The Dance Department aims to develop the student's appreciation of dance as an art form and to expose the student to a full range of dance experiences. In addition to fulfilling the needs of the gifted and talented dance student, the department encourages beginners aiming to identify their undiscovered dance ability and to encourage its development.
At Walker's, the Dance Department offers classes in both the Middle and Upper Schools. We firmly believe in the important of artistic expression through the physical expression of dance. Students are encouraged to understand functional alignment and to treat their bodies with respect and intelligence. By drawing upon the rich and diverse backgrounds of its students, the Dance Department emphasizes dance as a vibrant form of cultural expression.
Students are exposed to modern, ballet/pointe, jazz, tap, cultural dance forms, improvisation and choreography. Master classes are offered in these areas and others, including character, ballroom and musical theatre. Each year, there are two Upper School dance concerts with choreography by dance faculty, students, and guest artists.
Upper School dance classes are offered after the academic day.
Courses in this department:
Required for Grades 6, 7 & 8
The Middle School Dance program concentrates on the development of technical skills, and the appreciation of the art form. An annual dance performance is included in the yearly activities. Dance is scheduled during the academic day and is under the direction of the Head of the Dance Department.
Open to Grades: 9-12
(Fall and Winter Commitment) By Audition
Fulfills Team Sport Requirement
Dance Workshop is the advanced level dance company at Walker’s. Students are selected by audition and must commit to dance for the fall and winter seasons. Dance Workshop members take daily advanced level technique classes in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Character, and Stretch & Strengthen. These classes are supplemented with weekly rehearsals for student, faculty, and guest artist choreography. Senior members of Dance Workshop take choreography classes and run their own rehearsals. Dance Workshop performs in the annual Winter Dance Concert.
Offered: Fall and Spring as a sports option
The Junior Dance Workshop is for students who wish to participate in a more rigorous dance training program in addition to the introductory level middle school classes. The dance company focuses on technique, composition, and performance skills. The Junior Dance Workshop meets three days a week during Middle School athletic practice time.
Open to Grades: 9-12
(Fall and Winter Commitment) by Audition
Fulfills Team Sport Requirement
Dance Ensemble is the high intermediate level dance company at Walker’s. Students are selected by audition and must commit to dance for the fall and winter seasons. Dance Ensemble members take daily intermediate level technique classes in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Character. This group also has the opportunity to work with guest artists and they perform in the annual Winter Dance Concert.
Open to Grades: 9-12
(Fall and Winter Commitment) by Audition
Fulfills Team Sport Requirement
Dance Corps is for students who would like to commit to dance for the fall and winter seasons and participate in the annual Winter Dance Concert. These students participate in weekly technique classes at their appropriate level in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. This group also has the opportunity to work with guest artists and they perform in the annual Winter Dance Concert.
Open to Grades: 9-12
Open registration: Fall, Winter, and Spring
These classes are open to students at any level of dance from beginner-advanced. Students participating in the general enrollment classes have exposure to ballet, modern, jazz and cultural dance forms. In the spring, students are placed in classes by level (beginner-advanced).
