Cheltenham Girls' High School

Truth Unity Concord

Telephone02 9876 4481

Emailcheltenham-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Year 9 & 10 Dance

Rationale (from NESA Syllabus)

"Dance has existed as a vital part of every known culture throughout time. It is a distinct form of nonverbal communication that uses the body as an instrument of expression, articulating the culture and society from which it emerges. Dance exists today in many forms and is performed for a variety of purposes in differing contexts.

The study of dance as an artform is the philosophical base of the Dance Years 7–10 Syllabus. ‘Dance as an artform' distinguishes the content and teaching approaches that are used in the teaching of dance as art in education. It underpins the students' artistic, aesthetic and cultural education through dance. The conceptual basis of the study of dance as an artform centres on the three practices of performance, composition and appreciation of dance as works of art. Equal emphasis is placed on the processes of experience and end products. Students learn both movement principles and stylised techniques, and they learn through both problem solving and directed teaching. The development of creativity, imagination and individuality is emphasised equally with knowledge of theatre dance.

Dance involves the development of physical skill as well as aesthetic, artistic and cultural understanding. Learning in dance and learning through dance enables students to apply their own experiences to their study of dance. They learn to express ideas creatively as they make and perform dances, and analyse dance as works of art. They think imaginatively and share ideas, feelings, values and attitudes while physically and intellectually exploring the communication of ideas through movement.

The integration of the practices of performance, composition and appreciation is a key feature of the syllabus and the elements of dance are the components that link the study of the practices. The practices are interrelated and equally important and they inform one another, providing opportunities for students to explore and understand their world. In practice, learning in dance is spiral in nature, incorporating earlier stages and building on itself. Safe dance practice is embedded through the practices to ensure that students are able to maintain safe, healthy and rewarding lives.

The study of Dance in Years 7–10 builds on the knowledge, skills, understanding, values and attitudes offered in the artform of Dance in the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2000). The Dance syllabus has been developed to make Dance accessible to all students and educators while encouraging the physical, creative and intellectual development of each student. It encourages the creative and confident use of technologies, including traditional, contemporary and emerging applications in information and communication technologies (ICT). It caters for students with a high level of prior knowledge, skills and experience in dance as well as those without prior knowledge and experience. Dance in Years 7–10 provides a pathway to the study of Dance at Stage 6, and encourages participation in and enjoyment of dance throughout life."