Dance Academy

The Dance Academy is a leading specialist for dance at Key Stage 5 in Kent. The quality of the training given is recognised by practitioners and higher education providers. Our sixth form students have regular opportunities to engage in community dance and work alongside industry professionals through project work and residencies.

Through dance, our aim is to develop self-belief, resilience, and the ability to experience positive social relationships. We work hard to nurture and create a positive environment where people and ideas can succeed. It is our mission to instil and inspire all our young people to reach their personal goals and aspirations. We aim to contribute to our community not only great dancers, but good people. We provide the skills for our young people to thrive and experience success beyond the Academy and into the wider dance community.

Our Innovative faculty of staff nurture and support the training of versatile dancers from a basic level of life enhancement to those who enter professional training. The Dance Academy has three studios directly linked to the school's Theatre to enhance performance opportunities for all students.

“Herne Bay High’s dance department has a reputation for producing high achieving performers as well as a fun and friendly learning environment”

Vienna Gasson – Former HBH student currently studying Musical Theatre at Performers

The Dance Programme

You will spend most of your time in our three dance studios where you will be supported by passionate and experienced teachers. You will be challenged to develop technically and creatively as a dancer and as a performer and choreographer.

You will take part in a range of classes; study dance from a historical, social and political viewpoint; and engage in performance and choreography projects.

You will have access to:

• Support from your Dance Academy mentor group plus individual advisory sessions
• Key skills refresher workshops and Supervised study sessions
• Personal Development sessions including guidance for those wishing to pursue a career in the dance industry (support in gaining places at higher education institutions)
• Opportunities to develop teaching and leadership skills through our dance mentors scheme 
• Rehearsal space
• Enrichment Opportunities to watch professional live dance 
• Close links and partnerships with The London Contemporary Dance School, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, The University of Chichester, and De Montfort University. 
• Project work and residencies with companies such as Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Jasmin Vardimon Company, James Wilton Dance, Motionhouse, The Ruggeds and The Sleeping Trees. 
• Performance opportunities in the school’s Bay Theatre, local community, and professional performance venues 

“Dance at HBHS has taught me so much more than just technique and creativity; it allowed me to feel safe and comfortable enough to interact and work with others of all ages and abilities”

Ben Curtis – Former student at HBH. Currently studying MA in Contemporary Dance with EDGE at London Contemporary Dance School

Course Information

What will I study?

We offer several dance pathways, allowing you to gain knowledge, skills and technique at a pace suited to you.  There are options to study dance full time or part time along with other A levels offered at Herne Bay High.

“The Herne Bay High School Dance department has helped me to not just become a better dancer it has allowed me to become a better person. Dance also taught me discipline, an eagerness to learn and that there is always room to improve”

Elliot Eve former HBHS Student, currently studying dance at The London Contemporary Dance School

Dance Pathway Level 3 - BTEC National Extended Certificate in Performance- Dance  

This is a two-year qualification that is equivalent in size to one A Level.  This course aims to provide you with key knowledge and understanding of the Performing Arts industry.  It develops career opportunities as well as access to further or higher education courses.  The course focuses mainly on performance skills and practical work.  All students will investigate and experience the skills required to present and perform in productions.  

Alongside dance, you will study other subjects chosen from the option blocks. 

Full Dance Pathway Level 3 - BTEC National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts  

This is a two-year qualification that is the equivalent in size to three A Levels and will fill your timetable. This course aims to provide students with key knowledge and understanding of Dance and Performing Arts industry.  It develops career opportunities as well as access to further or higher education courses.  The course focuses mainly on performance skills and practical work.  All students will investigate and experience the skills required to present and perform in productions.  The course will challenge you to develop technically and creatively. By the end of the course, you will have knowledge of different dance styles and techniques and will have developed new skills to help you follow your passion for a career in dance.

“This department has given me many opportunities to work with professional choreographers and companies, teaching younger children, making connections and most of all finding myself”

Kloee Worboyes former HBHS student now studying dance at the University of Chichester

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods will be used to include case studies, assignments and work-based assessments, along with projects, performance observation and time-constrained assessments. 

Entry requirements

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades in the range of 9-4, including Dance and Drama. (Minimum Grade 4) Maths, English (Minimum grade 4). Students are encouraged to take part in the school dance companies and productions.

Future opportunities and careers

A high proportion of our students have gone on to study dance at degree level at the following higher education institutions: 

The London Contemporary Dance School, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, The University of Chichester, De Montfort University, Performers College, Canterbury Christchurch University, Falmouth University, Bath Spa University, Kingston University and University of Surrey.

“I was pushed out of my comfort zone so I could believe in myself, grow and achieve things I didn’t think were possible before. The teachers are so passionate and pour their everything into the subject, to make it an enjoyable and life changing experience for everyone involved. Its definitely a place you feel you never want to leave, and you’ll take part of it with you when you do”

Jasmin Gransom former HBHS student, Studied dance at De Montfort University

How to apply

Applications are made via Kent Choices and are submitted following our Post 16 Information Evening on Wednesday 22nd November. Our application window is open from 23rd November 2023 - 2nd February 2024. For full details on applying to join Herne Bay High School Sixth Form, please click here.

Please contact the Dance Academy at danceacademy@hernebayhigh.org should you require further information.