The Dance program focuses on developing the technique, creativity, and artistry essential for successful dance expression in a diversity of dance genres. Theory includes the study of anatomy, injury prevention, nutrition, career choices, dance history and criticism.
Student choreography is developed through improvisation and composition studies. All students have the opportunity to perform their own creations as well as that of staff and professional guest choreographers in both informal and formal stage settings.
Dance Education fosters creativity and contributes to a student's physical, emotional, and social well being by providing a method of physical fitness, an outlet for personal expression, and a means to develop empathy and social emotional skills.
Arts Unionville Dance aims to foster and develop the whole person, in and out of the dance class.
The Benefits of a Dance Education
Dance education fosters creativity and contributes to a student's physical, emotional, and social well being by providing a method of physical fitess, an outlet for personal expression, and a means to develop empathy and social emotional skills.
Students in AU Dance develop a depth of knowledge within various aspects of dance education, including;
- Training in various dance genres and techniques
- Performance of dance works ad participation in the creation process with faculty, peers, and professional guest artists
- Develop a choreographic voice of your own as a dance artist
- Live accompaniment for training including a percussionist and pianist
- Perform at Flato Markham Theatre professional performance space
- Develop an understanding of theatre production
- Develop experience in dance film and media arts
- Learn about the foundations of dance sciences in researching the biomechanics of movement, injury prevention, and application to safe practices
- Learn about the roots of dance from a societal and cultural perspective
- Connect with post-secondary career pathways related to the field of dance and beyond
- Attend live professional performances from world renowned companies and artists
- Learn the value and appreciation for dance and the Arts and the role they play within society
- Take part in daily dance classes within your school timetable and join a supportive community who share your passion for dance
Application Process
The selection process will be in person, with the option for an e-portfolio if unable to attend.
We invite interested students to submit their registration via Edsby. Once submitted, we will be contacting registrants and outlining the process to prepare for the selection process.
The criteria, by discipline, will be shared with registrants and posted to each school's Arts page.
The audition process gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their interest, passion, and experience in the arts.
Criteria for Successful Selection
Arts Unionville Dance applicants will take part in two processes through a live workshop experience at UHS:
- Attend a workshop at Unionville High School lead by AU Dance faculty
- A conversation to share applicant’s interest in dance and the arts
Note: Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop, an e-Portfolio option will be offered as an alternative.
The Workshop
Attend an in-person one hour workshop held at Unionville High School instructed by AU Dance faculty with the purpose of leading students through a warm up, movement sequences, and allow for explorative collaboration and creation. Approximately 16 students are scheduled per session.
The success criteria is met by students that can:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the dance techniques and movement vocabularies in a variety of dance forms
- Accurately reproduce dance sequences from the cues provided
- Perform phrases that explore two or more elements of dance
- Use their body in a variety of ways to show
- Shape (angular, stretched, twisted, symmetry versus asymmetry, geometric versus organic, curved versus angular)
- Isolation
- Weight transfer
- Levels, direction, energy, inaction vs action
- Non-locomotor (twist, rock, etc.) and locomotor (leap, dart, etc.)
- Rhythm, dynamics, understanding of tempo and musicality
The Conversation
10 minute conversations scheduled in intervals after in-person workshop:
This prompt can be shared in advance so applicants can reflect and prepare prior to the scheduled conversation. Applicants may bring notes in with them to help them feel more confident and comfortable sharing.
The conversation is not evaluative; it is used to further understand the applicant’s interests and passions for dance education.
An example of a prompt for conversation: Please share your interests in dance and why you feel a dance education would be something that would benefit you.
Tips:
- How do you use dance to express yourself?
- How does dance provide you with the opportunity to challenge yourself to grow as an artist and person alike?
- What do you hope Arts Unionville Dance will provide you with as you embark on your journey throughout high school?
- How will you contribute to the Arts community?