobility, strength, stamina, extension, isolation) and technical skills (action content, dynamic content, spatial content, relationship content, timing) used in performance.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Dance Component 1, covering the physical skills (posture, alignment, balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, stamina and more) and technical skills (action, dynamics, space, relationships and timing) a dancer needs to perform accurately and safely.
8 min answer →