About the Dance Program
Philosophy | Middle School Dance | High School Dance | K-8 Creative Arts Dance Program |
Visual and Performing Arts Dance Programs |Proper Dance Attire| Production/Perfomance
Philosophy
The Dance Education Program provides many experiences through which the student can fulfill a variety of physical, intellectual, and emotional needs. Through experiences in dance, the student makes the connection between dance and healthful living. The student becomes more sensitive to the kinesthetic environment, explores ideals, values and develops positive feeling about self and others. The program provides a multi- sensory approach in the development of dance skills, while providing exposure to dance as a performing art. Through an interactive approach dance utilizes self awareness, critical and creative thinking skills encouraging a strong sense of group dynamics. The program fosters an appreciation of cultural diversity, traditions, values and beliefs.
Middle School Dance Program
Middle School Dance is offered as an elective, with a general overview of the history and mechanics of dance. Students will value dance as an aesthetic experience involving the mind, body, and feelings. Students will learn dance genres of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, West African, Hip Hop and Social Dancer. An emphasis will be placed on proper body alignment, muscle control, expressive execution of steps, proper audience etiquette, dance history, kinesiology (anatomy of dance) and vocabulary through traditional dance forms. All students will have the opportunity to perform throughout the school year.
In the 8th grade year Dance is a yearlong intensive course that primarily focuses onchoreography. Students will experience dance as a means of communication. This course is designed for those students who either wish to continue dance on the high school level or go onto one of the Visual and Performing Arts programs in the Washington Metropolitan area.
High School Dance
Depending on staffing and facilities, a school may offer several dance courses. These courses are for fine arts credit only. They are not eligible for physical education credit. Semester courses are offered in Dance from beginning level to advanced. A variety of dance forms are offered ranging from Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Folk, Modern, Social and Culture Dance Forms. Dance Theory is taught through the application of vocabulary, history, principles of choreography and observation of live and recorded performances.
K-8 Creative and Performing Arts Program and Visual and Performing Arts Program (7th -12th grade)The Creative, Visual and Performing Arts Schools' are designed to develop the interests and talents of students in the arts and at the same time enhance the academic discipline, through an interdisciplinary approach stressing creativity, artistic expression, and culture experiences and training are designed to challenge and develop skills of all students as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for the artistically talented child. The curriculum provides specialized instruction and in-depth experiences in each art discipline plus related arts experiences and an infusion of the arts in the overall curriculum. The arts become an integral part of the child’s education within the structure of a sound academic program.The ultimate goal is to have each student achieve his/her maximum potential both artistically and academically. The program will provide educational opportunities not otherwise available for students in Prince George's County Schools, or most other areas.
Proper Dance Attire
Proper dance attire: All dance students must wear proper dance attire in order to participate in any dance class. Proper dance attire and dance shoes are mandatory for safety and overall well being of the students that participate in a dance education program. Each dance teacher is allowed to decide what the proper dance attire is based on the genres of dance being taught, condition of the dance room, time constraints and where the dance room is in conjunction to the rest of the building. At no time may a student wear street clothing (i.e. jeans or school day uniform) or revealing clothing as a part of their dance attire. Students that are participating in a Visual Performing Arts Program are expected to adhere to all the above requirements in addition to wearing the more traditional dance clothing. If the students are wearing traditional dance clothing to class (leotard, unitard, tights, and leggings); they must wear a cover up and shoes while walking to and from dance classes. All students must wear proper under garments. No jewelry is permitted to be worn during class time. PGCPS dance teachers will not be responsible for any lost or stolen property nor will they take on the responsibility of watching valuables. No exceptions! To find out what the appropriate dance attire is for your school, go to www1.pgcps.org/dance and click on "about the dance teachers" and scroll down to your particular school to find out the specifics on that program.
Production/Performance
Productions/Performances- Dance is a performance art; therefore every dance student is required to participate in a performance component that may or may not go beyond the school day. It is the teachers' discretion as to how often and on what level a student participates in a production/performance. Some productions/performances may require students to go through an audition process. Other factors that determine a student's participation are: skill and technical ability, attending scheduled rehearsals, and whether or not a student has any academic or disciplinary infractions. A production/performance may be all or one of the following forms: lecture/demonstration, informal showing, concert, recital, musical, theater dance, showcase, competition and festival. A production fee is charged to all students that are enrolled in a dance program. The production fee is based on the needs of that particular dance program. It does not cover the cost of lost or stolen costumes, dance equipment or dance props. That cost will be incurred by the parent/guardian of the student.
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