Dance Division offers a comprehensive modern dance-based curriculum integrated with a variety of other dance styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, and world dance forms (Scope and Sequence). Students experience dance through technique, improvisation, composition, and performance. Multiple levels of dance are offered to accommodate the developmental needs of all students from novice to the highly skilled dancer. Courses in dance share the essential understandings of the Kinetic Wellness department and contribute to personal wellness.
Problem-solving, cooperative learning, critical thinking, and self-expression are the cornerstones of the Dance Division's educational philosophy. The Dance Division regards the creative process to be of equal importance to technical training or finished products. In the end, we hope to give our students another means to interpret the world around them and develop an appreciation for all the visual and performing arts. New Trier's entire Performing Arts Division is committed to offering students robust learning and performing experiences that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and connection to community.
All courses in the Dance Division satisfy the Kinetic Wellness graduation requirement. (Sophomores must fulfill one semester of health education.)
Students have a variety of opportunities to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular performances and dance events throughout the year (see below).
