The Dance Program in the High School Division operates under the assumption that anyone can dance and everyone has something to offer as a mover, collaborator or critical thinker. Dance is taught as a distinct artistic and cultural discipline that combines physical training with the development of an artistic voice. Although the program is rooted in the principles of contemporary dance technique, these principles are used as an umbrella that allows for the study of other styles and genres, such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, African, Capoeira, Contemporary Partnering, and Swing. Technique classes are offered at four levels with lessons in improvisation and composition woven in throughout. Other classes include ChoreoLab I and II, which focus on solo, duet and group choreography, Movement & Media, in which students choreograph specifically for the camera, and Dance Repertory, which gives advanced dancers the opportunity to work intensively on a piece for the spring dance concert.
Dance Ensemble is the High School performance group that rehearses three times weekly for an entire year in preparation for the spring Dance Concert. Students learn and perform faculty-directed work, engage in multidisciplinary collaborations with musicians, writers, visual artists and filmmakers, and also have the opportunity to submit a proposal to choreograph their own piece for the concert. In addition, Dance Ensemble students benefit from a Guest Artist Program that brings in world renowned dancers and artists to work with students on original choreography. Past guest artists have included Jennifer Weber of Decadance Theater, Michael Jagger of Syncopated City Dance School, and Jasmine Hearn and Simon Thomas-Train of David Dorfman Dance.