Grade 9 Coursework

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE AS AN ART FORM: Introduction to Dance as an Art Form will introduce students to Modern, Ballet, and Jazz from a technical and academic approach. Special emphasis is given on proper body mechanics, dance science, and injury prevention. Students will learn to move efficiently and begin to form a stronger technical foundation that can be applied to any dance technique. Additionally, the basic concepts of choreography and improvisation are explored as well as an investigation of dance history.

TECHNICAL THEATRE I: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grades 9 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.

Grade 10 Coursework

INTERMEDIATE DANCE TECHNIQUE: Intermediate Dance Technique is a continuation of Dance as an Art Form in which students will further study and apply movement vocabulary, alignment, style patterns, and performance to Modern, Ballet, and Jazz. Through improvisation, composition, choreography and aesthetic judgment, students will explore the elements and methods of composition, musicality, line dynamics, and stylistic refinement. Additionally, students will experience a variety of styles and cultural dance forms through field trips, performances, guest artists workshops, and research to enhance their own movement vocabulary and understanding of dance as a theatrical art.

DANCE TECHNOLOGY & THEORETICAL STUDIES: Dance Technology & Theoretical Studies will build on content learned in Dance as an Art Form in which the dance student will study dance technology and dance theory. Students will explore the relationship between digital technologies and dance, focusing on the interactions between dance and film, the interactions between audio and dance, and the use of digital media in performance. Additionally, students will investigate the underpinnings of contemporary dance, including formal ideologies, aesthetic concepts, and technical attributes.

TECHNICAL THEATRE II: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grade 10 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.

Grade 11 Coursework

ADVANCED DANCE TECHNIQUE: Advanced Dance Technique is a continuation of the Intermediate Dance Technique in which students will further study and apply movement vocabulary, alignment, style patterns, and performances to Modern, Ballet, and Jazz. Through improvisation, composition, choreography, and aesthetic judgment, students will explore the elements and methods of composition, musicality, line dynamics, and stylistic refinement. Students will participate in field trips, collaborate with guest artists, and enhance their own movement vocabulary and understanding of dance as a theatrical art form. Movement Science and Dance History are explored to enhance the technical foundations of dance movement.

CHOREOGRAPHY & CAREER PLANNING: Students will continue to explore and build on the previous year’s training through Improvisation, Composition, Choreography, and Repertory/Production, Aesthetic Judgment and Criticism in Dance, Dance Technology, and Career Planning. Students will create dance with a deeper analysis of the choreographic process. Career Planning is emphasized through Dance Technology with the creation of personal website portfolios (including CV’s, resumes, etc.) and internet college research. Students will also have experiences in a variety of styles and cultural dance forms through field trips to college programs, performances, guest artist workshops, repertory, and historical research to enhance their movement vocabularies for a post-high school dance.

TECHNICAL THEATRE III: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grade 11 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.