Studying dance at the High School level is a brave and satisfying journey. Through three core, intercorrelated components - performance, composition and appreciation - students gain a combination of skills. They learn to create and perform movements, as well as the ability to analyse and understand the effects of the skills learnt. Under the umbrella of performance, students developing technical dance skills and understand anatomy and body maintenance.
High School dance students engage in weekly technique classes that highlight foot and core control development, floor work and travelling, and off-centre skills in a range of styles. As technical skills in dance deepen, aspects of performance quality and stagecraft are also enhanced. In this process, our student dancers learn how to use their bodies via the language of dance.
Throughout the year, teachers help students develop a class piece during practical lessons which is then performed at the annual End of Year Dance Showcase at NIDA in Term 4. This exercise aims to equip students with the endurance, strength and coordination required to eventually present a 3-minute solo dance. From a theoretical point of view, the dance programme introduces learners to somatotypes and individual body types. They also understand how these factors influence personal capabilities and limitations when dancing.
To support this new knowledge, students study the bones and joints of the body, as well as different types of training to prevent injury.
In composition classes, the focus is on increasing creativity and confidence in personal choreographic styles. Students create compositions based on a chosen intention and develop skills of personalisation and abstraction to transform literal concepts into the art form of dance. Students also learn to structure their movement using motif and form, organising their ideas into a readable art form.
The appreciation component of the course is centred around analysing the meaning of dance. Students evaluate the work of professional choreographers and engage in seminars and workshops with professional lecturers. There is also a focus on essay writing in this component of the course. Dance is a truly unique and rewarding subject. Studying dance at this level not only teaches students to become stronger, more expressive artists but they are equipped with personal skills that assist them in decision-making and problem-solving.
Participants learn how to collaborate with teachers and peers and expand their knowledge and potential. They become efficient at time management and learn to meet deadlines and plan effectively for the creative process. Throughout all aspects of the course, students are given regular opportunities to reflect on and evaluate their work to set goals for future performances. All of these are characteristics easily translated to every other subject on the High School timetable, preparing students for a full and rewarding academic experience.