Dance Strand
The McCallum High School Fine Arts Academy Dance Program offers students a unique opportunity to experience the world of Dance whether they are first-timers or experienced dance students. All dance classes include the study of Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance with additional diverse dance curriculum offered to meet the needs of the experience levels of each class.
In addition, the students receive instruction and guidance on “learning how to learn” in the dance world. This is particularly important for students interested in continuing their dance education at the college/university level. “Learning how to learn” raises a student’s awareness in class as well as enhances performance quality at a quicker pace.
On October 7th, 2007, News 8 Austin ran a short story about the Dance program and an upcoming Benefit Show. See it here.
Dance I introduces students to the basic concepts of movement as well as the vocabulary and general principals of dance.
Dance II extends the skills and concepts introduced in Dance I and may include practicing choreographic forms.
Dance III and IV are for the experienced dance student and both levels require teacher placement by audition. These courses delve into the discipline of dance, focus on advanced dance movements, and provide students an opportunity to create, produce, and perform dance works for two or more dancers.
Students coming into McCallum High School wishing to major in Dance, as Academy students, are required to audition, provide a resume of their dance experience and letter of recommendation from a dance instructor as well as two-years of academic records along with an academic recommendation.
The Dance Department produces two shows each year with multiple performances, one in the fall and another in the spring. Advanced dance students as well as Company members are required to perform in both shows. Dance majors are required to perform in both shows all four years in order to maintain their status as dance majors in the Academy.
Students in Dance I and II, who wish to perform, are required to audition for the show, sign a contract and commit to all after-school rehearsals and attend all performances held for each show.
McCallum High School Dance Company provides the experienced dance student with an opportunity to develop and assess their artistic growth by working with professional dancers and local dance companies. Dancers with less experience and/or a specialized area of focus can participate in the Repertory Study Group (RSG). Auditions for the Company are held each fall and RSG holds auditions twice a year. Both groups accept a limited number of students and fees are charged for both. The groups meet after school and weekends.
For more information about the McCallum High School Dance Company and RSG as well as a brief history of the master classes offered, go to opportunities.