DANCE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The ARMES Dance Program is a tuition-free, after-school program for artistically gifted and talented students in grades 3–8 who are passionate about dance and eager to grow as performers and artists. Through rigorous training in Modern and Ballet, students develop strong technical foundations while building artistry, creativity, discipline, and confidence in a supportive learning environment.

Throughout the year, students receive in-depth instruction from experienced teaching artists who challenge them to refine their creativity, movement quality, musicality, and performance skills. The curriculum encourages both technical excellence and artistic expression, helping students discover their unique voice as dancers while preparing them for continued growth in the performing arts. The program also serves as a feeder program for the Greenville County Fine Arts Center Dance Program, providing students with the skills and foundation needed for future dance opportunities. 

Each school year culminates in a showcase performance where students present both a ballet and modern dance work, demonstrating the technique, artistry, and confidence they have developed throughout the year.

Dance Program Highlights

• After-school instruction for artistically gifted students in grades 3–8

• Focused training in Ballet and Modern Dance

• Training in improvisation and creating dances

• Development of technical skill, artistry, creativity, and performance quality

• End-of-year showcase featuring both a ballet and modern dance performance at the Gunter Theatre in Downtown Greenville

• Preparation for future study through the Greenville County Fine Arts Center Dance Program and beyond

• Instruction by experienced dance educators in a collaborative, encouraging environment

Dance Program Locations

• League Academy – Central ARMES Site

• Greer Middle School – Northern ARMES Site

WHAT STUDENTS WILL BE LEARNING IN THE ARMES DANCE PROGRAM

DANCE INSTRUCTORS

Aubrey Houle, native to Apex, North Carolina, began her training at Infinity Ballet under the direction of Debra Sayles-Senchak and has since trained with Miguel Campenaria, Cari Lenn Youngkin, Steven James Rodriguez Velez, and others. In May 2023, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with a ballet emphasis and a minor in biology. Now based in Greenville, South Carolina Aubrey dances as an apprentice for Carolina Ballet Theatre and OM Grown Dancers. One of her most memorable experiences has been working and performing with artists of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company during a residency at USC.

Aubrey is an outgoing and passionate artist who is eager to embark on new opportunities and grow as an artist and individual. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment from the classroom, to the stage, and beyond. As a performing artist with an invisible disability, she believes that all bodies are dancing bodies that have powerful stories to express. Aubrey possess strong leadership and organizational skills while maintaining empathy and concern for others. The arts have so much to offer the mind and body, and she strives to share that experience.

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Jeston Strickland holds a B.A. in Dance with K-12 Education Certification from the University of South Carolina and has experience teaching a multitude of styles including Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Hip-hop. Ms. Jessie is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization and is passionate about inspiring creativity, confidence, and a love for the arts in every student. She has worked in both public schools and private studios, and has served as a guest teacher and choreographer for various programs, including Richland 1, Lexington 1, and York District 3.

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