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Dance Major
The Dance major curriculum offers a comprehensive blend of technical training, creative exploration, and academic study designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the performing arts. Students develop a strong foundation in multiple dance techniques, such as ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary, while also engaging in choreography, improvisation, and performance opportunities. Courses in dance history, anatomy, and kinesiology, provide a deeper understanding of the cultural, physical, and theoretical aspects of the art form.
Freshman
Fall - Dance History
Dance History is an engaging, educational course designed to deepen students’ understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural expression. In this class, students explore the origins and evolution of major dance styles from around the world, examining how history, culture, music, and society have shaped movement over time
Spring - Dance Pedagogy
Dance Pedagogy is a combined academic and practical course that focuses on the principles and methods of teaching dance effectively and safely. Students explore how dancers learn by studying lesson planning, class structure, skill progression, musicality, terminology, classroom management, and injury prevention across multiple dance styles. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate instruction, inclusive teaching practices, and understanding different pedagogical approaches used in dance education. Through observation, guided teaching experiences, and reflective practice, students develop leadership, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of both movement and dance instruction.
The Dance Program at MBSA is designed to ignite creativity and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the art of movement. We believe dance is an essential part of a well-rounded education—one that empowers students to express their ideas and emotions while strengthening cognitive, collaborative, and problem-solving skills. Students will explore a wide range of genres and techniques, from classical ballet to contemporary and modern styles. Our mission is to help each student discover and refine their unique artistic voice while developing the technical foundation needed to bring their creative visions to life.
Sophomore
Fall - Anatomy of a Dance Body and Injury Prevention
Students study basic anatomy and biomechanics, including muscles, bones, joints, alignment, flexibility, and strength as they apply to movement. The course emphasizes safe training practices, proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, injury prevention strategies, and body awareness. By learning how to care for their bodies and recognize signs of strain or injury, students develop healthier movement habits, improve performance quality, and build a foundation for long-term physical well-being in dance.
Spring - Finance for Dancers
Finance for Dancers is a practical course designed to equip students with essential financial knowledge for a career in dance and the performing arts. Students learn foundational money management skills such as budgeting, saving, understanding income sources, contracts, taxes, and managing expenses related to training, auditions, and performances. The course also introduces concepts of freelance work, branding, and financial planning for short- and long-term career goals.
Instruction & Support
Classes are taught by highly skilled, passionate dance educators who are dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Instructors guide students through a variety of projects, offering individualized feedback and helping them build strong, meaningful portfolios. The program also incorporates workshops and guest sessions with local dance professionals, giving students firsthand insight into the broader dance industry and exposing them to diverse perspectives and specialized expertise.
Junior
Fall - Marketing for Dancers
Students learn the fundamentals of personal branding, professional image development, resumes and reels, social media strategy, networking, and audience engagement. The course explores how dancers market performances, classes, and creative projects while maintaining professionalism and authenticity. Through hands-on projects and real-world examples, students build skills in communication, self-promotion, and digital presence, preparing them to stand out and create opportunities in today’s competitive dance landscape
Spring - Audition Prep
Students develop technical precision, performance quality, and adaptability while learning how to quickly pick up choreography, apply feedback, and present themselves confidently. The course covers audition etiquette, attire, resumes and headshots, and strategies for managing nerves and maintaining professionalism. Through mock auditions, technique drills, and individualized feedback, students build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to perform at their best in competitive audition environments.
Community Engagement
Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to participate in performances and showcases that highlight their growth and celebrate their achievements. These events strengthen the school’s artistic community and allow families, peers, and supporters to share in the students’ creative journeys.
Senior
Fall - Choreography, Technology & Production
This senior-level course combines creative dance-making with technology and systems thinking. Students explore choreographic structure, patterning, sequencing, and problem-solving while incorporating digital tools such as music editing, lighting design, projection, and basic motion or video analysis. Students plan, design, and produce original works, applying project management, collaboration, and technical design skills. The course serves as a culminating performance and portfolio experience.
Spring - Dance Science & Biomechanics (Senior Capstone)
This advanced course integrates dance with STEM principles by focusing on anatomy, kinesiology, physics of movement, and injury prevention. Students analyze alignment, force, balance, rotation, and efficiency of movement using basic data collection, video analysis, and reflective practice. Emphasis is placed on optimizing performance, extending dancer longevity, and applying scientific reasoning to technique and conditioning. The course culminates in a research-based or applied movement project.
Real-World Exposure
Field trips to professional dance performances, studios, and cultural venues allow students to experience dance beyond the classroom, helping them analyze technique, understand industry expectations, and draw inspiration from working artists. Students also have opportunities to explore how dance connects with other majors—such as music, theater, kinesiology, and digital arts—giving them a broader perspective and opening pathways for interdisciplinary growth.
In addition, the program incorporates lessons on maintaining longevity in the dance industry, covering topics such as injury prevention, physical conditioning, mental wellness, professional etiquette, and career sustainability. Through this holistic approach, students gain practical knowledge that supports long-term success, whether they choose to pursue dance professionally or apply their skills in related fields.