DANCE

The arts high school’s modern dance-based program offers classes in modern dance, ballet, composition, history, criticism, improvisation, and body studies.

Students develop technique, a broad movement vocabulary, and a wide view of dance. The process of learning and creating dance is a primary focus of the program. Students have opportunities to develop and use their skills while exploring their personal voices as choreographers and performers. Dancers study modern dance or ballet in a daily technique class. They come into the program with varying skill levels and are placed in classes accordingly. All dance students work on major performance projects.

The dance department is committed to performance as a teaching tool, an assessment tool, and as a vehicle for artistic expression. Students perform their own work as well as the work of professional choreographers in concerts throughout the year. They create work from classroom assignments and on their own as they form a performing ensemble. In recent years, students have performed at the Walker Art Center, Bryant Lake Bowl, Patrick’s Cabaret, and the Southern Theater.