💃 Welcome to Dance Class! 🕺
Welcome! My name is Ms. Cruz, and I am the Dance Teacher at West New York Middle School.
My goal is to create a classroom where students feel comfortable moving, learning, trying new things, and expressing themselves through dance. Throughout the quarter, students will experience a variety of dance styles from different cultures and genres. Whether a student has years of dance training or has never danced before, there is a place for them in this class!
Our curriculum also incorporates the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and explores topics beyond choreography, including nutrition, injury prevention, physical wellness, mindfulness, mental health, and personal growth.
🌟 No dance experience is necessary — just come ready to learn, move, and try!
👟 What Do I Need for Dance Class?
Fridays: Grip socks are required for Yoga/Mindfulness activities.
Monday–Thursday: Students may wear properly tied sneakers.
🚫 For safety, Crocs, boots, sandals, and other unsecured footwear are not permitted during dance activities.
Students should also:
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely.
• Bring water — dancing is exercise! 💧
• Bring their Chromebook when needed for classroom assignments.
⭐ Our Dance Class Expectations
RESPECT. PARTICIPATE. TRY. GROW.
✨ Be respectful to your classmates, your teacher, and our dance space.
✨ Come to class with an open mind and a positive attitude.
✨ Participate and try your best. You do not have to be the best dancer in the room — you simply have to be willing to learn.
✨ Complete all assignments posted on Google Classroom.
✨ Support your classmates. Dance class should be a space where everyone feels comfortable learning something new.
💻 If Ms. Cruz Is Absent...
An absent teacher does not mean a free period! 😉
Assignments will be posted on Google Classroom whenever I am absent. Students are responsible for checking Google Classroom and completing the assigned work.
🗓️ A Week in Dance
💻 MONDAY | Dance Lab & Chromebook Day
Tests • Group Projects • Dance History • Health & Wellness • Lessons • Assignments
🎭 TUESDAY | Musical Theater
Learn choreography inspired by Broadway and musical theater while developing performance skills, expression, and stage presence.
🔥 WEDNESDAY | Hip-Hop & Modern Trends
Explore age-appropriate hip-hop choreography, popular dance styles, rhythm, musicality, and current dance trends.
🌎 THURSDAY | Dance Around the World
Travel the world through movement!
Students may explore styles such as:
Bollywood • West African Dance • Merengue • Bachata • Salsa • Chinese Dragon Dance • and more!
Along the way, students learn that dance is more than movement — it is also culture, history, tradition, and community.
🧘 FRIDAY | Yoga, Mindfulness & Self-Development
We finish our week by slowing things down.
Students participate in yoga, stretching, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and activities designed to support mental wellness, confidence, self-awareness, and a growth mindset.
📊 How Am I Graded?
💻 50% — Classwork & Assignments
This includes work completed through Google Classroom, projects, assessments, and other assigned activities.
💃 50% — Dance Participation
Students are graded on their effort and participation, not on being a perfect dancer.
You don't need years of training.
You don't need perfect technique.
You DO need to participate, stay engaged, and try your best. ⭐
💌 Questions or Concerns?
Parents and guardians are always welcome to contact me.
📧 [email protected]
☎️ Extension 58109
Ms. Cruz
Dance Teacher
West New York Middle School