The curriculum in all three divisions provides students with avenues for technical and creative development. Dance is approached as a collaborative venture for any and all students with an emphasis on interactive skills, discovery, and courage.
The Lower School program focuses on the exploration of the body as the dance instrument and movement as a mode of self-expression. Students are introduced to every style of dance that we offer in order to build general knowledge and appreciation of the art form. Styles include jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, modern, acrobatics, creative choreography, and dance fundamentals. Lower School dance classes are 30-45 minutes and occur during the school day.
In the Middle School, dancers develop their artistic voices and continue to train in advancing technical ability. Middle School students have the opportunity to specialize in one style or as many as they like. Classes offered include ballet/modern, jazz, tap, acro, and leaps and turns. All Middle School dance classes occur after school and run 45-60 minutes long. Dance is offered in the winter as an athletic team during the school day. Dancers interested in an immersive performance experience can join the Middle School dance company, where several styles of dance are covered and performed throughout the school year.
Upper School students may sign up for ballet/modern, jazz, tap, acro, or leaps and turns classes after school. Classes are open to all skill levels and run 45-60 minutes long. Advanced Upper School dancers interested in a team experience may audition for Company Corps and Company Blue where they will learn and create dances to perform throughout the school year both on and off-campus. Upper School companies require a full school year commitment and focus on developing artistry, physicality, and collaboration. Company dancers are required to take at least one technique class on campus in addition to their work with the company. The after-school dance programs can fulfill a portion of the Upper School athletic requirement. In the academic curriculum, two dance classes are offered to fulfill a portion of the art requirement, Intro to Dance in the fall and Dance Composition in the spring.