The Dance Department
Williamsburg Charter High School
Dance
Class Options
The dance major offers a comprehensive education in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Theory and Composition. Students have the opportunity to create movement and explore ideas utilizing their choreographic skills. Each student is able to share their work through performances throughout the year.
Introduction
to Dance
Company I
Company
II & III
Introduction to dance provides students with a basic understanding of movement technique and historical background of several genres of dance. By the end of the semester-long course, students are able to make connections between African dance and current social dances, understand the difference between modern and ballet, and be exposured to different cultural dance forms. Concepts such as Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals are introduced as students learn to create movement phrases and ideas. Each student has the opportunity to apply their knowledge of dance to choreograph different pieces throughout the semester and perform some of their choreographic work during the semester.
Company I is a semester-long course for which students audition to be accepted. This class enables students to see if a mastery-based class is a place where they can flourish. When accepted into the program students will begin to learn the technical foundations of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. A basic level of Laban Movement Analysis and Improvisation are also included. Students will start to explore compositional structure for stage in order to prepare them for classes, Company II & III. In the past students enrolled in these classes have been provided with tickets to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Broadway musicals, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Company II & III are year long courses which students apply and audition for in the Spring. Students take technique classes in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. Students devolop a deeper understanding of Laban Movement Analysis through their compositional study work. Participating in improvisational exercises helps students create unique and personal dances. Dance Company II & III allow students to choreograph and showcase this work in the Spring concert as well as performing in group pieces of various genres. After the Spring concert is presented, students collaborate with the music and theatre departments to create and perform in the annual musical. These classes require a minimal after-school commitment. In the past,students enrolled in these classes have been provided with tickets to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Broadway musicals, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
