CLASSES offered

The Null Middle School Dance Department offers Dance 1, Dance 2, and Dance 3 courses based on years enrolled in the dance department, not by experience level or grade level. Our goal is to support student growth in ballet, jazz/lyrical, hip hop, and dance composition. Each genre offers unique benefits and helps dancers become well-rounded performers, creators, and confident individuals.

Supplies Needed

• Black jazz shoes (REQUIRED for all Dance 1-3 classes)

• Sneakers for hip hop (ALWAYS check the bottom for dirt before class)

• Composition notebook used for notes, open-note quizzes, and choreography assignments (REQUIRED)

• All black dance dress code is required daily — see the Dress Code page for full details

CLASS PLACEMENT

• DANCE 1 : For all dancers taking dance for the first time w/ the NMS Dance Department

  1. • This applies to transfer students as well

• DANCE 2 : For all dancers that have passing grades in Dance 1

• DANCE 3 : You must audition/tryout to be in this class. Your counselor can not add you without.

  1. • Auditions are open to all grade levels, including incoming 6th graders.

Ballet

• The foundation of all technical dance training

• Focuses on posture, strength, alignment, and grace

• Dancers may wear pink or skin-tone ballet shoes (preferred but not required)

• Black jazz shoes are allowed if you do not want to purchase ballet shoes

MODERN

• Modern Dance focuses on grounded movement, emotion, and creative expression.

• Students will explore techniques such as contractions, floor work, and improvisation.

• Modern dance is performed barefoot—this is not only for safety, but also a long-standing historical tradition.

• Dancing barefoot in modern is a required standard in this class and across all modern dance training.

Jazz/Lyrical

• Jazz builds strength, sharpness, and musicality

• Lyrical blends fluid movement with emotion and storytelling merging jazz & ballet techniques 

• Focuses on performance quality, emotion, and timing

Hip Hop

• High-energy, grounded style focusing on rhythm and self-expression

• Students learn grooves, choreography, and movement quality

Dance Composition 

• Focuses on choreography skills and movement creation

• Students explore improvisation, intention, and building their own pieces

• Includes group projects, journaling, and peer feedback

• Some class projects will be invited to present in our concerts