HIGH SCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM
SPA's High School dance program has three levels for Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary technique. Students also jointly take a Repertory and Composition course. Depending on the semester, this course may focus on improvisation, composition, working with a guest artist, learning repertory, or used as a rehearsal for upcoming shows.
In January, selected students are invited to our High School Arts Intensive. This three day, two night trip gives students the opportunity to work with guest artists and to spend a weekend off-campus focused entirely on their chosen art major. For the past three years, our retreat has taken place at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, a beautiful arts center in Carmel Valley.
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All high school students are asked to participate in our Spring Showcase (April/May). These performances are mixed-repertory shows that include new and original works by current and guest faculty. Rehearsals take place both in class and after school, and the performances take place on campus in our black box theater. High school students are also included in our Fall Showing.
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High school dance majors also learn the Elemental Body Alignment System, a somatic movement practice developed by Mr. Scott Putman, Associate Professor of Dance with Virginia Commonwealth University. This work is designed for structural integrity and supported range of motion, deepens one's understanding of where movement comes from, and helps students find more space, length, and rotation. More info here.