Dance · IB SL
IB Dance SL — 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.
IB Dance SL community
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Dance SL chapters
10 topics · free- 1.1Composition and analysis
- 1.2Choreographic principles and dance elements
- 1.3Analysing and documenting choreography
- 1.4Motif development and choreographic devices
- 2.1Dance investigation
- 2.2Comparative study and research writing
- 2.3World dance forms and cultural context
- 3.1Performance
- 3.2Performance portfolio and reflection
- 3.3Performance preparation and stagecraft
Papers in Dance SL
- CompositionSL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- InvestigationSL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- PerformanceSL
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 SL?
- IB Dance at SL 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 SL past papers?
- Browse every recent Dance SL 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.