Sixth Form Subjects - Spotlight on A-Level Dance
Deliberating your A Level subjects? We asked some KTS Sixth Form alumni why they chose A-Level Dance as one of their Sixth Form subjects, what they enjoyed about the course, and what they are doing now.
Beth McCallion, KTS Sixth Form Alumni (2021-2024)
What did you study whilst at KTS Sixth Form?
- I studied A-level Biology, Dance, Chemistry and Geography.
What are you doing/where are you now?
- I am now studying BSc Biology at the University of Leeds.
What encouraged you to study A Level Dance?
- I love dance! I wanted to be able to study something I love so much, and it was a key reason I came to Knights for sixth form. I also found out that it had lots of essays, and the skills I learnt from that have helped so much at uni. I also thought that I'd regret it if I never tried learning Dance in a more academic environment when I had the chance, and I'm so glad I did.
What is your favourite memory of A level Dance?
- My favourite memory of A-level Dance was the gym and dance display, as well as being involved in big collaborations in general, like the school play.
What would you say to anyone thinking about taking A Level dance?
- Do it!! The practical work is so interesting with so many different choreographers' styles, and the theory work (whilst being very interesting) was also helpful in teaching me essay writing and analysis skills that are very useful at uni. It's also nice to be involved in whole-school productions, such as the play, and get to know people in other year groups. Because the classes are usually quite small, you also get really personalised comments and corrections. My dancing improved significantly, and we also had the opportunity to work together extensively, which made everyone's choreography enjoyable - exploring different ideas and themes, as well as observing how different people choreograph and learn dances.
“Keep Dancing” Are you still Dancing?
- Yes, I am! I'm currently the Show Captain for Leeds Uni Ballet Society, as well as a member of the modern society. I organise all the society's performances for other societies and events and run our 3-night show in March. I've met a lot of my close friends through the society, and it's amazing to be able to continue dancing whilst doing my degree.
Lauren Peters, KTS Sixth Form Alumni (2020-2025)
What did you study whilst at KTS Sixth Form?
- I studied A-level Dance and Sports Studies - Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
What are you doing/where are you now?
- I am now studying for a BA (hons) degree in Professional Commercial Dance and Performance at Dancebox Studios and Theatre Works.
What encouraged you to study A Level Dance?
- I danced as a hobby outside of school since I was 9 and had a strong passion for it where I knew I wanted to go into the dance industry, just not in what capacity at this point. After doing GCSE dance, I chose to take A level dance as my goal was to follow a career in dance. I knew it would benefit me and that I would be able to learn new things.
What is your favourite memory of A level Dance?
- My favourite memory of A-level Dance was the Gym & Dance display where we did two performances and multiple dances in different styles. Another favourite memory was performing to our examiner for our final practical assessment which brought all the hard work together after the past two years.
What would you say to anyone thinking about taking A Level dance?
- I can recommend for you to choose dance if you love dancing and performing and share a passion for the industry. There are multiple performance opportunities which means there’s always something to work on.
“Keep Dancing” Are you still Dancing?
- Studying my degree, I dance 9-5pm 5 days of the week, training with multiple industry professionals. I take classes in multiple styles, some of which are totally new to me.
