DANCE DEPARTMENT
OVERVIEW OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
The Westside Dance Program is entering its 9th year, under the direction of Sharon Roberts and Rodrigo Leal. Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to study dance as part of their academic program fulfilling fine art, physical education or elective credit. Courses are structured from NDEO and TEA dance curriculum guidelines.
Westside offers 4 levels of dance including Introduction to Dance, Intermediate Dance, Intermediate/Advanced Dance and Advanced Dance. Students are also provided performance opportunities through Inertia Dance Company and The Westside Pride Dance Team. The first three levels are technique-based focusing on various disciplines of styles (including modern dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre and contemporary), dance history, choreography and performance. Both written and practical assessments are administered throughout the year.
Westside Dance requires an audition process for all upper level dance classes and Inertia Dance Company and Pride Dance Team. Auditions are generally held in March and April for the following school year. Inertia Dance Company and Pride Dance Team are performance-based, and also meet as a class during the school day. Both organizations require after school rehearsals and performances throughout the entire school year. For information on Pride Dance Team, please visit their webpage under Athletics.
Contact:
| Sharon Roberts | 281-920-8055 |
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Rodrigo Leal |
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SPECIFICS OF THE DANCE PROGRAM
Introduction to Dance
For students who have not had previous dance training, or for those who are working at a beginning level of skill and technique. There are no pre-requisites for this class, and can fulfill fine art, physical education or general elective credit. This is a one-year course, and students receive 1 credit for the year. Students in Intro to Dance will focus on learning dance terminology, history and techniques. Appropriate attire is required for all activity days.
In addition to technique and performance, students enrolled in Intro to Dance are expected to attend dance and/or theatrical performances each semester. Performances can either be local or within the Houston Arts community.
Intermediate Dance
For students who have had previous dance training and experience. An audition is required for enrollment in this class. The purpose of this class will be to advance students in their dance training; moving up in technical training and performance. Students in Intermediate are required to attend dance and/or theatrical performances each semester.
Intermediate/Advanced Dance
For students who have had at least 3 years of dance training. An audition is required for this class. Students will be required to extend their dance technique and performance abilities through daily work in school and outside studio training.
Advanced Dance
For students with at least 5 years of dance training. This class is considered a pre-professional class for students who have an interest in dance work on the college or professional level. Advanced dance will offer performance opportunities and training in a variety of dance styles as well as methods instruction in composition, choreography, production, dance history, photography and multi media dance experiences.
This class is for juniors and seniors only.
Break Dance (Beginning and Advanced)
This class employs all the elements of street and break dance and includes floor rock, up rock, power elements, popping, locking, house, head spins and freezes. B boys (& the occasional B girl) work daily on combinations and individual skills. This class also provides performance experiences.
INERTIA Dance CompanyThe elite performing ensemble representing the Westside Dance Program. This group is nationally recognized with 16 national titles from competition, performances in New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, features in Students in Intro to Dance will focus on learning dance terminology, history and techniques. Appropriate attire is required for all activity days.
In addition to technique and performance, students enrolled in Intro to Dance are expected to attend dance and/or theatrical performances each semester. Performances can either be local or within the Houston Arts community.
Intermediate Dance
For students who have had previous dance training and experience. An audition is required for enrollment in this class. The purpose of this class will be to advance students in their dance training; moving up in technical training and performance. Students in Intermediate are required to attend dance and/or theatrical performances each semester.
Intermediate/Advanced Dance
For students who have had at least 3 years of dance training. An audition is required for this class. Students will be required to extend their dance technique and performance abilities through daily work in school and outside studio training.
Advanced Dance
For students with at least 5 years of dance training. This class is considered a pre-professional class for students who have an interest in dance work on the college or professional level. Advanced dance will offer performance opportunities and training in a variety of dance styles as well as methods instruction in composition, choreography, production, dance history, photography and multi media dance experiences.
This class is for juniors and seniors only.
Break Dance (Beginning and Advanced)
This class employs all the elements of street and break dance and includes floor rock, up rock, power elements, popping, locking, house, head spins and freezes. B boys (& the occasional B girl) work daily on combinations and individual skills. This class also provides performance experiences.
INERTIA Dance Company
The elite performing ensemble representing the Westside Dance Program. This group is nationally recognized with 16 national titles from competition, performances in New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, features in People Magazine, Dance Teacher and Southern Living as well as appearances on CBS Early Show, The Tony Danza Show, and local affiliates for Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC. INERTIA have been featured half-time performers for the NBA San Antonio Spurs and WNBA Houston Comets.
INERTIA company members are selected through an audition process. This is a coed group, which requires travel, fund raising activities and extensive after school rehearsals and performances throughout the year.
INERTIA company members are required to maintain passing grades by UIL state standards. Students are required to follow ‘no pass no dance’ rules.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 2008-09
October 31: Random Acts of Dance, WHS Auditorium
November 20: No Costume Dance Concert, WHS Auditorium
November 22: Dance Montage, WHS Auditorium
December 11-13: Theatre/Dance Show, WHS Mini-Theatre (tentative)
January 22: Dance Concert, WHS Mini-Theatre
April 16-18: INERTIA Dance Concert, WHS Mini-Theatre
May 1: Dance Concert, WHS Auditorium
Please check our school calendar for updates.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The Westside Dance Department will have an audition for students enrolled in WHS who missed the spring audition dates. This try-out will be for students who are interested in Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced. Dancers will be selected based on skill level, and space availability basis.
- The audition will take place in the X121 Dance Studio, September 2, 2008, 4:00 PM.
Applications can be picked up in the Dance Studio beginning August 25th. - INERTIA Dance Company will be performing in the BCS Championship Bowl Game, in Miami at the beginning of January.