DANCE
LACHSA | DANCE
DANCE
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Dance is a universal language, a powerful art form that requires tremendous discipline and offers great rewards. Students will learn that a deep commitment to study in dance provides growth in the individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, enhances confidence, communication and a strong sense of community.
The LACHSA Dance Department offers an intensive pre-professional, conservatory-type training program with a concentration on foundational dance techniques, experience with classic and contemporary dance repertory, diverse dance forms and creative expression through performance opportunities and choreography studies and production. The four years of training include the areas of ballet and foundational modern dance techniques, jazz dance, world dance forms, diverse contemporary genres, dance history, dance health and injury prevention, classic and contemporary repertory, improvisation, partnering, and dance composition.
Dance provides growth in the individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being
The program emphasizes respect, safety, discipline, skills, techniques, and intellectual development in an inspirational environment. The training prepares students to enter directly into university, conservatory or college dance programs and professional careers in dance.
The program emphasizes respect, safety, discipline, skills, techniques, and intellectual development in an inspirational environment.
Students learn to value the expected protocol and unique demands of the dance studio environment and preparation for professional endeavors. Clear goals and expectations are the guides for promoting student achievement and well-being. The dance teachers and Dance Department Chair serve as mentors who guide and engage the students to understand and fulfill their potential as human beings through the power of dance.
The mission of the LACHSA Dance Department is to provide a pre-conservatory program that prepares and inspires students to be their best. We inform and guide emerging dance artists to establish strong foundational skills and to think critically. We help dancers understand their responsibility as artists in society and as advocates for positive change.
Dance majors are required to take four years of Ballet Technique, which includes Ballet Repertoire and Foundational Modern Dance Techniques. Freshmen and sophomores study Horton Modern, juniors and seniors study Graham Modern. Juniors and seniors take Choreography/Exploration of Movement and have the opportunity to produce their own choreographic works. On Wednesdays, freshman will take Jazz Dance. On Fridays, freshmen will take one semester of Body Conditioning and one semester of Hip Hop and African Dance. Sophomores have a split Arts Friday, taking a combination of Hip Hop and African Dance both semesters. Masterclasses and immersive repertoire experiences are provided throughout the course of the year for all grade levels.
