The dance program in the first through third grades is based on the belief that dance abilities are extensions of basic life skills such as walking and running, and come from the inborn need for self-expression through the human body. The program seeks to develop these dance abilities to such a level as to enable the student to participate with confidence and pleasure in the dance styles of our culture, to appreciate dance forms of other cultures, and to participate in creative learning experiences involving the child's whole self and their immediate community.

Dance in the first through third grades begins to focus on the development of a movement technique and includes a dance warm-up with stretching, strengthening and posture exercises and the practice and development of basic locomotor steps. The locomotor steps become more challenging as the students are introduced to different directions and levels, and even alternating foot patterns. The tap dance unit in each grade encourages the student's skills in rhythm, agility and balance. First graders develop skills they were introduced to in kindergarten. Second graders prepare a performance demonstration for their kindergarten book buddies while the third grade, using music of the Harlem Renaissance, prepares a performance piece for their parents.

Square dancing and country line dancing in the first and second grades enhance movement and rhythm skills while encouraging partner work and group cooperation. The students are able to participate fully in the annual GCS Family Square Dance, and then delight audiences as they dance to live music in the First and Second Grade Square Dance Assembly.

Dance improvisation is encouraged and developed in all grades. In first grade this leads to the development of dance studies related to the alphabet and language arts. In second grade, the students choreograph dance studies based on geometry. Third graders choreograph a Native American Hoop Dance and a dance based on Chinese immigration to the United States.  Whenever possible, the dance curriculum connects itself to the classroom curriculum, particulary Math, Language Arts and Social Studies. 

All students in first through third grades attend dance classes in the basement Dance and Drama Studio. This room is equipped with beautiful "sprung" maple flooring providing maximum comfort and safety for running, jumping and exuberant physical activity! To gain the maximum benefit from the class, the students take off their shoes and socks before entering the room and store them in the shoe cubbies in the hallway outside.  

On Dance days, it is important that the students come dressed in leg and foot attire that they can easily remove. For boys, it is simply socks and shoes. Girls should wear socks alone or with navy leggings, GCS sweat pants or uniform pants in November through April.  

Every winter Grace invites families to enjoy a family square dance with live music and square dance calling.

Every March the first and second grades present a square dance performance for parents and fellow students, accompanied by the Grace Church School Faculty Square Dance Band and live calling.

As each year closes, the third grade performs dances for parents and fellow students as a part of their interdisciplinary exploration of the history of New York City.