Opportunities for McCallum Dance students
In March 2006 a select group of dancers will have an opportunity
to attend the American College Dance Festival-South Central Region
at UT-Austin. College instructors, students, and other dancers will
be on hand to teach and attend a multitude of master classes as well
as the end of festival performance. Mac HS dancers will also perform
during the festival.
In addition, for the first time this year a workshop will be held for students who wish to learn more about how to prepare for auditions and assemble performance portfolios. There will be information available about opportunities for summer dance intensives and which colleges/universities offer dance programs and the areas of dance they focus on. A photographer will also be on hand for headshots and action shots to use in the student’s portfolio.
During the school year master classes in a variety of dance are brought into selected dance levels. And because of Mac HS dance program’s continued collaboration with UT-Austin dance department advanced-level dancers participate in master classes at UT and receive tickets to attend professional dance performances at Bass Concert Hall.
Examples of past master classes:
- West African dancing
- Irish folk dancing
- Tapestry Dance Company (rhythm tap)
- Bob Fosse dancers
- Austin Dance Arts Studio (jazz and ballet)
- Hubbard Street Dance Company of Chicago - modern
Students have worked with principal dancers (current and former) from San Francisco Ballet, Tapestry Dance Co., Bill T. Jones, and Quasar Dance Company.
Dance Company
The Dance Company at McCallum High School is a year-long commitment. The Company is limited to 12-14 advanced dance students by audition. Students work with professional dancers in the Austin community, attend master classes, and work together as a group to increase their understanding and appreciation of the world of dance. There is a $100 annual fee (in addition to $25 per semester show fee). This fee is applied towards additional expenditures such as master class instruction and additional performance opportunities.
Repertory Study Group
The Repertory Study Group (RSG) is a semester-long commitment , with auditions held at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. RSG provides an opportunity for dancers with a specialized dance interest (hip-hop, tap, jazz) to work with local choreographers on repertory pieces for the show. There is $25 per semester fee (in addition to $25 show fee per semester) – This fee is applied to additional expenditures relating to RSG specific costs, such as master classes.