Pearson BTEC Dance qualifications offer candidates the opportunity to learn about the industry, develop their understanding and practical dance skills, and apply the skills and knowledge in a vocational dance setting. Each qualification prepares learners for the next level of study within the field of Dance, preparing learners for the world of work, formal dance training or university. The qualifications can be delivered as full-time dance training or as part of a broad and balanced programme of study. BTEC Dance qualifications can prepare learners to become dancers as well as creators and artists in the community.

There is freedom within each qualification to design delivery and assessment, using the content in each unit and setting assessment activities in relation to the criteria when your students are ready. In general, assessment often includes a demonstration of understanding, development in technique classes and workshops, application of skills in rehearsal and performance and self-review. Evidence can be varied to support your students.

Some qualifications combine external and internal assessment whilst others are wholly assessed internally. The Pearson courses on Performance Measures are the BTEC Level 1 / 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts and the BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Performing Arts (2016).

Qualification Overviews

Key Stage 4

BTEC Level 1 / 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (with a Dance Approach)
Designed for schools and equivalent to one GCSE; on performance measures.

BTEC Firsts in Performing Arts:
Dance Legacy qualification; off performance Measures; can equivalent to the size of one GCSE or four (Awards to Diplomas)

Key Stage 5

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Industry Practice
A new full-time internally assessed Level 2 qualification; prepares candidates for Level 3 training.

BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts Practice (Dance)
A new full-time internally assessed Level 3 qualification which includes a Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1 ½ A Levels) and an Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels).

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance (Dance)
Level 3 qualification equivalent to 1 A Level; off performance measure; a combination of internal and external assessment and a Dance specialist focus.

BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Performing Arts (2016)
A suite of qualifications ranging from a Certificate (equivalent to an AS Level) to the full-time Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels); a combination of internal and external assessment; on performance measures.

Level 2 course is equivalent to GCSEs at grades A*-C

About the course

This qualification is designed to introduce you to drama, dance and performing arts in a wide context and to broaden your skill base. You will learn in a practical environment and will be taught by highly qualified industry professionals.

You will perform in the theatre and rehearse in our dance studios, surrounded by music, creative arts and media students and staff.

What will I study?

This is a 1 year, Level 2 Performing Arts course and expects participation in all three main general areas of the performing arts: Dance, Drama & Singing. ​

Units studied might include: Acting Skills, Dance Skills, Physical Theatre, Devising Plays, Dance Performance, Individual Showcase, Musical Theatre, Business in the Performing Arts, Jazz Dance, Contemporary Dance and Community Theatre.

We believe that it is important to support you so that you can pursue a future in the performing arts, so the course will include helping you to improve and develop your communication skills with additional Functional Skills (English & Maths) qualification study. You will receive group and individual tutorial support to keep you on track and if needed additional learning support is available.

How will I be taught?

You will be in college for at four days. You will learn through practical classes and workshops. There will be some theory sessions and you will be expected to write evaluations of practical work and take part in group discussion - sometimes lecturer led, sometimes student led.

What modules are covered?

Dance Skills
Acting Skills
Musical Theatre Skills
Individual Showcase
Devising Plays
Jazz Dance
Performance in Context
Preparation, Performance and Production
The Performing Arts Industry

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed continually through practical project work, coursework, written assignments and through giving presentations. Practical assessment will include some public performances but also closed in-class presentation and workshop assessment. ​There will be one on-line test as part of the main programme. You are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What training will be provided?

You will be trained practically and theoretically in Dance, Musical Theatre and Acting Skills. The BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at Level 2 is a vocational qualification offered in the United Kingdom.

What Next?

If you achieve a Merit (with some Distinctions) or Distinction and good attendance and attitude you will be able to progress to the three A Level equivalent Level 3 qualification in Performing Arts.

This qualification is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career or further education in the field of performing arts, with a focus on dance. Here's some more information about this qualification:

BTEC First Diploma:

BTEC stands for "Business and Technology Education Council," which is an organization that offers vocational and technical qualifications. The BTEC First Diploma is a Level 2 qualification in the UK's National Qualifications Framework. It is typically taken by students aged 14 to 16, often in secondary education (Key Stage 4).

Performing Arts (Dance) Focus:

This specific BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) is centred around dance as a performing art form. The course likely covers a range of dance styles, techniques, choreography, performance skills, and related theoretical concepts.

Level 2 Equivalence:

The qualification is recognized as being at Level 2, which indicates a moderate level of complexity and knowledge. The statement you provided ("equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C") implies that successful completion of this BTEC course is considered equivalent to achieving good grades in four separate GCSE subjects.

Content and Assessment:

BTEC qualifications typically have a practical and vocational focus. Students are often required to complete assignments, projects, and assessments that reflect real-world skills and scenarios. In the context of the BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), students may be assessed through practical dance performances, choreography assignments, written reflections, and possibly group projects.

Further Education and Careers:

This BTEC qualification can serve as a foundation for further education in performing arts or related fields, such as dance, drama, or musical theatre. It may also prepare students for entry-level roles within the performing arts industry, although more advanced positions might require higher-level qualifications.

Validation and Recognition:

BTEC qualifications are well-regarded in vocational and technical education circles and are recognized by many universities, colleges, and employers. However, recognition and equivalences might vary depending on the institution and its specific requirements. It's important to research and confirm the specific details of the BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) Level 2 program offered by the institution you're interested in. This will ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information about the course content, assessment methods, and potential career or education pathways it can lead to.

This course is designed for 16-18-year-olds who aspire to make dance their professional career, be it working in the West End, dancing for companies, cruises, cabaret shows, or even dancing alongside their favourite pop artist. There are many options for a professional dance career.

The qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.
This two-year course will provide the high-quality dance training needed to set solid foundations in contemporary dance, commercial dance, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, tap, singing, acting, choreography, community dance, fitness, and more.

In Dance Associate, we place teaching and learning at the heart of what we do. All of our staff are still working in the industry to ensure our students get current training that is relevant and effective.

During each year of training, our students have the opportunity to audition for roles in pantomimes, take part in showcase performances, attend theatre performances and go on the field trip.

Course Outline
There are 3 mandatory units and 1 optional unit to complete over the 2-year course. The qualification is mainly a practical course with elements of written assessments.
The mandatory units in Year 1 provide students with theoretical knowledge about practitioners and works, and the optional unit in Year 2 provides students with the opportunity to build and develop practical skills, both technical and performance skills.

Year 1 – Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners Work
This is a theory-based unit where students investigate the work of dance practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. The unit is assessed externally through a 3-hour research-based written task under controlled conditions.

Year 1 – Unit 2: Developing Skill and Techniques for Live Performance
Students explore technical and performance skills with a focus on developing different styles and techniques. Students will perform in at least two different performance styles. The unit is assessed internally through a portfolio including a written report, a practical performance.

Year 2 – Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Students will explore creative skills and work collaboratively to create a dance performance in response to a given stimulus. The unit is assessed externally through a 5-hour research and performance tasks created under controlled conditions and includes a group performance and a digital log.

Year 2 – Unit 4: Optional Unit
An optional unit will be studied from a choice of dance styles. The optional units are assessed internally by the teachers in the centre.