HOLLY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

 

The Fine Arts Department at Holly Spring High offers students the unique opportunity for rigorous training in the visual and performing arts, combined with a strong, comprehensive academic program.

 

Our mission is to provide students an all-encompassing education in an effort to prepare them for futures as not only artists, but contributing citizens who will appreciate as well as support the arts in their communities.

 

We strive to nurture, without exception, the values of individual accomplishment and independence. The Arts programs offer students a sense of community as they build friendships that will contribute to their lives at HSHS and for their years following graduation.

 

The HSHS Fine Arts Department is fully committed to its role as a college preparatory school, informing students of the variety of opportunities available to them for future training in colleges, universities and conservatories. The teachers strive to graduate people who can work independently and creatively.  While facilitating the pursuance of individuality, HSHS also places high value on group responsibility, loyalty and dedication.

 

Students who complete any discipline within this department will gain an in-depth education in their art form through technique, history, performance and related studies.  They will also carry with them the necessary tools to prepare them for a future of success in any field they choose to pursue.

 

THE BASIC CURRICULUM

 

The high school dance curriculum is directed by the newly revised NC Essential Standards.  Students involved in Arts Education will be assessed on their ability to create & perform, properly identify & demonstrate appropriate movement skills/technique, respond to dance through evaluative and analytical measures and show connections made through interdisciplinary, cultural and historical forms of dance.  For detailed information please visit

 

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/artsed/scos/new-standards/arts/dance/9-12.pdf

               

The Holly Springs High School Dance Program specifically stresses the modern dance technique of Lester Horton, choreography and related dance studies.  Laban principles of Body, Space, Time and Effort are used to give the students a solid understanding of movement execution.  Students of this program will be frequently guided through the choreographic process, giving them opportunity to experiment with their own movement creations.   In addition to the traditional teaching of dance, students will learn elements of production, dance history and anatomy/injury prevention.  Beyond the skill and factual information however, comes the most important aspect of the HSHS philosophy of dance education;  Regardless of the student’s level of dedication to dance, the curriculum aims to further develop a greater understanding and appreciation of dance as an art form and the following personal character traits.

 

 

 

RESPECT                                                   SELF-DISCIPLINE                                          RESPONSIBILITY                                    COURAGE

 

FOCUS                                                           CREATIVITY                                            OPEN-MINDEDNESS                               PERSEVERANCE