Dance · IB HL
IB Dance HL — papers & markbands
Composition, dance investigation, and performance — choreography and embodied analysis. Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Dance HL chapters
10 topics · free- 1.1Composition and analysis — choreography
- 1.2Choreographic principles — structure and form
- 1.3Dance elements — body, action, space, time, energy
- 1.4Notation, recording and analysing choreography
- 2.1Dance investigation — world dance
- 2.2Comparative study of two dance cultures
- 2.3Research methods and academic writing for dance
- 3.1Performance — technique and expression
- 3.2Solo dance theatre — site, context and intention
- 3.3Performance portfolio and reflective statement
Papers in Dance HL
- CompositionHL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- InvestigationHL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- PerformanceHL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Dance HL?
- IB Dance at HL is assessed by Composition, Investigation, Performance, plus internal assessment. Composition, dance investigation, and performance — choreography and embodied analysis.
- How is IB Dance marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Dance HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Dance HL exam series on our IB Dance past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Dance course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Dance course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Dance resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.