Curriculum
The Dance program follows a rigorous conservatory approach with an 80 minute ballet class and an 80 minute modern class each day. All studio classes are accompanied by live music. Supplementary courses include:
Survival Skills for Freshmen
Dance History for Sophomores
Choreography and Theater Dance for Juniors
Career Management for Seniors
Repertory for Seniors
Ballet Technique
Ballet Technique
Ballet Technique
Ballet 1A and 2A
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of classical ballet for the entering student with little or limited previous study and experience. Emphasis is placed on fundamental principles of ballet technique: correct body placement, alignment, turn-out, transfer of weight, muscle strength, flexi
Ballet 1A and 2A
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of classical ballet for the entering student with little or limited previous study and experience. Emphasis is placed on fundamental principles of ballet technique: correct body placement, alignment, turn-out, transfer of weight, muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality and classical port de bras. Students will learn and practice in detail the mechanics, dynamics and artistic qualities of basic ballet movements and develop self-discipline and a professional attitude.
Ballet 1B AND 2B
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of classical ballet for the entering student with previous study and experience. Students will work on refining their knowledge and execution of proper turnout and correct placement and alignment; these concepts will be integrated through the entire class. Students will learn and practice in detail the mechanics, dynamics and artistic qualities of ballet movements and develop self-discipline and a professional attitude.
Ballet 3 and 4
GRADE: 10
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Ballet 1A and 2A OR 2A and 2B
An in-depth study of the foundation of classical ballet technique mastered in the freshmen year with an emphasis on increasing physical, technical, musical and artistic expectations and skill. Students are also introduced to specific musical concepts that aid in the execution of their movement.
Ballet 5 and 6
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Ballet 3 and 4
The extension of in-depth study mastered in sophomore year with a strong emphasis on more complex coordination, technical skill, musicality and artistic expression.
Ballet 7 and 8
GRADE: 12
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Ballet 5 and 6
Senior year, a greater emphasis is placed on developing a harmonious balance between clarity of movement, mastery of the complexity and versatility of advanced level ballet technique, musicality, artistry and professionalism. Students are expected to become competitive for auditions to dance colleges and to be able to address the technical and behavioral demands of an advanced level class in the industry
Modern Technique
Ballet Technique
Ballet Technique
Modern 1 and 2
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: None
An introduction to the concept of modern dance through the technique developed by Martha Graham. By practicing floor work, standing work and traveling phrases in the Graham style, students will pay close attention to gesture, breath, focus and attack.
Modern 1 and 2
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: None
An introduction to the concept of modern dance through the technique developed by Martha Graham. By practicing floor work, standing work and traveling phrases in the Graham style, students will pay close attention to gesture, breath, focus and attack.
Modern 3 and 4
GRADE: 10
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Modern 1 and 2
A continuation of the study of the Graham technique of modern dance. Emphasis is placed on increased technical strength and vocabulary. During the sophomore year, students will also be introduced to the dance technique of José Limón.
Modern 5 and 6
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Modern 3 and 4
The study of advanced-intermediate work added to previous work in the Graham technique and Limón technique in Freshman and Sophomore years. The student is expected to master extensive knee work and standing falls. In the Junior year students will be introduced to the dance technique of Lester Horton. Students will execute complex technical and musical combinations with knowledge of stage and musical terms.
Modern 7 and 8
GRADE: 12
CREDITS: 1.0 per course / 2.0 total
PREREQUISITE: Modern 5 and 6
Continuation of the study of the Graham, Limón and Horton techniques of modern dance with an emphasis on stage technique and performance, and audition experience conducted by guest choreographers. Students are expected to be responsible for arranging after-school activities around the needs of the dance department and to know their own rehearsal schedules, costume fittings, and photography shoots.
Performance
Ballet Technique
Career Skills
Choreography Workshop
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of basic rhythmic, spatial, and dynamic materials used in the designing of dance. From short simple works, the student choreographer will progress to larger compositions and produce a complete work for evaluation by the dance faculty and formal presentation during the s
Choreography Workshop
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of basic rhythmic, spatial, and dynamic materials used in the designing of dance. From short simple works, the student choreographer will progress to larger compositions and produce a complete work for evaluation by the dance faculty and formal presentation during the senior year at the annual February Dance Showcase.
Repertory
GRADE: 12
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: Choreography Workshop
The Senior Dance Ensemble works with eminent guest artists from a variety of disciplines. In recent years, the SDE's collaborators have included works by Darshan Singh Bhuller, Mia Michaels, Arthur Mitchell, Blakeley White-McGuire, Travis Wall, Bob Fosse and many more.
Career Skills
Supplementary Skills
Career Skills
Survival Skills 1
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 0.5
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of dance-related areas including dance etiquette, nutrition, anatomy, prevention and treatment of dance injuries, and dance vocabulary.
Survival Skills 2
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 0.5
PREREQUISITE: Survival Skills 1
A foundational approach to learning about the body with emphasis on i
Survival Skills 1
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 0.5
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of dance-related areas including dance etiquette, nutrition, anatomy, prevention and treatment of dance injuries, and dance vocabulary.
Survival Skills 2
GRADE: 9
CREDITS: 0.5
PREREQUISITE: Survival Skills 1
A foundational approach to learning about the body with emphasis on its relationships to dance and creating strong and graceful movement.
Career Management
GRADE: 12
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
The study of the dancer's professional career, including contracts, unions, auditions, resumes, head shots, and self-produced concerts. In addition, alternative careers within the field of dance are explored through the use of guest speakers.
History
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Dance History 1 and 2
GRADE: 10
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
The Dance History course is an introductory course to the history
of dance, specifically dance in the United States. It offers an overview of its origins and development up to now. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the variety of traditions and dance styles
Dance History 1 and 2
GRADE: 10
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
The Dance History course is an introductory course to the history
of dance, specifically dance in the United States. It offers an overview of its origins and development up to now. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the variety of traditions and dance styles and to the dancers/choreographers whose passion, experience, ideas, and body of
work shaped concert dance in the United States. Students will learn to explore the vibrant, yet troubled, concert dance history practicing critical inquiry and culturally relevant perspectives.
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Pointe
GRADE: 9-12
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: Approval of Assistant Principal
Students will enter one of the two specified levels to strengthen the lower leg, ankles and feet in order to produce strong and graceful movement.
Theater Dance
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
Jazz and Musical Theatre Technique: The study of American jazz dance
Pointe
GRADE: 9-12
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: Approval of Assistant Principal
Students will enter one of the two specified levels to strengthen the lower leg, ankles and feet in order to produce strong and graceful movement.
Theater Dance
GRADE: 11
CREDITS: 1.0
PREREQUISITE: None
Jazz and Musical Theatre Technique: The study of American jazz dance techniques as used in commercial theatre, film and television. The student is expected to have an understanding both verbal and performance of this dance form through changing eras.
Tap Dance: The study of the basics of this vernacular dance form. Students will be expected to master tap vocabulary, techniques of rhythmic clarity and use of weight shift, traditional steps such as the Shim Sham, Waltz Clog, Soft Shoe and Time Steps as well as learn different stylistic approaches from musical theatre tap to rhythm tap. More experienced students will be placed in a more advanced class.