DANCE

• Dance 1 – In Dance 1, students will be introduced to a variety of dance disciplines with an emphasis on the specific styles and techniques of Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance.  Throughout the course, students will gain movement and performance skills with an emphasis on proper and healthful body alignment, as well as an historical overview of the development of dance and its relationships to political, cultural, and social issues.  Students will study the terminology of dance and other related fields.  In addition, students will view, analyze, and evaluate the works of choreographers from traditional, contemporary, and world dance forms.  By studying the choreographic processes of others and by participating in improvisation and compositional studies, students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create dance both alone and in groups.  Completion of this course will prepare students for future study in Dance 2.
• Dance 2 – In Dance 2, students will refine and develop their technical skills in a variety of dance disciplines with an emphasis on the specific styles of Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance.  Throughout the course, students will gain proficiency in these advanced movement skills and will begin to develop artistry in their dancing.  Students will also expand their knowledge of dance history and dance terminology.  Additionally, an emphasis will be placed on composition and choreography; including exploration of the creative process.  Finally, students will have the opportunity to display their skills as well as to learn about all aspects of dance production (audition, rehearsal, and performance) by participating in a dance performance.  Completion of Dance 2 will prepare students for future study in Dance Production and Dancer’s Studio.
• Dance Production – In Dance Production, students will experience an in-depth study in the art of dance and dance production.  Students will refine their technical skills in the advanced levels of Ballet and Jazz, with an emphasis on Modern Dance, Creative Movement, and Improvisation.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to create choreography and gain personal experience in the role of choreographer and director as they create, cast, teach, rehearse, perform, and produce their own dance concert.  Students will also continue to develop artistry and performance skills in many styles of dance by participating in all aspects of the annual Dance Department Performance.
• Dancers’ Studio – This course is designed for students who have completed Dance I and II and desire an intensive study in the art of dance and career pathways in dance.  This course will help to prepare students with an interest in dance or dance related careers by developing audition skills, (including the creation and performance of an audition solo) resume writing, introductory teaching experience and a continued exploration of the creative process.  Dancers will refine their skills and develop artistry in the professional levels of Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance with an additional focus on Lyrical and Contemporary Dance Styles.  Students will also participate in the Annual Dance Department Concert.