This semester-long class is designed for students with or without prior experience that enjoy dancing and want to develop into more versatile movers. In this course, students will develop their own personal expression, musicality, and attitude through studying a variety of dance traditions, learning ensemble routines and how to improvise within these styles. Today’s modern Hip Hop and Latin American dance styles grow out of a long tradition that begins in Africa and has been developed throughout the Western Hemisphere. We will begin with the energetic dance movements of West Africa, then move into traditional Latin American dances and contemporary salsa styles, and finally we will explore today’s modern Hip Hop focusing on choreography and freestyle.

Grades: 9-12