In Dance the following coursesare taught :
Stage 4 Dance: Years 7 Mandatory Year 7 students have four 72 minute periods of Dance per fortnight for one semester each year.
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore movement as mode of expression and communication. Students learn basic movement and dance skills, create short dance compositions and identify ways that dance can be used to communicate ideas.
Stage 5 Dance:Years 9 & 10 Elective Year 9 & 10 students have four 72 minute periods of Dance per fortnight for the year.
This course allows students to expand their movement skill and vocabulary through the study of a variety of dance styles including contemporary, classical ballet, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop. Students learn about the elements of dance and how these can be manipulated to communicate ideas in dance compositions. Additionally students study dance appreciation where they analyse dance history and dance works in relation to their contexts.
Stage 6 Dance:Years 11 Preliminary & 12 HSC Elective Year 11 & 12 students have six 72 minute periods of Dance per fortnight for the year.
Dance is a Board of Studies 2 unit course that counts towards the ATAR. In this course students study 3 core units – performance, composition and appreciation. Additionally they select a major area of study in which they complete a major work for their HSC. Students complete both internal and external practical and theoretical exams for 2 Unit Dance.
Students are exposed to a wide range of performance opportunities engaging in excursions such as viewing works of professional dance companies at the Riverside Theatre and Wharf Theatre, the HSC Callback productions and professional workshops at Sydney Dance Company, which assist them in their development of deep understanding and critical analysis skills in approaching dance and performance.
Extra-curricular activities and Performing Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in the School Concerts and other performing opportunities that are organised for them each year. Performance opportunities vary each year. Some of the external performances include Sydney West Dance Festival, Talent Development Project, NSW School Spectacular, and Celebrating the Arts Festival (Riverside Theatre).
Dance Ensembles
Junior and Senior Dance ensemble rehearse before school. Students are auditioned and offered a place in the ensemble. Students perform at events at school as well as at regional and state level.
Ballet classes are taught every week before school to assist students in developing their dance technique and performance quality.
Students who demonstrate excellent dance skills and have a passion for performing are invited to join our Dance Company. Company rehearses after school each week and perform at regional and state events.
Each year a variety of dance items are chosen to be performed at School Dance Concerts. Dance students also perform at Recognition Assemblies throughout the year, at the annual Presentation Night, at various farewell assemblies (Year 10, Year 12) and the annual Christmas Concert.