Free BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Chesham. Classes run full-time at Chiltern Hills Academy over two years. You'll study the history of dance, a range of dance genres, and the work of choreographers past and present. The course develops your technical, performance, choreographic, and analytical skills across a variety of dance styles. To join, you'll need a grade 5 or 6 or above in GCSE Dance, along with regular attendance at jazz, ballet, modern, or contemporary classes. All applicants take an assessment technique class before a place is confirmed.
Who this course is for
The course aims to develop students’ knowledge of the history of dance, different dance genres, performance and technique skills as well as choreographers’ work both past and present. Students should be prepared to study in depth a variety of different dance works as well as performance opportunities. Students will develop their creative, analytical, evaluative, choreographic, technical, performance and expressive skills throughout this course.
Entry requirements
Students wishing to study this subject should have achieved a grade 5/6 or above in GCSE Dance. Students should be attending regular jazz, ballet, modern or contemporary classes both in school and outside of school. All students will be expected to attend an assessment technique class to assess their suitability for the course.
What you will learn
You'll study the history of dance and how it has developed across different periods.
You'll explore a range of dance genres, including jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary styles.
You'll analyse and evaluate the work of choreographers, both past and present.
You'll develop your technical and performance skills through practical dance work.
You'll build choreographic skills, creating and structuring your own dance pieces.
You'll practise expressive and creative skills in performance contexts.
You'll study a variety of set dance works in depth.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions combining practical performance work with written study. Assessment is through a mix of coursework, practical performance tasks, and written assignments. You'll be assessed on your technical ability, choreographic work, and analytical understanding of dance. The course follows the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National framework, with units assessed through internal and external components across the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chiltern Hills Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start. You should expect to wear appropriate dance clothing and footwear for practical sessions.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Dancer: perform in theatre, touring, or commercial productions.
Dance teacher or instructor: teach in schools, studios, or community settings.
Choreographer: create and direct dance pieces for stage or screen.
Performing arts technician: support productions with lighting, sound, or stage management.
Community arts worker: deliver arts projects in schools or community venues.
Actor or performer: work across theatre, TV, or live events.
Dance movement therapist: use dance in therapeutic or wellbeing settings (further training required).
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Dance or Performing Arts: a degree at a conservatoire or university, building on your Level 3 study.
BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre: broadens your performance training into acting and theatre-making.
Foundation Degree in Performing Arts: a two-year higher education route, often available at further education colleges.
PGCE in Dance or Drama: if you want to teach in secondary schools, this is the qualification you'll need after a degree.
