Dance

Jump Into Dance

Jump Into Dance is a semester length introductory course for grade 6. This class offers a welcoming experience focusing on universal dance and movement concepts. In this class, we will JUMP into learning about the foundations of movement and the creative process.

Students will explore and apply movement principles such as space, time, energy, and flow through creative play to plant the seeds of their artistic voices

Middle School Dance Ensemble

MSDE is a yearlong course for 7-8th graders who want to deepen their dance interests and focus on performance and community leadership. This class requires a dedicated ensemble commitment. Students will learn and build a variety of dance skills in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. Students will have the opportunity to work with guest choreographers and perform multiple times throughout the year. MSDE prepares students to move into the Performing Dance Ensemble (PDE) in Upper School. *Interest meeting required

Authentic Jazz Dance

Jazz dance can be seen in Broadway shows, movies, television, and concert dance. In this semester-long course students will learn the history of jazz dance and its roots in African American social dance, lindy hop and theater dance. Students will explore upbeat and energetic dances such as the Shim Sham and the Charleston and try out classic steps like Apple Jacks, Mess Around, and Tacky Annie. Dancers in this class will learn choreography and create their own as well. Dancers will work as an ensemble and perform for the community at the end of the term. This course is open to all interested 7-8th graders.

Hip Hop & Street Styles

There are so many different styles of club and street dances that fall under the umbrella of hip-hop dance. In this semester-long course, students will learn basic techniques and history of a sampling of these styles including breaking, popping and locking, party dances, and house. They will work to explore and improve their understanding of groove and musicality, footwork, isolation, and personal style and improvisation. Students will also learn studio/commercial hip-hop and see how this style has been influenced by the social dances that came before as well as pop culture, media, and business. Dancers will work as an ensemble to perform for the community and get the opportunity to create their own dances. This course is open to all interested 7-8th graders.

Creative Contemporary

Creative Contemporary Dance is a one semester course focused on developing fundamental movement skills and individual personal expression. This course accesses creativity using Modern/Contemporary dance approaches. We will explore what the body can do physically and how humans express themselves using dance. We will start with the basic dance habits of mind: focus, observation, awareness, and control of your body in space. Along the way, we will play fun movement games and try out choreographic experiments. In this class we will explore the history of modern dance and the pioneers, radical thinkers, and revolutionaries who pushed against social boundaries and rules to create new ways of moving. We will investigate the reasons why people dance and how it can be a powerful form of social commentary and self-expression. This class is great for beginners and creative thinkers! You will explore different contemporary dance techniques, learn how to make your own dances, and perform for the community. You will often say “What happens if we…?”

Dance Filmmaking

Dance Filmmaking is a one semester course where students will learn the basics of choreographing, directing, filming, editing, and distributing dance films. We will explore telling stories through the medium of dance on film by building movement skills alongside camera and editing skills. You will follow the scaffold of the BEAST movement concepts (Body, Energy, Action, Space, and Time) to develop dance skills while learning basic camera movements, how to write a shot list, effective transitions, sound design, and more. No experience is necessary! Come prepared to stretch your artistic and technical skills as we dive into the wide, weird, wonderful world of filmmaking. You will share your dance film with the community at the Spring Dance Showcase as a cumulative assessment.

Merengue & Bachata Basics

Merengue & Bachata Basics is a one semester course designed for absolute beginners with little to no experience. Students will explore the fun, high-energy rhythm of Merengue and the smooth flow of Bachata, both dances from the Dominican Republic. In addition to movement, students will explore the history, cultural context, and global evolution of the dances. You’ll learn the footwork, leading/following techniques, and musicality in a supportive, community-centered atmosphere. This course focuses on building a solid foundation, emphasizing proper technique, connection between partners, and body awareness. Students will learn basic steps, rhythmic timing, and simple turns in both styles, allowing them to confidently perform choreography and navigate a social dance experience. Students will perform for the community as a culminating experience.

Salsa Foundations

Salsa Foundations is a one semester course that explores the foundations of salsa as a social partner dance. Salsa is rooted in Latin American popular music, blending predominantly Cuban rhythms with elements of jazz, rock, and soul music. Salsa began in Cuba and became popular in New York and Miami in the 1950’s-70’s. Salsa has evolved over time is now danced passionately all over the world. This class explores the history, cultural context, and global evolution of the dance. Curriculum includes basic footwork, rhythm, and foundational skills needed to dance both socially and perform choreography. Students will build lead and follow skills as well as understand the concepts of frame and connection in partner dancing. Students will build core movement skills including rhythm, musicality, balance, coordination, endurance, and general body connectivity and will perform for the community as a culminating experience.

Dance in Pop Culture

Dance & Popular Culture is a one semester course that centers dance as a powerful form of cultural expression and social commentary. Students will study popular and social dance forms, tracing their cultural origins and pathways into mainstream media. Through embodied practice, reflection, and choreography, students will analyze issues of appropriation, innovation, representation, and visibility while creating original work inspired by the dances that shape our world today. Students will perform for the community as a culminating experience.

Jazz Continuum

Jazz Continuum is a one semester course that explores the evolution of jazz dance from its roots in African American social dance on Southern plantations to present-day. Students will trace how movement traditions traveled from ring shout and Juba practices, through the Harlem Renaissance and swing era, and into Broadway, film, television, and concert dance. In this course, students will learn and perform upbeat, energetic choreography while examining the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the movement. Students will build rhythm and musicality, expand range of motion and groundedness, and develop confident stage presence through ensemble work and creative exploration. The course will culminate in a community performance that celebrates jazz as a living, evolving art form rooted in resilience and innovation.

Performing Dance Ensemble I

PDE 1 is a yearlong intermediate dance class where students focus on choreography, rehearsal, and performance skills. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to work with guest artists and explore a variety of styles including hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. PDE dancers will demonstrate their passion and dedication through their self-motivation, strong collaboration skills, and willingness to take on new challenges. In this intermediate level class, the emphasis is on strengthening coordination, spatial awareness, sequencing, choreographic retention, rhythm, and timing. PDE dancers are role models, performing multiple times throughout the year, and representing dance at school and community events. At least one year of previous dance experience is recommended. Prerequisite: Audition required.

Performing Dance Ensemble II

PDE 2 is a yearlong advanced dance class for students who are committed to ensemble performance and developing choreographic skills. This course is for the dedicated dancer seeking to advance their movement technique and artistry. The ensemble will work with guest artists, frequently perform for the community, and practice a variety of dance styles including hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. PDE dancers will demonstrate their passion and dedication through leadership, collaboration, and a rigorous rehearsal process. Students will advance their skills with a focus on movement dynamics, musicality, and stage presence. PDE dancers are role models, performing multiple times throughout the year, and representing dance at school and community events. At least two years of previous dance experience is recommended. Prerequisite: Audition required.