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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Dance 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 11

Performance

In Performance students develop, adapt and apply dance technique to perform dance works in different styles and contexts. Students demonstrate the conventions of performance, the roles and responsibilities of the performer, the specific details of the dance work being performed, and the skills to demonstrate them through performance. Students learn about safe dance practice and dance technique, manipulate the elements of dance, and study the choreographer’s organisation of the movement to interpret and effectively communicate the intent.

Context
  • Demonstrate the conventions of contemporary dance practice, including class protocols, behaviour and responsibilities

  • Explain how context influences the choice of accompaniment, the intent and the application of the components of performance in dance works

  • Use the language of dance performance, including context, dance technique, kinaesthetic awareness, elements of dance, auditory elements, structure and interpretation

  • Analyse the relationship between context, intent, style, dance technique and interpretation

  • Demonstrate the stylistic features of dance works specific to context

  • Demonstrate dance technique and kinaesthetic awareness to communicate the choreographer’s intent specific to context

  • Reflect critically on the performance of a dance work relative to context

The dancing body
  • Explain the relationship between skeletal structures, major muscle groups, and the safe execution of movement

  • Demonstrate alignment, control, strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination relative to personal anatomical structure

  • Apply dance technique and demonstrate kinaesthetic awareness to express a range of emotions, ideas and intents

  • Perform complex combinations of body skills relative to anatomical structure

  • Interpret and communicate the intent in contrasting dance styles

  • Reflect critically on the demonstration of dance technique and kinaesthetic awareness in order to refine personal interpretation of the choreographer’s intent

Elements of dance
  • Manipulate the elements of dance to achieve the desired interpretation in dance works

  • Identify and demonstrate the relationship between the elements of dance and the auditory elements necessary to achieve the desired interpretation

  • Control and manipulate the elements of dance to demonstrate the stylistic features of a selected dance work

  • Reflect critically on the control and manipulation of the elements of dance in order to refine the stylistic features in dance works

Structure
  • Identify the structure of a dance work to refine the performer’s interpretation and communication of the intent

  • Analyse the auditory elements of the accompaniment and identify their relationship to the structure of the dance work to interpret and communicate the choreographer’s intent

  • Perform a structured dance work

  • Reflect critically on the relationship between auditory elements and structure in order to communicate the intent in dance works

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