A.Y. Jackson HPE

Welcome to AYJ Dance!

Our courses are designed for students with all levels of dance experience, so whether you are brand new to dance, or have been dancing your whole life, our program is for you!

Through these courses, you will learn about the elements of dance, and how they relate to several different styles of dance. You will get to create small group routines in response to various stimuli, and you will get to help create and learn multiple full class pieces. You will have the opportunity to perform your pieces at our annual Dance Showcase! If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry, we will provide you with the tools you need to create and perform with confidence!

Why Take Dance at A.Y?

Dance education contributes to your physical, emotional, and social well-being, which are all fundamental to healthy development! Dance provides an opportunity for you to express your emotions through movement, and it can even help you learn more about yourself. Dance is an inclusive environment that enhances your communication and collaboration skills, as you work together with others to learn and create pieces. Dance is also a form of personal fitness, as it involves full body movements, that increase your range of motion, coordination, strength, and endurance!

Dance at AYJ.mov

Grades 9 and 10 Dance course information starts on page 51 of the Arts Curriculum Document.

The Arts Curriculum Document, Grades 9 and 10

ATC 1O, Grade 9

This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global community.

Prerequisite: None

ATC 2O, Grade 10

This course emphasizes the development of students’ technique and creative skills relating to the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will identify responsible personal and interpersonal practices related to dance processes and production, and will apply technologies and techniques throughout the process of creation to develop artistic scope in the dance arts.

Prerequisite: None

Grades 11 and 12 Dance course information starts on page 55 of the Arts Curriculum Document.

The Arts Curriculum Document, Grades 11 and 12

ATC 3M, Grade 11

This course emphasizes the development of students’ artistry, improvisational and compositional skills, and technical proficiency in dance genres from around the world. Students will apply dance elements, techniques, and tools in a variety of ways, including performance situations; describe and model responsible practices related to the dance environment; and reflect on how the study of dance affects personal and artistic development.

Prerequisite: Dance, Grade 9 or 10, Open

ATC 4M, Grade 12

This course emphasizes the development of students’ technical proficiency, fluency in the language of movement in dance genres from around the world, and understanding of dance science. Students will explain the social, cultural, and historical contexts of dance; apply the creative process through the art of dance in a variety of ways; and exhibit an understanding of the purpose and possibilities of continuing engagement in the arts as a lifelong learner.

Prerequisite: Dance, Grade 11, University/College Preparation