Quick Start Checklist

1. Before using the grader, ensure you have these key elements ready:
   1. Research Question - Clear, focused dance question that allows for extended investigation and choreographic analysis
   2. Dance Focus - Must be firmly based on dance studies covering choreographic techniques, dance theory, or dance history
   3. Dance Sources - Mix of primary sources (dance works, performances) and secondary sources (dance criticism, academic literature)
   4. Dance Analysis - Extended critical evaluation of choreographic evidence with movement analysis and theoretical application
   5. Word Count Verification - Maximum 4,000 words (excluding bibliography, footnotes, and appendices)
   6. Complete Structure - Introduction, Investigation, Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, and Reflections
   7. Supervisor Meetings - Evidence of 3 mandatory reflection sessions with your EE supervisor
   8. Dance Terminology - Demonstration of dance vocabulary, technical understanding, and analytical skills

Rubric Breakdown

The IB Dance EE is assessed using five criteria, totalling 34 marks.

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

1. This criterion tests how clear and focused your dance research question is.
2. It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for dance investigation.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

1. This evaluates your grasp of dance concepts and choreographic knowledge.
2. It tests how well you apply dance theory and demonstrate dance expertise.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

1. This is the most important criterion - worth 35% of your total grade.
2. It assesses your ability to analyze choreography, evaluate dance arguments, and synthesize dance findings.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

1. This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
2. It includes structure, dance communication, and adherence to academic conventions.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

1. This tests your personal engagement with the dance research process.
2. It's based on your reflection sessions and demonstrates your intellectual development.

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

1. The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
2. Here's how to interpret your results:
   1. 24-28marks (Grade A territory): Excellent work with sophisticated dance research. Minor refinements needed.
   2. 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good choreographic analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and theoretical synthesis.
   3. 14-18marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen dance analysis and evidence evaluation.
   4. 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and dance understanding.
   5. Below 9 marks (Grade E): Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen dance fundamentals.

Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark

IB Extended Essay grade boundaries are consistent across subjects but can vary slightly by session:

Subject-Specific Tips

Choreographer Focus:

1. Investigate choreographic style, technique development, thematic content, or career evolution.
2. Include biographical context, movement analysis, comparative works, and critical reception.

Cultural Dance Focus:

1. Examine traditional forms, cultural significance, ritual contexts, or contemporary adaptations.
2. Use anthropological perspective, cultural theory, historical context, and community analysis.

Technical Analysis Focus:

1. Study movement principles, training methods, anatomical considerations, or technique evolution.
2. Include biomechanical analysis, pedagogical approaches, physical conditioning, and injury prevention.

Dance History Focus:

1. Investigate historical periods, dance evolution, social influences, or political contexts.
2. Use primary historical sources, period analysis, social commentary, and cultural documentation.

Contemporary Practice Focus:

1. Analyze current trends, fusion styles, technology integration, or interdisciplinary work.
2. Include contemporary theory, performance analysis, audience studies, and critical discourse.

Dance and Society Focus:

1. Study social movements, gender representation, political expression, or community engagement.
2. Use sociological analysis, political theory, feminist perspectives, and cultural studies.

1. How many dance works should I analyze?
   1. Quality over quantity - 2-4 works analyzed in depth better than superficial coverage of many pieces.
2. Can I focus on non-Western dance forms?
   1. Absolutely - diverse cultural perspectives provide rich research opportunities with unique analytical challenges.
3. Should I include dance history?
   1. Where relevant - historical context strengthens analysis but shouldn't dominate the investigation.
4. What dance theory should I use?
   1. Choose theory appropriate to your research question - embodiment, cultural, feminist, phenomenological.
5. How technical should my analysis be?
   1. Use appropriate dance terminology but explain technical concepts for educated non-specialist readers.
6. Can I analyze my own choreography?
   1. Not recommended - focus on established works with existing scholarship and critical discourse.
7. Should I include choreographer interviews?
   1. Where available - primary sources from choreographers provide valuable insights into creative processes.
8. What about performance reviews?
   1. Critical reviews and audience reception can support arguments about dance impact and cultural significance.
9. How do I handle live vs. recorded performances?
   1. Both valid - live performance offers immediate experience while recordings allow detailed analysis.
10. What makes a Dance EE exceptional?
    1. Sophisticated movement analysis, theoretical application, cultural understanding, comparative methodology, and original insights.

Use the Free Dance Extended Essay Grader Now

1. Stop guessing about your grade.
2. The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your EE against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
3. Input your project details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
4. Dance-specific analysis helps you master the movement analysis and theoreti