Dance

Dance I welcomes students of all experience levels to explore movement as a form of expression, communication, and collaboration. Through ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, contemporary, West African, and Latin styles, students build a strong technical foundation while developing a rich dance vocabulary and an understanding of dance history.

The course blends technique with creativity, guiding students in musical interpretation, choreographic composition, and reflective self-assessment. Along the way, they strengthen balance, flexibility, and overall fitness through pilates-based exercises and effective stretching.

Beyond movement, students cultivate essential life skills—communication, problem-solving, perseverance, leadership—and contribute to a supportive, inclusive classroom community. Dance I students participate in one full dance production each semester, including a dress/technical rehearsal and two theater performances as their final exam.

Dance II builds on the foundation of Dance I, welcoming students with prior experience ready to deepen their technique and creativity. At an advanced beginner to intermediate level, students expand their dance vocabulary through ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, contemporary styles, and pilates-based conditioning.

The course challenges dancers with complex technical exercises, choreography, and musical interpretation while strengthening performance skills and expressive abilities. Students develop choreographic artistry through improvisation, analysis, and critique.

Dancers also take on expanded creative roles—choreographing pieces, shaping show concepts, contributing to costume and music design, and performing in school events like Preview Day and the Arts Alive Showcase. Collaboration, leadership, and supportive peer feedback foster a positive, inclusive studio environment.

Dance II students participate in two full productions each year, applying theater etiquette and deepening their appreciation for the performing arts.

Dance IV is designed for students with prior experience in Dance III or by audition and encourages participation in after-school programs. At an advanced intermediate to advanced level, students expand their dance vocabulary and repertoire in ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop while refining technical skills and building confidence in performance and choreography.

Students develop solo audition skills for Dance Honors, applying principles of body alignment, core strength, extended lines, musicality, and expressive movement. They also explore space, time, and energy through collaborative projects, choreograph original works, and teach their creations to peers with clarity and creativity.

Performance opportunities and events allow students to showcase their skills, while reflection, analysis, and critique of both personal and professional work support continued growth as dancers and choreographers.

Dance Honors is designed for advanced dancers with strong performance experience and technique in ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Ideal for students pursuing dance at the collegiate level or beyond, the course emphasizes fast-paced learning, choreography creation, and translating emotional and dramatic content into personal performance.

Students audition with a self-choreographed solo and may perform solos in productions. They refine advanced movement and perceptual skills, express meaning through dance, and teach choreography to peers. The course continues to build technical expertise, artistic understanding, and critical thinking while fostering effective communication, collaboration, and goal-setting.

Opportunities include community performances, partnerships with other high school dance programs, master classes, workshops, and observation and critique of professional work, providing a comprehensive, immersive experience for serious dancers.