CREDIT: One or two credits per class (see breakdown per class below)

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, and 12 (see breakdown per class below)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

ACADEMY DANCE 1 (1 credit) Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Students will develop skills in basic movement fundamentals, placement and alignment, and beginning dance technique for selected dance forms (modern, jazz, and ballet). Students will also develop
dance vocabulary, study dance history, gain competence in critiquing skills, learn improvisational skills, and develop further performance skills.

ACADEMY DANCE 2 (1 credit) Grades 10, 11, 12 

Students will focus on intensive work and proficiency in alignment, selected techniques, flexibility, and strength. Students will broaden knowledge of dance history, anatomy, theory, vocabulary, criticism, and composition. Students will continue to develop choreographic and performance skills including the use of improvisation.

ACADEMY DANCE 3 (2 credits) Grades 11, 12

Students will focus on more intensive work and proficiency in alignment, selected techniques, flexibility, and strength. Students will continue to broaden knowledge of dance history, anatomy, theory, vocabulary, criticism, and composition. Students will continue to develop choreographic and performance skills including the use of improvisation.

ACADEMY DANCE 4 (2 credits) Grade 12

Dance 4 students are advanced level dancers who display a mastery of jazz, ballet and modern technique as well as performance excellence on stage and in the rehearsal studio. Students will deepen their understanding of choreographic techniques and have the opportunity to explore and develop their own voice in creating movement and critiquing the choreography of others. The course will focus on preparing the dancer for post-high school opportunities in the professional dance field including: professional company auditions, teaching and/or choreographing for a dance studio or theatre, and earning a degree in Dance Performance or Dance Education.

BROADWAY THEATRE DANCE (1 credit) Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This introductory course is designed to offer instruction in techniques of Broadway dance. Students will study movement in a variety of styles such as jazz and tap. Students will also increase their knowledge of Broadway's most high-profile choreographers and their famous works. Students will gain the ability to apply dance technique and learn to express musicality in a physical way through class activities and performances. Students will learn vocabulary with Musical Theatre dance forms; demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively in small groups during the choreographic process; learn movement principles and techniques pertinent to the various styles of Musical Theatre Dance; learn and perform basic Musical Theatre dance combinations; gain a greater knowledge and understanding of Musical Theatre dance through performing historical and current styles and choreography.

HIP-HOP DANCE (1 credit) Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This high-energy introductory course will focus on the foundations and origins of Hip-Hop dance culture including street, commercial and freestyle forms. Students will be encouraged to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to movements. Students will be challenged and encouraged to understand and apply historical and practical knowledge of Hip-Hop through class activities and performances. Students will demonstrate proficiency in a variety of styles that reflect Urban Street dances such as funk styles (popping, locking), sub-styles (waves, glides), house, and commercial Hip-Hop; learn similarities and differences in dance and music forms that have been fused in contemporary Hip-Hop; learn Hip-Hop vocabulary; learn the foundations of Hip-Hop culture; will explore the impact of social dances and music on Hip-Hop; review the history of street dance styles and the pioneers and dance legends involved in their creation; discuss the importance and meaning of "freestyle" dance in the urban culture and the differences between choreography and freestyle; practice and retain movement phrases and choreography.

PREREQUISITES:

• Academy Dance 1: No dance experience is necessary.
• Academy Dance 2: Demonstrate through an audition at least an intermediate level of dance training.
• Academy Dance 3: Demonstrate through an audition an intermediate / advanced level.
• Academy Dance 4: Demonstrate through an audition an advanced level of technique & excellent performance quality.
• Hip Hop Dance: No dance experience is necessary.
• Broadway Theatre Dance: No dance experience is necessary.

CAREERS:

• Arts manager
• Physical therapist
• Choreographer
• Professional dancer
• Dance / arts administrator
• Pilates dance conditioning specialist
• Dance company manager
• Rehearsal director

Audition Details