Dance at Hillsdale
Dance is a universal language, a powerful art form that requires tremendous discipline and offers great rewards. Students will learn that a deep commitment to study in dance provides growth in the individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, enhances confidence, communication and a strong sense of community.
The Hillsdale Dance Department offers a training program with a concentration on foundational dance techniques, experience with classic and contemporary dance repertory, diverse dance forms and creative expression through performance opportunities and choreography studies and production. The four years of training include the areas of ballet and foundational modern dance techniques, jazz dance, world dance forms, diverse contemporary genres, dance history, dance health and injury prevention, classic and contemporary repertory, improvisation, partnering, and dance composition.
The program emphasizes respect, safety, discipline, skills, techniques, and intellectual development in an inspirational environment. The 4 year training prepares students to enter directly into university or college dance programs.
Students learn to value the expected protocol and unique demands of the dance environment and preparation for performance opportunities. Clear goals and expectations are the guides for promoting student achievement and well-being. Sabrina Braccini and guest choreographers/teachers serve as mentors who guide and engage the students to understand and fulfill their potential as human beings through the power of dance.
The mission of the Hillsdale Dance Department is to provide a dance experience that prepares and inspires students to be their best. We guide dancers to establish strong foundational skills and to think critically. We help dancers understand their responsibility as artists in society and as advocates for positive change.
It is strongly suggested that students who want to pursue dance in college take four years of classes during their high school experience.