Dance
Dance education in Texas schools provides all students with the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of dance as an art form. Students learn and refine dance skills and techniques in class and in performance, study the historical and cultural significance of dance and its evolution as an art form, and evaluate personal work and the work of others. (Dance Curriculum Framework, Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts)
Courses
MS Dance 1: Yearlong course for PE credit that offers a broad overview. The curriculum focuses on the Elements of Dance, Ballet, World Dance, Modern, and Jazz dance. Students will learn basic skills and techniques to begin their dance education as well as dance history, vocabulary, improv, and theory. No performance is required, however, there are performance opportunities for those interested.
MS Dance 2: Yearlong course for PE credit, open to 7th/8th graders who have completed MS Dance 1 or dance majors of any grade level. The curriculum will focus on Ballet, Jazz, Improv, Tap, and Contemporary/Modern. No performance is required, however, there are performance opportunities for those interested.
MS Dance 3: Yearlong course for PE credit – instructor approval/audition required for 7th8th graders or dance majors of any grade level. The curriculum will include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Improv, Contemporary/Modern, Hip Hop, and Choreography/Dance Production with a required Fall and Spring show performance.
Ballet: Yearlong course for PE and/or Fine Art credit, open to 7th/8th graders who have completed MS Dance 1 or dance majors of any grade level. The curriculum will focus on Classical and Contemporary Ballet technique, vocabulary, and history with a required Fall and Spring show performance.
Dance Company: Yearlong course for PE credit with an emphasis on performance qualities – audition required for 7th/8th grade only. The curriculum will include Ballet, Jazz, Improv, Contemporary/Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, and Choreography/Dance Production with various performances throughout the school year in addition to the required Fall and Spring Concerts. This class requires early morning rehearsals twice a week starting at 7:30 am.
Auditions for Prospective Dance Majors
Auditions will consist of an in person workshop in which the dance directors and outgoing dance majors will lead auditioning students through a ballet barre, modern center, and jazz across-the-floor combinations. In addition to the taught choreography, students should submit their pre-recorded solo performance with their interview questions video; no less than 45 seconds and no longer than 60 seconds. Dancers may choose whatever style of dance and music (school appropriate) to perform for their solo. Following each performance, candidates should answer the interview questions on their recording. The workshop should last around 1.5 hours depending on the number of students auditioning. Students should wear ALL BLACK, preferably dance attire, with hair pulled back out of the face and off the neck. Please remove all jewelry prior to the audition as well.
Part 1: Ballet barre, modern center, and jazz across-the-floor combinations in person
Part 2: Video Submission due with application Solos (45-60 seconds in length)
Part 3: Video Submission with interview questions
- Choose one question to answer (What dancer inspires you most? What is your favorite style of dance and why? What do you enjoy most about dancing?)
For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Lamar Dance Faculty:
Natalia Luna, Director of Dance - natalia.luna@austinisd.org - 512-841-5955
Claire Wood, Associate Director of Dance - claire.wood@austinisd.org