New Students

Students interested in studying dance at St. Ignatius have many opportunities. As part of their academic school day, they may enroll in Dance 1A and Dance 1B. Both are introductory level courses that fulfill the Fine Arts Requirement and one half of the Physical Education requirements for graduation. Dancers with previous experience who are interested in more intense study and performance opportunities should audition for DANCE WORKSHOP. Dance Workshop is an 8th period (after school) class that meets 1-2 days a week to study various styles of dance, learn choreography, and perform in the annual Dance Concert in January, Fine Arts Assembly, and some school liturgies. 

Contact Ms. Emily Shick with questions.

Prospective Students & Visitors

Dance 1a: Ballet, Jazz, And Social Dance (6601)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12

Length - One Semester

Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester toward Fine Arts graduation req.

Prerequisite - None

Course Description - This course introduces beginning technique, warm-up exercises, in-class choreography, movement in space, and improvisation. Students will study ballet, jazz, and social dance forms including Charleston, swing, and hip hop. As a final project, students will create a dance in small groups and will research the history of a style of dance.

DANCE 1B: MODERN DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY (6602)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12

Length - One Semester

Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two semester Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite - Students must complete Dance IA before taking Dance IB

Course Description - Building off the foundation of Dance 1A, modern dance movements and form are presented. The class will trace the history of 20th century modern dance through the present using both the history and the movement of major choreographers such as Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Alvin Ailey. With that history as their foundation, students will experience the choreographic process themselves. Using various creative stimuli, the dancer/choreographers will create new dances both individually and in small groups.

NOTE: Dance 1A OR Dance 1B will also fulfill the second semester of the Physical Education requirement for graduation.

DANCE WORKSHOP - (9704)

Grade level - 9, 10, 11, 12

Length - One Semester; offered 8th period ONLY

Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirements.

Prerequisites - None

Criteria - Admission is by audition only.

Course Description - This course is designed for students with previous dance experience. Emphasis will be on building techniques necessary for presentation and performance of ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles. Students will present a final project of dances at the Dance Concerts in December and/or March.