In Year 7, the students are introduced to the basic rules and safety considerations needed to participate effectively in a secondary dance lesson. They are encouraged to work cooperatively and creatively to engage in free exploration and expressive movement styles. As they learn, they develop an understanding and application of movement motifs and choreographic devices. Over the course of the year, they learn how to take responsibility for other dancers and how to use contact safely.

Amongst many other starting points for creative dance, the students learn to employ the principles of Martial Arts to extend and develop their movement vocabulary. Under close supervision, they learn to focus and strengthen their bodies using a taught, then adapted Karate Kata. Students watch and discuss scenes from The LXD’s ‘Matrix Dance’ before applying the concepts of action/reaction to develop dynamic movement phrases to share with the class.

In their final Unit of Work, the Year 7 dancers explore the key features of Parkour. Students develop their understanding of transitions and explore how to travel safely through the dance space. They create exciting phrases, demonstrating ways to travel over, under and around a partner, creating performance work which is then videoed and analysed.

Throughout the year, the students are taught how to apply success criteria and analyse and appreciate dance performance and choreography. Moreover, they are encouraged to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their own and others performances

In Year 8, students enjoy the opportunity to build on the key skills established in Year 7. They explore a variety of creative stimuli to develop their understanding of contact, counter-tension and counter-balance. Choreographing collaboratively, they use an array of exciting dance props, including: broom handles, ropes and chairs.

Throughout their learning, the Year 8 dancers will be encouraged to extend and refine their movement vocabulary and use a greater range of sophisticated choreographic devices to communicate ideas and intentions. Over time, they will develop an appreciation of professional dances. They will explore work by Hope Boykin from the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Diversity and Christopher Bruce's award-winning dance 'Swansong.' Here, the students will examine the socio-political issues surrounding the themes of interrogation and social injustice to build dynamic and expressive dances.

Throughout the year, the students are encouraged to adopt the role of lead choreographer. They are taught to use key terminology to reflect upon and analyse complex movement sequences and choreographed phrases. Furthermore, they are guided to share their reflections with the class and suggest ways in which their own and other’s work can be improved.

The extracurricular dance programme aims to provide opportunities for students to grow as choreographers, performers and as stage managers. Mixed and same-gender dance groups run weekly to explore ideas and prepare for up and coming performances and projects. The Year 7 and 8 dance club work with the Royal Academy of Dance to explore a variety of exciting and engaging dance styles including Contemporary dance, Capoeira, and Fusion Dance.

St Matthew Academy work alongside Trinity Laban to raise the profile of dance across the school and beyond. During the lockdown of 2020, our year 8 students enjoyed being put through their paces by a professional choreographer to produce an exciting piece as part of Live @ Trinity Laban. The project involved working collaboratively with a music department and professional artists.