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The dance program at CHS offers a 4 year course progression that centers the students as artistic creators. We have an academic approach that allows dance students to explore and understand the dance world through the artistic processes of creating, connecting, responding and of course performing within their discipline. As such, the courses are not tiered by experience level, but structured to meet students of all abilities where they are, in order to develop their academic understanding and artistic ability as both performers and choreographers. Hopewell Valley dancers have been recognized by The NJ Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and the 92Y/Harkness Dance Center in NYC, and are currently dancing in college programs and dance teams across the US.
 
 Hopewell Valley dancers have been recognized by The NJ Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and the 92Y/Harkness Dance Center in NYC, and are currently dancing in college programs and dance teams across the US.
 
Whether you are new to dance or already performing at a high level, there is a place for you in our program! Please read on below for brief course descriptions and feel free to reach out to Mrs. Cook for more information.
 
 
 

Intro to Dance (gr. 7/8)

 

The Intro to Dance class is a movement based experience for students of all ability and experience levels. Coursework will guide students through a physical of how the body moves and what that looks like in different dance genres. The class will evaluate the role of dance as a part of our culture and others around the world. Finally, students will learn about the choreographic process through professional examples, class experience, and student-led creative tasks.

 

 

Dance I (gr. 9-12)

 

Dance 1 is a survey-style foundational study in the art of dance. The course focuses on developing both technique and artistry across a curriculum of diverse dance genres. Students will acquire knowledge of studio etiquette, dance history and vocabulary, as well as basic anatomy and injury prevention as they relate to the mechanics of dance. Students will also be the artists, audience and the makers, exploring the elements of dance and principles of choreography through the creation of original dance works and by viewing professional examples. Dancers should expect a study in dance that is both academic and physical in nature, making connections to history and the world around us. Dance 1 students with no previous training will acquire a basic foundation of dance skills and art appreciation, while more advanced students will diversify and continue to develop their skills as dancers and choreographers. All students will perform their original dances at the Student Choreography Night in the spring. 

 

 

Dance II (gr. 10-12)

 

A continuation of Dance I, the goal is to further develop dance technique and artistry across various genres while delving deeper into the creative side of dance and choreography. Expect plenty of technique classes at a faster pace, and more time with improvisation and choreographic exploration as you prepare to create solo and ensemble projects. The class will continue to view and analyze examples from the professional dance world as we further our understanding of the elements and principles of choreography. Students will perform their original dances at the Student Choreography Night in the spring. **Open to students who successfully complete Dance 1, or sophomores and higher with instructor approval.

 

 

Dance III (gr. 11-12)

 

Dance III is an advanced level course for the more serious dancer. Classes will continue to develop and blend technique with artistry, while striving to expand the dancer's aesthetic comfort zone. Explorations of various genres, artists, and masterworks throughout dance history will lead to creating dances using various stimuli as inspiration. Students will create through various movement studies in class and collaborate in the long-term production and performance of dance works exploring an overarching theme. Students will perform their original dances at the Student Choreography Night in the spring, before completing an Audition Unit and contemplating dance beyond high school. **Open to students who successfully complete Dance 2, or juniors/seniors with instructor approval.

 

 

Dance IV Honors (gr. 12)

 

Dance IV Honors is an advanced level choreography-based course that continues to cultivate the students’ creative process through various movement studies, dance analysis and the critique process. Students will research and analyze masterworks relating to their in class projects. All students will be mentored through compositional projects which will synthesize their skills and artistry into a series of choreography pieces performed at Student Choreography Night in the spring. **Open to students who successfully complete Dance III and receive instructor approval.