Course Offerings & Descriptions
Intro to Dance (Quarter): An exploration of movement for the interested dancer. We will explore the elements of dance: space, time, weight, and flow and students will dabble in the choreographic process. In this course dancers will dress out daily. Mandatory course completion in order to move through the dance program.
Dance I (Quarter): Students will add upon their knowledge from Intro to Dance. In this course students will learn basic ballet technique. Students will also work in groups to enhance their knowledge of the choreographic process. Prerequisite: Intro to Dance
Athletes in Dance (Quarter): In this course students will focus on the human body, mindfulness, breath, and basic yoga. Students in this course increase their flexibility, strength, coordination, and agility with emphasis on preventing injuries and overall health and wellness. Students will learn how to effectively use their breath in order to become more aware and in tune with their mind and body. No dance experience is required for this course.
Choreography & Improvisation (Quarter): In this course, students will study the elements of dance composition. They will use the language of dance to express and communicate through solo and small group compositions. They will gain the “tools” they need to become effective communicators through dance, by understanding and applying cross curricular connections between music, visual arts, and related media. Working independently and collaboratively, they will develop their creativity and originality of expression. Students will learn the role of concepts such as dimension, path, planes, shape, negative space, tension, relaxation, and more, and where and how the use of these techniques and/or concepts can be used to tell their dance story. Prerequisite: Dance I
All Boys Hip-Hop (Semester): Boys will study African, Jazz, and Hip-Hop dance. In this course students will learn technique, choreograph, and perform short pieces. Knowledge of safe dance practices and respect for other styles of dance that contributed to these styles will also be part of this course. There is a large group performance required at the end of the semester. No prerequisites required.
All Girls Hip-Hop (Semester): Girls will study African, Jazz, and Hip-Hop dance. In this course students will learn technique, choreograph, and perform short pieces. Knowledge of safe dance practices and respect for other styles of dance that contributed to these styles will also be part of this course. There is a large group performance required at the end of the semester. No prerequisite required.
Magnet Modern Dance II (Semester): This technique course offers a more intensive study of the skills introduced in Dance I. Students will begin to explore solo choreography as well as improvisation. In this course there will be one large group performance required at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: Dance I
Magnet Modern Dance III (Semester): This course continues the study begun in Modern Dance II. Students in this course gain a greater understanding of technique as it relates to Modern Dance and serious exploration of the craft of improvisation is expected. Performance opportunities will be provided. Students will also learn about master choreographers and their contribution to Modern Dance, the early origins and transformation of Modern Dance over time, and connections between Modern Dance and other subjects. Prerequisite: Modern Dance II
Dance Ensemble (Yearlong): A select group of dancers who create various styles of dances in a collaborative process. Dances are performed within the community and in school dance concerts. This course is for the serious dancer only. Performance is mandatory. Prerequisite: Audition required. For 7th & 8th graders only.
Intro to Dance (Quarter): An exploration of movement for the interested dancer. We will explore the elements of dance: space, time, weight, and flow and students will dabble in the choreographic process. In this course dancers will dress out daily. Mandatory course completion in order to move through the dance program.
Dance I (Quarter): Students will add upon their knowledge from Intro to Dance. In this course students will learn basic ballet technique. Students will also work in groups to enhance their knowledge of the choreographic process. Prerequisite: Intro to Dance
Athletes in Dance (Quarter): In this course students will focus on the human body, mindfulness, breath, and basic yoga. Students in this course increase their flexibility, strength, coordination, and agility with emphasis on preventing injuries and overall health and wellness. Students will learn how to effectively use their breath in order to become more aware and in tune with their mind and body. No dance experience is required for this course.
Choreography & Improvisation (Quarter): In this course, students will study the elements of dance composition. They will use the language of dance to express and communicate through solo and small group compositions. They will gain the “tools” they need to become effective communicators through dance, by understanding and applying cross curricular connections between music, visual arts, and related media. Working independently and collaboratively, they will develop their creativity and originality of expression. Students will learn the role of concepts such as dimension, path, planes, shape, negative space, tension, relaxation, and more, and where and how the use of these techniques and/or concepts can be used to tell their dance story. Prerequisite: Dance I
All Boys Hip-Hop (Semester): Boys will study African, Jazz, and Hip-Hop dance. In this course students will learn technique, choreograph, and perform short pieces. Knowledge of safe dance practices and respect for other styles of dance that contributed to these styles will also be part of this course. There is a large group performance required at the end of the semester. No prerequisites required.
All Girls Hip-Hop (Semester): Girls will study African, Jazz, and Hip-Hop dance. In this course students will learn technique, choreograph, and perform short pieces. Knowledge of safe dance practices and respect for other styles of dance that contributed to these styles will also be part of this course. There is a large group performance required at the end of the semester. No prerequisite required.
Magnet Modern Dance II (Semester): This technique course offers a more intensive study of the skills introduced in Dance I. Students will begin to explore solo choreography as well as improvisation. In this course there will be one large group performance required at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: Dance I
Magnet Modern Dance III (Semester): This course continues the study begun in Modern Dance II. Students in this course gain a greater understanding of technique as it relates to Modern Dance and serious exploration of the craft of improvisation is expected. Performance opportunities will be provided. Students will also learn about master choreographers and their contribution to Modern Dance, the early origins and transformation of Modern Dance over time, and connections between Modern Dance and other subjects. Prerequisite: Modern Dance II
Dance Ensemble (Yearlong): A select group of dancers who create various styles of dances in a collaborative process. Dances are performed within the community and in school dance concerts. This course is for the serious dancer only. Performance is mandatory. Prerequisite: Audition required. For 7th & 8th graders only.