Eighth grade dance is a comprehensive and advanced study of dance, preparing students to study dance at the high school level (students new to dance in 8th grade will not be behind, but will require stronger focus to catch-up to peers). Students will have an in-depth study of performance techniques, choreographic principles and processes, communicating through dance, using creative and critical thinking skills, understanding world dance history and culture, healthful living, and making connections from dance to other disciplines, especially that of technology.

Dance I follows the guide for dance in the district high schools and requires students to perform at a high level.  Students will be expected to complete units of study at a high school level, complete with an EOC performance at the end of the year.  Much like eighth grade dance, Dance I prepares students for the next dance course at the high school level.

Eighth grade dance and Dance I students are combined into one class and will be taught the same units of study.  All students will be expected to complete coursework at the Dance I level the class will be taught at, but only students enrolled in the Dance I course (year-long course) will receive the high school credit. In order to qualify, these students must have completed & passed the entire year-long 7th grade dance course. Dancers in the semester-course will be held to the same standards, but at a more exploratory level.

Units of study will include in-depth looks into all technique and history introduced in 6th and 7th grade dance (i.e. ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, world dances, technology, etc.) Students are building upon the basics of dance typically learned in seventh grade as outlined by the state and national standards.  Students will learn all styles of dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, and various world dances) in addition to choreography, anatomy, history, and technology connections.  In 8th grade dance there will be a special emphasis placed on making connections in dance to other subject areas, particularly technology and careers. Students will also be expected to complete independent-study like projects.
You don't have to be an expert to be in 8th grade dance, but you DO have to be willing to TRY every type of dance possible.  We are about making smart dancers, not just good dancers.