The Dance Department completes Ardingly College’s Performing Arts ‘golden triangle’. The dance programme has unearthed many hidden talents through its inspiring classes and workshops led by leading dance professionals. The annual showcase: Lost in Motion, inspires, motivates, entertains, and truly shows what a versatile subject dance is. The programme is fully inclusive, allowing students to develop both their dance technique and confidence in a safe and supportive environment. The dance community within the College continues to grow and welcomes all that walk into the studio. For those with an intense passion for dance, the Performance Pathway has been established. This weekly session allows students to further develop their skills and the opportunity of working at a more elevated and professional level across their years at the College.
Co-Curricular Dance & Productions
Dance is offered as part of our extensive games and enrichment programme, as well as offering multiple lunchtime and after-school sessions. Contemporary styles are the focus of weekly games sessions, with our Enrichment Programme allowing students to experience a rich variety of more urban styles such as Hip Hop, Breaking and Commercial dance.
We also encourage the diverse cultural background of our students who take leadership in sharing their knowledge, and teach cultural or traditional styles of 'World' Dance.
Royal Academy of Dance & National Contemporary Classes
The department offers weekly Royal Academy of Dance Ballet and Rambert Grades Contemporary classes that follow exam-based syllabuses. The exams are designed to provide stepping stones for each dancers’ training, preparing them not only for potential careers within the dance industry, but also providing them with additional credits for university.
With Contemporary Dance leading the way for all educational dance programmes it is the perfect genre of dance for any pupil with an avid interest in the arts. Sessions will give pupil’s an insight into the technical and physical skills needed to work within the professional dance sector and well as develop their own choreographic and performance skills in this art form. Classes will include the learning of Graham, Cunningham and Release techniques, floor and travelling exercises. Once embedded within the co-curricular programme, pupil’s will also be offered Rambert Grades examinations in this style too.
Street & Commercial Dance
Street Dance now features within the educational syllabus and has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Breaking, Locking, House, Hip Hop and Waacking are just some of the styles that pupils will explore as well as being encouraged to embrace the urban culture of individuality, positivity, socialisation and unity.
Other styles of dance that may be offered include Acro Dance / Skills, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Strength, Fitness and Flexibility
The studio is often buzzing at the weekends, holding workshops with leading industry professionals as well as providing extra training and support for students in their external endeavours such as auditions and exam preparations.
Lost in Motion
The highlight of the dancing calendar is the Lost in Motion show which students in Year 7 to Upper Sixth work towards during the first half of the year, with the sell-out show taking place in the Lent Term. The show includes a complete variety of dance styles and performances, including our students’ own choreographic creations. The music department support the show and will often play live accompaniment, giving our students a greater performing experience.
Enrichment
There are regular theatre trips, including to London to watch some of the finest dance showcases such as the latest works from Matthew Bourne and Zoonation. In collaboration with the Drama Department, dance visited New York and immersed themselves in workshops and theatre.
Student Voice
At the beginning of each term, students have the opportunity to apply for the position of Dance Captain, which is held for the entire year. Awards are presented to recognise outstanding achievement in categories such as Dancer of the Year and Rising Star.
Academic Dance
Dance is offered at GCSE. The exciting and diverse specification focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of Dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas and concepts through interrelated processes of performance, choreography, and appreciation. Students study a range of dance styles and style fusions but are encouraged to develop their skills in other areas linked to Dance, such as physical theatre. The study of Dance anthology of professional works will develop their ability to critically appraise both professional Dance work and cultural influences, provided by a springboard of engaging practical tasks.
