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DANCE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The CCCEPA Dance Department offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes ballet, jazz, and modern dance, catering to students of all experience levels. In addition to technical training, students study dance history, choreography, somatics, and kinesiology as part of their regular coursework. Emphasis on classical technique helps students develop the foundational skills, vocabulary, strength, and flexibility necessary to pursue various forms of dance. Special attention is given to wellness and injury prevention.

Students perform in a dance concert at the end of each semester, showcasing their progress. There are also opportunities to participate in festivals such as the Kennesaw State University Dance Festival and the National/Regional High School Dance Festivals. Graduates of the program often go on to pursue further dance studies at prestigious colleges, universities, and conservatories, or to perform professionally on Broadway, with dance companies, or on cruise lines worldwide. Many also become teachers at the university level or in dance studios.

OBJECTIVE
The Dance Department aims to provide specialized and intensive training to prepare students for college or professional study in dance. Our program is designed not only for students who wish to pursue a career in dance but also for those interested in becoming dance teachers, choreographers, physical therapists, dance therapists, or pursuing careers in dance and sports medicine. Additionally, students who are not focused on becoming professional dancers can take dance classes as an elective to complement their primary area of study or fulfill their Personal Fitness Requirement for graduation.

KEY STANDARDS:

  • DHSD1.PR.1 – Identifies and demonstrates movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.
  • DHSD1.PR.2 – Understands and models dance etiquette as a classroom participant, performer, and observer.
  • DHSD1.PR.3 – Recognizes concepts of anatomy and kinesiology in movement.
  • DHSD1.CR.1 – Demonstrates an understanding of creative/choreographic principles, processes, and structures.
  • DHSD1.CN.1 – Demonstrates and understands dance throughout history and in various cultures and historical periods.
  • DHSD1.CN.2 – Recognizes connections between dance and wellness.
  • DHSD1.CN.3 – Demonstrates an understanding of dance as it relates to other areas of knowledge.
  • DHSD1.RE.1 – Demonstrates critical and creative thinking in all aspects of dance.

STYLES OF DANCE

  • Ballet:
    Students learn the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique, from basic to advanced levels. Focus is placed on developing strength, control, musicality, and flexibility. Ballet barre and center techniques are taught, using French vocabulary. Students will also explore anatomy, kinesiology, and key historical events and figures in ballet’s development.
  • Jazz:
    This course teaches jazz technique from basic to advanced levels, emphasizing alignment, stylistic movement, percussive rhythmic phrasing, and musicality. Jazz classes combine ballet and jazz terminology and include warm-ups, center-floor exercises, combinations, and choreography. Students will also learn the history of jazz dance and its choreographic approaches.
  • Modern:
    Modern dance expands students’ movement vocabulary, including axial, center, and locomotor techniques. The course focuses on alignment, coordination, flexibility, strength, endurance, rhythmic patterns, and energy contrasts.

WARDROBE REQUIREMENT

  • Ballet
    • Females: One long-sleeved, gathered-front black leotard and one tank black leotard with the CCCEPA logo, skin-toned or pink tights (footed), and matching skin-toned or pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) with attached elastic. Proper underwear required (black or skin-toned bra straps allowed).
    • Males: White dance shirt with CCCEPA logo, tucked in or secured tightly; black, long, footed tights; belt or elastic suspenders to secure tights; dance belt required; white ballet shoes with white socks or black ballet shoes with black socks.
  • Jazz/Modern
    • Females: Black, low-heeled, split-sole, slip-on jazz shoes; black leotard with CCCEPA logo; full black tights (convertible); black bike shorts with CCCEPA logo; tan 2-inch character shoes may be required (for concerts); jazz pants required for concert (with CCCEPA logo). Proper underwear required (black or skin-toned bra straps allowed).
    • Males: Black, split-sole, slip-on jazz shoes; black socks; black tee/tank shirt with CCCEPA logo; black bike shorts with CCCEPA logo; jazz pants required for concerts (with CCCEPA logo); dance belt required.

DEPARTMENT EXPECTATIONS

  • Performances:
    Performances are a crucial part of the dance program. Students are required to participate in both of the annual dance concerts. Grading is based on execution of performance skills, preparedness, and reliability during rehearsals and in the theater. If additional rehearsal time is needed, students will be notified in advance. The rehearsal week begins the Monday before the Friday and Saturday performances, which are held at 7:30 p.m. There are required 3:30 p.m. warm-ups on the Saturdays of the shows. Rehearsal times typically run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., though this schedule may change based on preparation needs.
  • Classes:
    Students must be in the dance studio when the final bell rings, not in the dressing rooms. If they are not in the studio at the bell, they will be marked tardy. Students will be given five minutes to change before class begins. All bags and personal belongings must be brought into the studios before class starts. At the end of class, students will have five minutes to change clothes for their next class. Grades are based on technical development, uniform/grooming, attendance, tardies, and class etiquette.
  • Fifth Period:
    Dance major students are required to be in the studios by 3:41 p.m. for 5th period. Class runs until 4:15 p.m., and students may not leave early without prior approval from the teacher and the attendance office. Early dismissal requests must be handled through the attendance office. Makeup work, athletic practices, or appointments cannot be scheduled during 5th period without prior approval.
  • Policies:
    School policies related to behavior, tardies, checking in and out, absences, and cheating will be strictly enforced.

Class Placement:
Students are placed in classes based on their potential, training, work ethic, grades, conduct, and preparedness. At the end of each year, students will demonstrate their progress in a jury, which helps determine class placement for the following year. The jury is an important factor but not the sole determinant in placement decisions.

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