The Middle School curricular dance program is designed to make dance accessible to all students in sixth through eighth grade regardless of experience. 6th and 7th graders can choose dance as one option during their exploratory arts class rotation. 8th graders can choose dance class for a semester and participate more heavily in dance performance opportunities. These classes introduce students to basic principles of movement, a heightened sense of body awareness, coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, and poise. Middle School students will learn ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Students will also take place in supplemental dance classes such as stretching, strengthening, and conditioning sessions.
The Upper School curricular dance program is designed to create well-rounded, strong technicians and artistic, powerful performers regardless of experience. The program caters to the specialists who wish to work on an intense and advanced level as well as those who would like to discover and learn a more personal development process through dance. Students study an array of styles including ballet, contemporary, modern, musical theater, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Students also partake in supplemental classes including stretching, strengthening, technique, and conditioning sessions. All levels of Upper School dance have the opportunity to work with guest artists from across the globe, gaining experience in styles outside of the curriculum.
Extracurricular Dance Ensemble companies for both Middle and Upper School require auditions in the fall and meet after school. Dancers will have the opportunity to perform throughout the year, including chapels, special events, the annual dance concert, and much more. Students will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge choreographers and teachers from around the globe as well as with excellent resident faculty.
