Dance

The Dance Department at SCPA is rooted in discipline, creativity, and technical excellence, with a mission to develop dancer-artists who possess strong foundational technique, expressive range, and a professional mindset—whether they pursue careers in dance or other fields. As part of this mission, the department is a Career Technical Education (CTE) program that offers pre-professional training in classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Primary Dance
(Grades K–3)

The Primary Dance & Movement program at SCPA introduces students in grades K–3 to the fundamentals of movement, rhythm, and expression. Through age-appropriate activities, students explore body awareness, spatial relationships, locomotor skills (running, skipping, leaping), non-locomotor skills (bending, twisting, stretching), balance, coordination, and choreography. Lessons also introduce students to ballet, modern, jazz, aerobics, international dance, dance history, and creative movement, helping them gain both technical skills and an appreciation for dance as an art form.

Admission is via the CPS lottery.

Preparatory Division
(Grades 4–6)

From grades 4–6, those accepted begin focused training in ballet, flexibility, and movement vocabulary. Students also participate in department performances, such as The Nutcracker and Springfest.

Admission is via audition.

Pre-Professional Conservatory
(Grades 7–12)

SCPA’s Pre-Professional Conservatory Dance Program begins in grade 7 and intensifies through high school. Students audition for entry, including current sixth graders continuing in the program. The high school Dance Program (grades 7–12) is a CTE pathway, offering comprehensive, industry-aligned instruction to prepare students for college, conservatories, and professional dance careers.

Courses emphasize both classical ballet and modern/contemporary techniques, with instruction in pointe, Pilates, yoga, choreography, improvisation, and dance history. Dancers progress through structured levels—from Beginning Dance through Fundamentals, Technique, and Style—culminating in Senior Dance Ensemble. The curriculum is aligned with professional industry standards, including performance requirements, written assignments, and proficiency-based grading.

Dance students benefit from:

• Daily technical training across multiple genres
• Opportunities to earn a Performance Certificate at graduation
• Guest artist workshops with companies such as Alvin Ailey and Pilobolus
• Field trips to professional dance performances
• Competitive opportunities like the Corbett-Mayerson Awards
• Capstone projects, including choreography and peer teaching
• Eligibility for the SCPA Summer Dance Intensive

Performance & Professional Development

Dance majors participate in multiple annual performances, including The Nutcracker, Springfest, and Senior Choreographers’ Concert. Participation is contingent upon academic standing and consistent attendance. Students also attend department-wide events, complete reflection assignments, and may be selected to choreograph or teach as part of their senior capstone.

The program emphasizes professionalism and life skills such as:

• Accountability and attendance
• Collaboration and respect
• Goal setting and resilience
• Time management and discipline