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  • Dance

Lower/Middle School

The exciting and award-winning dance program at the Lower/Middle School emphasizes the creative process, personal expression, and performance. Dance and expressive movement are integrated into the curriculum of the drama classes. In addition, students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades may choose to take a dance elective for their arts enrichment class. The 6th grade dance curriculum is "The World of Dance," in which students learn a variety of dance styles and rhythms from all around the globe including samba, hip-hop, tarantella, improvisation, and modern dance. The 7th grade dance curriculum is "The World of Modern Dance," in which students learn and experience through technique classes and choreography the history of modern dance in America. And 8th grade dance students experience a more rigorous training in modern dance, choreography, improvisation, and performance on their "World of Contemporary and Post-Modern Dance" curriculum. Eighth graders also enjoy opportunities to perform with the HS dance troupe, Fata Morgana, and at off-campus performances as well as a regional dance festival.

High School

The dance program at the High School offers a diverse curriculum ranging from ballet to modern to authentic jazz and theatre dance. In each, students are introduced to the history of dance and to choreographers who changed the shape of dance. Student will learn to advocate for the performing arts as a whole and the dancer in particular. Dancers will study how to integrate dance into education and will develop critical thinking and problem solving through dance.

Advanced students and musical theater dance students will be introduced to the rigors of the audition process, including developing a resume and taking headshots. Advanced students will also study choreography, choice making, and communication. Advanced students will have the opportunity to travel to New York City and spend a weekend dancing! Students will attend local performances to see world-renowned dance companies and attend talk backs following performances.

Professional guest artists are brought into GDS to teach a wide variety of classes from yoga to hip hop, richly enhancing the High School dance students' experience.

Signature Programs

Master Dance Classes
Twice a year, GDS hosts a master teacher from New York City for a day of classes for High School students. These classes are made possible by the Samuel J. Rosenfeld Family Master Dance Series Grant.
Fata Morgana Dance Company
Fata Morgana is a student dance company led, choreographed, and managed by students, which presents winter and spring performances. It is the largest club at the High School.
Musicals
Each year in both the High School and Middle School, students participate in powerful dramatic productions, displaying their skills in dance, music, and acting.
Middle School Dance Showcases
These performances are the culmination of students' semesters in dance and includes dancers' and teachers' original creations in modern dance styles.
Middle School Dance Festival

Every spring, Middle School students enjoy a full day dedicated to dance, featuring master classes with guest artists.

Lower School Assembly Performances
Lower School students perform dance several times per year in front of an audience of their peers and families.

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Meet the Team

Joan Ayap

Consulting Teacher for LMS Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

Will Robinson

Consulting Teacher for Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

Aleny Serna

Consulting Teacher for LS Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

Maria Watson

High School Dance and Acting Teacher