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Bo r l a s i a n 2 0 1 3
In School
helped us to develop our own teaching and mentoring
abilities, adding to the success of the project.
Overall, we have loved being Dance Leaders as it is always
exciting being able to work with students from all years
and in all different styles. Having won the Boscar at this
year’s Arts Dinner for Best Dance Leaders we are more
determined than ever to carry on helping in the Dance
department and leave our mark in our final year here at Sir
William Borlase’s Grammar School!
Ellie Downey and Zoe Burlison
Our Views on A level Dance
Within our class, four of us all attended Wycombe High
School, but we came to Borlase to take our dance classes.
This meant we got a more sophisticated training space
and were able to socialise with students of a different
school. It was a pleasure to be welcomed into another
school environment and we really did feel welcomed. We
also had the pleasure of being taught by different staff
than we already knew which enabled us to wholly focus
and get involved in the dance community, aside from our
other studies. We all loved having some time out from our
own school space and have thoroughly enjoyed being a
part of SWBGS.
(Emily)
During the two years, you get to study, and enjoy, a range
of works from choreographers such as Akram Khan and
Alivin Ailey and a range of others. You learn to analyse and
interpret the dances, in theory, whilst learning some of the
choreography, technique and style of the choreographers
in practical classes. Occasionally, you participate in
exciting workshops with professionals, such as a Kathak
workshop, run by Jose Agudo and Andrej Petrovič, both
artistic directors from Akram Khan Company, in order
to develop technical skills, learn some of the original
choreography and ask questions about the choreography,
company and life as a professional dancer.
The course consists of 60% practical and 40% theory at AS
and then it is equally split at A2.Thepractical sideconsistsof
choreographing for a small group as well as a solo and also
performing in a duo/trio at AS and then a solo in the style
of a chosen practitioner at A2. On the theory side, there
are two exams across the two years. The AS exam consists
of questions on anatomy and physiology as well safe
practice, creating a choreography, other training aspects
and analytical essay questions on professional works. At
A2 the exam consists of 2 essay questions, one on a set
work and another on a area of study for example modern
dance. I think A level dance is a good practical subject that
works as a good balance within other subjects. It isn’t to be
underestimated; the volume of work and dedication this
subject requires is considerable, but nevertheless it has
been a thoroughly enjoyable A Level option supported by
fantastic facilities and teaching at Borlase. (Lucy)
A level dance is important to do if you are looking to
pursue a career in dance or if you just enjoy dance and
want to learn more about it. This course has improved my
knowledge and understanding of dance and of a wider
range of practitioners and choreographers that have
allowed me to expand my view of dance and incorporate
these companies and pieces into my own dance style and
choreographic style. My favourite part of A Level dance is
choreographing the solo and grouppieces andperforming
in the style of the choreographers that we study. Dance and
A level dance in particular have improved my confidence
and ability to convey what I want to say through both
speaking and also through movement. In all A Level dance
is hard work but it doesn’t feel like it if you love dance! It
is good fun and my favourite subject and I’m very glad we
were given the opportunity to take it at Borlase since our
school didn’t offer it. (Alice)
Overall we have all thoroughly enjoyed Dance A level at
SWBGS and would definitely recommend this subject to
other students if you have a love and passion for dance.
It is a well-rounded subject including both practical and
academic elements which are both very enjoyable. We
have learnt somuch about dance and been able to develop
our skills extensively. Personally, I have been able to learn
much more about the choreographic process which has
helped me to have a better knowledge of the hard work
and thought that goes into a piece of dance. Although
this is a very difficult subject it is also rewarding and has
been a fantastic experience. If you are looking to improve
technique, performance, choreography and knowledge of
dance, this is the subject for you. (Katherine)
Emily Michalakis, Lucy Gladwell, Alice Byron and Katherine
Cunningham
Rebound
Rebound is a year 7 and 8 dance club that runs every
Monday lunch time. This year our focus was mainly on
technique and performance skills as well as giving the
club a bit more freedomwith the style of dancing. A typical
class involved a warm up, corner work and then a routine
which the girls would practise and perform at the end of
each class. It’s a really fun way to get juniors at Borlase
interested in dance and is always a popular club! We try to
create challenging corner work varying each exercise from
week to week and choreograph to different styles for each
