Classes & Clubs
Dance classes are offered to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. There are also extracurricular opportunities available to those who want to experience a wider variety of dance styles and performances.
6th grade: Dare to Dance
In 6th grade, dancers will be introduced to Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern dance techniques and history. They will explore various dance forms from around the world, as well as share their own dance experiences with their classmates. After much practice, hard work, and fun, students will present their learned skills in the LMS Dance Concert at the end of the semester.
Topics Covered:
Introduction to Movement
Movement safety
Dance etiquette
Jazz Technique (history and vocabulary incorporated)
Ballet Technique (history and vocabulary incorporated)
Modern/Contemporary
Martha Graham Technique
Dance Around the World
Multicultural Dances (including dances from Italy, India, and Spain)
Choreography and Performance
7th grade: Dance, Dance, Dance
This dance class is available to all 7th graders, whether they have previous dance experience or not. In 7th grade, dancers will continue to practice Ballet, Jazz, and Modern techniques. They will also learn East Coast Swing, along with the opportunity to engage in other social dances. After much practice, hard work, and fun, students will present their learned skills in the LMS Dance Concert at the end of the semester.
Topics Covered:
Jazz Technique
Ballet Technique
Modern/Contemporary
Martha Graham Technique
Horton Technique
Dance Around the World
Multicultural Dances (including dances from Ghana and the Philippines)
Why Dance?
Exploring benefits of dance for self, others, and the community
Choreography and Performance
8th grade: So You Think You Can Dance
8th grade dancers will continue to practice various dance techniques while also challenging their creativity and control. Each dancer will take their own journey through the choreographic process to create meaning through movement. They will also work in small groups to better understand the unique complexity of choreography and expression. After much practice, hard work, and fun, students will present their learned skills in the LMS Dance Concert at the end of the semester.
Topics covered:
Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Technique
Hip Hop
The Choreographic Process
BEST (Body, Energy, Space, and Time)
Elements of Dance
Creating meaning through movement
Literacy in motion
Self-expression
Student Choreography and Performance
8th grade: Dance for the Athletes
8th grade athletes will use dance exercises and games to learn the skills needed to optimize their athletic abilities. Students will explore the physical benefits of dance, such as muscle control, flexibility, power, and speed through a variety of dance techniques and dance-related activities. After much practice, hard work, and fun, students will present their learned skills in the LMS Dance Concert at the end of the semester.
Topics covered:
Coordination and Balance (Body)
Power (Energy)
Agility (Space)
Speed (Time)
Muscular and cardiovascular endurance
Flexibility
Choreography and Performance
Dance Company
Dance Company is an extracurricular activity. We meet regularly on Thursday afternoons (and some Tuesdays) to practice dance technique and learn choreography to be performed on multiple occasions, such as Lindale's annual dance concert, county and state festivals, AACPS Middle School Gala, and more. We also attend field trips to watch performances by professional dance companies. Most importantly, we always celebrate our love for dance as a team! Rule #1 - Have Fun!
To become one of 20 dance company members, you must be enrolled in a dance class. Each student must attend both audition days (Tuesday and Thursday) at the start of the school year. During the audition, dancers will learn two short pieces to be performed in small groups and adjudicated by experienced teachers. Audition information will be posted on the website, in school, and on LTV.