Dance

Head of Dance Mrs A. Mathews

Dance is very popular at Kent College and clubs are in operation for all year groups which are very well attended. The aim of the clubs is to enjoy the experience of dancing, develop each individual's ability and work towards various performance pieces. A number of dance styles are looked at and developed including Jazz, Street, Modern, Rock and Roll, Contemporary and Capoeira.

Various dance festivals and shows are held throughout the year. The gymnastics and dance show in the Autumn term combines gymnastics and dance to form an entertaining evening of apparatus work, ribbons, contemporary and many other dance styles. This term also plays host to our annual 'Joy to the World' concert at Christmas in which dance plays a major role and dances are choreographed to predominantly seasonal songs.

Another annual event is 'The Canterbury Schools' Dance Festival. This is hosted each year by Kent College to celebrate and appreciate dance works within the area. A number of local Primary and Secondary schools are invited to attend and perform dance works that they have choreographed or used in their own shows or examination related subjects. This gives all involved an opportunity to perform on stage (with a professional dance floor) in front of a large audience; something they may not have experienced in their own schools.

The Summer Term plays host to our Junior School Dance Show, which is always a big hit!

Because of this show's popularity, dances are selected by means of a dance competition, as well as by choosing pieces developed during dance clubs and curricular lessons.

As well as playing a key role in our school Drama Productions, dances are also selected throughout the year for performance in Chapel. A number of visits to the theatre take place throughout the year to see the work of well known choreographers and dance companies, including the Rambert and Richard Alston Dance Companies, Cholmondeleys and Featherstonehaughs and the Henri Oguike Dance Company. Dance at Kent College is compulsory for Years 7, 8 and 9 and is taught in four-week blocks, exploring a range of dance styles. In Year 10, dance is optional and taught in a half term block. It is also optional for seniors, although it is taught across two terms.      

The Introduction of GCSE Dance - GCSE Dance was introduced in September 2004 and has been a great success so far. Students have learnt to develop a greater variety of styles and their choreographic skills have improved considerably. They have focused on enhancing their composition, performance and appreciation skills and have studied professional dance works in order to develop these skills. We have seen some aspiring practical performances since the course was introduced and hope to see this continue.

“ Dance GCSE taught me how to express myself. I learnt about many different dance genres and styles. Dance has increased my level of confidence and enabled me to perform competently in front of an audience ”
Chloe, Year 12

“ Dancing is a way of life which I love and there are so many opportunities here to make the most of ”
Emily, Year 11

“ When I dance I feel really alive. I've been dancing for very many years now and I have always loved it. It is a great sport and it is fun to do ”
Emily, Year 7