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Teaching guide: Set phrases

Each of our four set phrases demonstrate how students can apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to perform choreographic content accurately.

Please refer to the AQA specification for details of how the set phrases should be used for student performances.

To accurately perform each set phrase, students must be able to interpret and replicate the following forms of content shown in each set phrase:

  • action
  • dynamic
  • spatial.

Each of the set phrases is choreographed and performed by Nikki O’Hara.

Set phrase 1: Breathe

Set phrase 2: Flux

Set phrase 3: Shift

Set phrase 4: Scoop 

Set phrase workshops

During the spring term, we’ll be running set phrase workshops, delivered by an AQA expert and approved trainers. You can: 

  • learn the set phrases, and deliver them with confidence
  • cover key aspects of performance required for success at GCSE
  • get feedback on dance performance in relation to assessment.

Check back here for workshop dates, or check our professional development pages

About Nikki O’Hara

Nikki graduated from Bird College with a first class degree in Dance and Theatre Performance. She has since worked with many dance theatres, and performed at corporate events and the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. She also produces her own work as All Play.

Nikki holds a PGCE qualification in further education and has a varied teaching career in secondary education and vocational establishments, where she currently teaches jazz and contemporary at Bird College and is Head of Contemporary at Performers College. 

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