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Upper School Dance
Early Childhood Music and Dance Introducing our new Upper School Dance program! PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROGRAM Dance in the upper school exposes students in the fifth through seventh grades to a variety of styles and techniques. While providing a continuum to the lower school dance program, upper school dance also complements the drama and music programs. Each course is designed to increase the students' movement skills, equip them with alternative means of self-expression, and give them insight into the ways that dance reflects culture. CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS In the fifth grade, students take part in ballroom and social dance, learning several basic steps in the Merengue, Foxtrot, Swing, Rhumba, Tango, and Waltz. Leading and following, music and rhythm, and social dance in American history are natural components of the course. Students in the fifth grade also participate in a modern dance class and learn about modern dance as an American art form. The impact of modern dance on the dance world, the modern dance pioneers, and how dance relates to the political, social and technological developments of today are natural components of this course. In the sixth grade, students are introduced to a variety of dance styles that originated during the Vaudeville era and have developed over time into America’s one true dance form, tap! In addition to providing all the benefits of studying dance, especially a form as rhythmic and engaging as tap dance, this class complements sections of the sixth grade drama course. Tap shoes are provided by the school. Seventh grade students participate in a yearlong course designed to explore the distinctive and special relationship that dance and drama share. Through this process-oriented course, the students deepen their understanding of dance and drama through a shared, common vocabulary. A variety of experiences are provided, including improvisation, composition, text and movement, and critical and analytical skill building. The course encourages creative integration of body and mind and helps to instill confidence in creative self-expression. |
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