Grade 10 Dance Studies is an exciting and physically engaging subject that combines practical dance training with theoretical knowledge. The curriculum focuses on developing technique in a specific dance major, exploring improvisation and choreography, and understanding dance history and literacy. To ensure you stay on track with your studies, it is essential to consult the full Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 Dance Studies Grade 10 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial Orientation and Fitness in Term 1 to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
Download ATP Here in pdf format
Download ATP HereDance Studies Grade 10 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, ensuring comprehensive coverage of practical dance classes, improvisation, choreography, and dance theory.
Download: Dance Studies Grade 10 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: Practical Class, Improvisation, and History
Focus: The first term introduces learners to the FET subject requirements, focusing on body conditioning, basic dance technique, and the purpose of dance in society.
- Weeks 1–7: Practical Class and Integrated Theory
- Conditioning: Warm-up routines, developing components of fitness (core stability, strength, endurance, flexibility), and safe stretching.
- Technique: Understanding posture, stance, alignment, balance, and control.
- Improvisation: Trust-building exercises, exploring music genres, and using props.
- Theory: Defining dance, understanding why people dance (social, ritual, entertainment), and building a glossary of terminology.
- Weeks 8–11: Assessment
- Task 1: Written Test (50 Marks) and Evaluation Task (50 Marks) covering theory and practical progress.
Term 2: Technique Consolidation and Improvisation Process
Focus: The second term deepens technical training in the chosen dance major and begins the process for the Practical Assessment Task (PAT) involving improvisation and choreography.
- Weeks 1–8: Technique and PAT Process
- Technique: Complex steps, combinations across space, safe landings, and spotting.
- Improvisation (PAT Process): Guided improvisation based on a brief, experimenting with dance elements (space, time, force), and selecting movement vocabulary.
- History: Exploring different dance forms (cultural vs. theatrical) and viewing professional dance works.
- Weeks 9–11: Assessment
- Task 2: Written Test (80 Marks) and Practical Test (80 Marks) covering technique and unseen improvisation.
- PAT Process: Ongoing assessment of the choreography process (50 Marks).
Term 3: Choreography Product and Indigenous Dance
Focus: Term 3 is dedicated to finalizing the choreography product (PAT) and learning a South African indigenous group dance.
- Weeks 1–8: Choreography and Performance
- PAT Product: Finalizing the dance work, including music selection, beginning/ending, and presentation using technology or live performance.
- Indigenous Dance: Learning a South African popular indigenous group dance (e.g., Pantsula, Gumboot, Volkspele).
- Theory: History of the dance major and reflection on the choreography process.
- Weeks 9–11: Assessment
- Task 3: Research Task (50 Marks) on a current SA dance company/artist and PAT Product Assessment (50 Marks).
Term 4: Revision and Final Examinations
Focus: The final term consolidates all practical and theoretical knowledge, refining the indigenous dance for the final exam and revising theory for the written paper. For additional practice materials, visit our Grade 10 Past Papers section.
- Weeks 1–5: Consolidation and Revision
- Practical: Refining technical classwork and the South African indigenous group dance.
- Improvisation: Practice for unseen improvisation in the final exam.
- Theory: Revision of all topics: anatomy (fitness), dance history, safe dance practice, and analysis of dance works.
- Assessment: End-of-Year Examinations
- Paper 1 (Written – 100 Marks): Anatomy/Health care, Dance History/Literacy, Music theory.
- Paper 2 (Practical – 100 Marks):
- Technical Classwork (50 Marks).
- South African Indigenous Group Dance (30 Marks).
- Unseen Improvisation (20 Marks).
FAQ: Dance Studies Grade 10
Q: Do I need previous dance experience for Grade 10 Dance Studies?
A: While beneficial, it is not strictly required. The curriculum starts with foundational techniques, but you must be willing to work hard on fitness and flexibility to catch up.
Q: What is the PAT in Dance Studies?
A: The PAT (Practical Assessment Task) involves creating your own dance composition (choreography). You will document the process in Term 2 and perform the final product in Term 3.
Q: What kind of dance do we do?
A: You will specialize in one “Dance Major” (e.g., Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, or African Dance) for your technical training, but you will also learn about other dance forms and a specific South African indigenous dance.