Dance

ATC1O - Grade 9 Dance

ATC1O is an introductory course to the fundamentals of dance. The grade 9 program focuses on exploring the elements of dance as well as conditioning. The major units of study include ballet, jazz, modern, and African dance. Students will work collaboratively and individually on choreography that is taught as well as devised themselves. In addition, there are written assignments and projects based on health, dance history, careers, and dance in society. Students will have the opportunity to perform for their class on a regular basis. No prior dance experience is required to take the grade 9 course; the class is great for everyone, from beginner to advanced dancers as students at every level will be challenged!

Dance students are dedicated, passionate, expressive individuals with a love for movement! Most important of all is a desire to express yourself.

There is no final exam in this class, but there will be a final culminating performance which combines all skills and techniques learned throughout the course.

ATC3O - Grade 11 Dance

ATC3O is a foundational course in dance, building upon knowledge and skills developed in previous dance courses. In this course, students will continue to learn the elements and develop the techniques of dance through units on contemporary dance, lyrical, tap, jazz, and cultural dances. Units will end with performances, both individual and collaborative, as well as tests on the history of each genre studies.They will explore the roles of dancer and choreographer, learn how to choreograph, study famous choreographers, learn body conditioning, and students will have the opportunity to train in various genres.

There is no final exam for this course! As a culminating project, students will create a final piece of choreography following the style of a famous choreographer of his/ her choosing. Students will work in groups of three and are responsible for different aspects of the project. Along with the piece, students will complete a research project on the choreographer who inspired their work.

ATC4M - Grade 12 Dance

ATC4M allows students with significant knowledge and skills in dance to explore more deeply their artistic expression. In this course, students will continue to explore the elements of Dance through units in jazz, hip hop, dancehall, and cultural dance. They will also learn the history of dance in various genres, expand their range of technique, and do a variety of written and community projects, including Global Movements in Dance, Dance History in Ontario, and Jobs in Dance. This course also features the popular Video Projection Project, as well as the opportunity to learn from several guest instructors in various styles!

There is no final exam for this course; the culminating task features a solo performance that will demonstrate all skills and techniques taught throughout secondary dance courses, expressing the student’s artistic legacy at Mackenzie!