The IB Diploma Programme Dance course embraces the understanding that dance is a global discourse. The course is constructed so that all students are given opportunities to study a variety of world dance traditions through exposure to physical practice and observation as well as written investigation. Examining dance from both familiar and unfamiliar cultures and/or traditions develops comparative thinking skills and deepens students’ understanding of their own cultures as well as those of others.
The curriculum is designed to challenge students. It draws on a wide range of dance cultures that reflect varied histories, practices and aesthetics. IB Diploma Programme Dance provides an appropriate foundation for further study in dance history, theory and practice at university level, or in dance career pathways. It also provides an enriching and valuable course of study for students who may pursue other careers. This course also provides all students with the opportunity to engage in the world of dance as lifelong participants.
The dance course has three components of study:
• Composition and Analysis
• World Dance Studies
• Performance
The subject enables learners to:
- Understand dance as a set of practices with their own histories and theories, and to understand that these practices integrate physical, intellectual and emotional knowledge.
- Experience dance as an individual and collective exploration of the expressive possibilities of bodily movement.
- Understand and appreciate mastery in various dance styles, traditions and cultures familiar and unfamiliar.
- Recognise and use dance to create dialogue among the various traditions and cultures in their school environment, their society and the world at large.
Students studying Dance will:
- Identify the appropriate compositional processes and structures to support the intent.
- Critically reflecting upon the creative process of compositional problems.
- Evaluate and analyse the influence and significance of connections from all three components.
- Demonstrate in-depth comparative analysis of two dances from different dance cultures and traditions.
- Demonstrate control of technical and interpretative skills when performing.
IB Diploma Assessment
External Assessment - Composition and Analysis
Three dance works composed by the student (8 - 15mins)
Written analytical statement (no more than 1000 words) documenting and reflecting upon the processes of composition.
Internal Assessment - Performance
Three dances (solo, duet, group) in any style performed by the student to show proficiency and expressive ability appropriate to the dance accompanied by short programme notes for the performance. 6-9 minutes (at least half of which must be devoted to a solo and/or duet work).