PHS dance students will study Ballet (primarily the Cecchetti method), Jazz, Modern, and some ethnic dance styles. Students will be expected to demonstrate proper dance technique as well as perceptual skills related to dance. This will include proper body alignment, muscle control, enhanced flexibility, and expressive execution of steps. Students will also focus on choreography, musicality, and dance criticism.
Dance is offered as an elective which can fulfill the fine art credit for graduation. There are 4 levels of dance. All students must began in Dance 1. Placement in higher levels of dance must have proper authorization. All students must have traditional dance attire. All Students must also participate in the Annual dance production, which will be held in May.
In addition to the regular dance classes, students have the opportunity to audition for The PHS dance company. The dance company meets after school, therefore all PGCPS extra-curricular requirements apply to the dance company.
This semester course focuses on the fundamentals of dance through terminology and the practice of dance technique at a beginning level. A variety of dance forms are offered ranging from Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Folk, Social and Ethnic dance forms. Dance theory is taught through the application of vocabulary, history, beginning principles of choreography, and observation of live and filmed/videotaped performances. Performance components beyond the regular school day are required. Dance credit cannot be used to meet the physical education credit for graduation
This semester course focuses on the refinement of dance technique and expansion of existing dance vocabulary. More physical demands are placed on students to spur the growth of dance technique. Dance theory is further expanded through vocabulary, history, principles of choreography, and the application of dance criticism. Performance components beyond the regular school day are required. (Spring concert is mandatory for full grade and completion for course) Dance credit cannot be used to meet the physical education credit for graduation.
This course is for the student who has passed the prerequisites of Dance IA & IB or for the student who seeks higher placement because of previous dance training. Acceleration for class placement will
be based on an interview, auditions and permission granted by the instructor. This class will provide continued expansion and refinement of dance vocabulary and technical skills. Dance combinations
will become longer in length and more technically challenging, with emphasis on improving musicality and performance presence. The principles of dance vocabulary, history, choreography and criticism are expanded at this level. Performance components beyond the regular school day are required.Dance credit cannot be used to meet the physical education credit for graduation.
This semester course is for the student who has completed the prerequisites for class placement. A student with previous training may be granted an advanced placement after an interview, audition and recommendation of the instructor. The student will continue to expand upon dance vocabulary and technique by experiencing combinations that are more intricate in the use of variations in space,
time, and force. The students will begin to refine performance presence and continue to refine dance technique. Dance theory is increased through new vocabulary, history, choreographic principles and the criticism process. Performance components beyond the regular school day are required. (Spring concert is mandatory for full grade and completion for course) Dance credit cannot be used to meet the physical education credit for graduation
This course is an introduction to group dance experiences through rehearsal, performance, dance technique training and technical theatre practice. The students will be involved in creating and reviving diverse repertory of a chosen choreographer(s). Students performance in the winter and/or spring performances are mandatory for full grade and completion of course
The Adaptive Ability Dance Community Referenced Instruction course is designed to offer a creative movement based approach that will provide routine, structure, critical thinking and collaboration for CRI students. This class will allow CRI students to reach their maximum physical potential through movement with a centralized focus of the Elements of Dance. There will be an informal/formal performance presentation for all CRI students enrolled in this course.
This course focuses on enhancing and refining athletic performance through techniques, conditioning, and training in the art of dance. For those students wishing to use dance training techniques to enhance athletic performance. No audition is required.
This course emphasizes continued skill development and refinement through a variety of higher level movement patterns. Student originated performance projects occur at these levels. No audition is required. Only students who have successfully completed Dance for Athletes I are eligible for this course. Cultures are investigated and represented in the creative-production process. Students will learn to evaluate and critique personal artwork and the artwork of others.
Class Policies
Students must adhere to the dressing policy for dance class as published in the PGCPS Syllabus
Students will be asked to actively participate in dance class everyday. If a student is unable to participate due to a medical reasons, a note must be provided by a physician or school nurse to excuse the grade.
Students must dress in proper attire everyday.
Policies will be updated and revisited as needed .