Dance

Curriculum Overview

The Academy’s Dance curriculum model reflects our desire to provide dance instruction aligned with what students will experience at the college level. Most college dance programs focus on technique, performance and choreography (dance making). Dance majors will likely be enrolled in several sections of technique and/or repertoire at various levels.

Class Topics

Creative Writing Classes Survey

New dancers develop kinesthetic awareness, ideal individual body alignment, physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and care of the body while exploring various dance genres (modern, jazz, ballet, tap and folkloric/world dance). Beyond developing a basic understanding of techniques and styles, students will participate in improvisation and dance making exercises. These dance classes in Michigan will focus on technical principles appropriate to class level. Further studies will include information on dance history and terminology; music/rhythm and dance relationships; careers in dance; as well as nutrition and self-care.

Technique I and II

This course focuses on classical ballet, modern, and jazz techniques. Students continue to develop kinesthetic awareness, individual body alignment, physical strength, flexibility, endurance and care of the body. Dancers will participate in minimal improvisation, dance making and student led exercises to show understanding of classical techniques.

Tap

Dancers learn movement vocabulary and terminology appropriate for their tap level. Students learn to isolate the ankle, knee and hip joints to execute movement efficiently. There is an emphasis on clarity of sound, shading, and dynamics of sounds, rhythm sequences, and syncopations. These dance classes in Michigan also introduce the history of tap dance, as well as important choreographers and performers in the industry.

Repertoire I and II

This class is often taken in conjunction with Technique I or II. As a performance course in our dance academy, students focus on style, artistry, efficiency of movement, recall and learning choreography within the genres of ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz for seasonal concert opportunities.

Dance Company

This course is available for the dedicated dance major who demonstrates advanced technical and artistic skills. As a performance course in our dance academy, students will focus on style, artistry, efficiency of movement recall, and learning choreography within the genres of ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz for seasonal concert opportunities. In addition students have the opportunity to set student choreography as a solo, duet/trio, small or whole ensemble. Students are active in development of the program and production processes. Company members participate in community outreach activities and participate in multiple external performances in the community.

Movement Lab (formerly Choreographic Principles)

This class is for dance majors who are interested in choreography and instruction. This course introduces students to the art of making and crafting dance. Students study the basic elements of dance- Space, Time, Energy, Form, Body, Force, Movement Quality, and the “sub-elements” of each as they apply to choreography. Students view dances choreographed by various artists, participate in class discussions and complete written reflective assignments of the works. Students participate in experimental/lab projects that include informal showings throughout the course. Students read articles, discourse, and critiques of choreography.

Essential Movement & Fitness (Conditioning) by Our Dance Arts Academy

This course is available for dance majors and non-dance majors who are interested in physical and mental fitness through movement. This class fuses Pilates, Yoga, Functional Conditioning & Training methods to build mind-body connection, breath, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, agility, endurance and activation of superficial and deep muscles to support healthy everyday living. Most exercises will be high energy but low impact avoiding putting major stress on joints. Small props/equipment such as light weights, resistance bands, yoga balls and yoga blocks may be used but we will focus heavily on using our own body weight and resistance. No experience is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any options for adult learners or community members in your dance high school in Michigan?
Yes. We offer dance fitness classes in Michigan designed for all levels, including adults. These sessions are hosted through our adult dance studio, focusing on conditioning, flexibility, and overall wellness through movement.

What types of dance classes do you offer at the high school level?
Our Dance high school in Michigan provides a range of classes, including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, choreography, and conditioning. Students also engage in dance classes focused on improvisation, repertoire, and performance-based training.

Is this program suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Our Dance Survey course is ideal for new dancers. It builds foundational skills across genres while introducing students to movement, rhythm, and dance courses in Michigan that lead into more advanced levels.

Can students specialize in a particular dance style?
Yes. As students progress, they can focus more deeply on specific genres like ballet, jazz, or modern within technique classes and repertoire-based dance courses in Michigan.

What performance opportunities are available to students in your dance academy?
Students regularly perform in seasonal concerts and community events. Our Dance Company and Repertoire I and II classes provide extensive stage experience in various dance genres.

Do you offer cross-training or conditioning classes?
Yes. Our Essential Movement & Fitness class is popular with both majors and non-majors. This is also one of our top dance fitness classes in Michigan, blending yoga, Pilates, and functional conditioning to build strength and stamina.

Is this Dance high school in Michigan open to non-traditional students or transfer students?
We welcome students from various backgrounds. While we primarily serve high school-aged dancers, we also offer flexible options through our adult dance studio and community classes.

(586) 294-0391

Enrollment: (586) 800- 8481