Dance Program

NHS Dance Department has options for students who want to pursue dance as a career pathway or for students who want to take it as an elective! Dance is an art that allows students to explore their creativity through movement, push their physical limits withing the techniques of different dance styles, learn how to improvise and choreograph, and learn about the history of dance. The program produces a end of semester recital every semester as 50% of the students final exam grade. This recital showcases what they have learned during the semester for family and friends. Admission is $10 as the recital serves as a biannual fundrasier for the program. It helps the program acquire new costumes and fund trips throughout the year!

Class Descriptions

Beginning Dance: 1st level, no prerequisite or experience needed! Learn the technique basics of ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, hip-hop, and other native culture dances worldwide. Learn 4 dance for the recital and practice with choreography!

Health/PE Beginning Dance: Same as beginning, but with health attached to get a PE/Health credit!

Intermediate Dance: 2nd level, successfully passing beginning with a recommendation from Mrs. Smith OR a placement audition with Mrs. Smith. Refine the technique of ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, and hip-hop. Learn how to improvise in dance and how to use improvisational methods to choreograph. Learn 4 dances for the recital and practice choreography in small groups with the structure of these dances. 

Proficient Dance: 3rd level, successfully passing intermediate with a recommendation from Mrs. Smith OR a placement audition with Mrs. Smith. Continue refining technique of ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, and hip-hop. Complete an honors choreography project (fall: in small groups, spring: in dances choreographed by advanced dancers) with the opportunity for the projects to be included in the recital. Learn 4 or more dances for the recital.

Advanced Dance: 4th level, successfully passing proficient with a recommendation from Mrs. Smith OR a placement audition with Mrs. Smith. Perfecting technique of ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, and hip-hop. Complete an honors choreography project (fall: a solo, spring: choreograph on proficient dancers) with the opportunity for the projects to be included in the recital. Advanced students also teach a "master class" to the proficient students! They Learn 4 or more dances for the recital.

Please note that simply passing a level with a passing grade does not automatically mean the dancer will be promoted to the next level. Class levels are based on ability. A dancer can pass a class but not yet have the ability to succeed in the next level. Repeating levels does occur and dancers will still receive credit for every class they take.