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Course Offerings
Grade 9
Ballet 1 – The study of classical ballet for the entering student with little or limited previous study and experience. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental basics of technique. Ballet 1 students are expected to achieve correct body placement and alignment. They will have built muscle strength and flexibility as well as increasing self-discipline and artistic expression.
Ballet 2 – The study of classical ballet for the entering student with extensive previous study and experience. Ballet 2 students are expected to work with emphasis on turnout, correct placement, and strong pointe work at the barre, in the center, and moving across the floor with jumps and turns.
Modern 1 and 2 – An introduction to the concept of modern dance through the technique developed by Martha Graham.
Survival Skills – The study of dance-related areas including nutrition, anatomy, and the care of dance-related injuries.
Grade 10
Ballet 3 and 4 – Application of technical foundation while increasing the physical and technical demands of classical ballet. Ballet vocabulary and knowledge of terminology are also enlarged.
Modern 3 and 4 – Further development of the Graham technique of modern dance. Emphasis is placed on increased technical strength and vocabulary.
Dance History – An exploration of the history of both ballet and modern dance with an emphasis on guest-artist teachers, who not only introduce various techniques, including Taylor, Cunningham, Limon, Hawkins, and Tharp -- but also teach repertory from these masters.
Grade 11
Ballet 5 and 6 – The extension of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on virtuosity and preparation for the stage. Ballet 5 and 6 students are expected to know all terminiology and maintain an intermediate to advanced level class.
Modern 5 and 6 – The study of intermediate-advanced work added to previous work learned in Graham technique in the freshman and sophomore years. Also expected is the stage ability to execute complex technical and musical combinations with knowledge of stage and musical terms.
Theater Dance - Jazz and musical theater techniques. The study of American jazz techniques as used in commercial theater, film, and television.
Choreography Workshop – 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 pieces and produce a complete work for evaluation by the dance faculty and formal preparation during the senior year at the annual Dance Showcase.
Grade 12
Ballet 7 and 8 – Advanced study of classical ballet with an emphasis on stage technique and performance.
Modern 7 and 8 – Advanced study of Graham technique of modern dance with an emphasis on stage technique and performance.
Career Management – Deals with the nuts-and-bolts 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.
Tap – 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 theater tap to rhythm tap. Students with more experience will be placed in a more advanced class.
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