Students in the dance interest area have dance classes each day with 40 minutes of instruction. Each week they take 2 ballet classes, 2 modern classes, and 1 jazz class. Classes focus on the technique of the style and the goal of each level is to increase strength, flexibility, body alignment and placement as well as performance quality and musicality. 

Not only are dance interest area students instructed on the physicality of dance studies, they also learn about the history of each dance style and the influential dancers that are paramount to the dance art form. Students view historical works, write observational critiques and share their ideas about the importance of dance figures both past and present. 

Students have the opportunity to learn the elements of movement in relationship to space, time, effort and quality. Beginning in 4th grade, students will be given opportunities to create movement for performances in small amounts. As the student’s progress into 7th and 8th grade, they participate in choreography projects that help to reinforce planning, performance, and evaluation of student choreographed works. Students are encouraged to move outside of their comfort zone and become more versatile movers. 

Dance Interest Area Students in grades 6-8 have the opportunity to be a part of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. The Miller South chapter is sponsored by the National Dance Educational Organization and recognizes dance students with outstanding achievements in dance, character, and scholarship. Students who are eligible and meet all of the requirements are inducted at one of our two annual dance concerts. The group meets throughout the year to plan community performance opportunities, and outreach projects to serve Miller South and the community while promoting the dance art form. 

The dance department also offers a Dance Ensemble designed to focus on: building a company repertory to perform at local venues throughout the school year, promote community outreach, and provide students with a pre-professional company experience. Students entering grades 6-8 may audition in the spring to be considered for the dance ensemble, provided that they have been a dance interest area student for one year and are in good academic standing. The dance ensemble’s performance venues have included the Akron Public Library, Firestone High School, the Akron Art Museum, and E.J Thomas Hall. The ensemble has worked with Professional Dance Companies: Inlet Dance Company, Groundworks Dance Theatre, and The Movement Project. 

Dance interest area students have several opportunities to perform throughout the year. All dance interest area students in grades 4-8 perform as part of their curriculum in the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts. Students participating in additional Miller South dance organizations have added performance opportunities both at Miller South and in the community.