Dance

Early Years students enjoy dancing to music while developing their innate sense of rhythm and musicality. A broad array of musical genres inspire different feelings and responses, and spark conversation around movement. Through both free play and guided activities, students hone their gross and fine-motor skills. A central focus on form, control, and spatial awareness encourage opportunities to practice balance, coordination, and transfer of weight. Interesting props enhance imaginative experiences and a safe environment supports risk-taking, self-expression, and exploration. Unique and authentic connections are made to the variety of dance styles studied in later years at Mulgrave as well as to other arts disciplines. 

The PYP dance programme provides consistent and sequential instruction, creating a platform to build on past experience. Weekly classes incorporate fundamental principles of a dance class, choreography in a range of multi-cultural genres, and theory. Students gain an understanding of the basic elements of dance, such as body, space, time, energy, and form. Ongoing inquiry revolves around the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values through movement and other arts. Creativity and an appreciation of the dance aesthetic is expanded. Students learn about connecting their body, mind, and emotions, and develop confidence to share their artistic gifts. 

Middle School students participating in the Grade 8/9 play are invited to enjoy original choreographic works created specifically for their unique roles. Students have agency in their learning and are involved in opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and choreographic input. Learning opportunities are relevant to their interests and differentiated to each student, allowing for challenging and rewarding experiences. Emphasis is placed on performance skills essential for both individual and group dance pieces, such as timing, musicality, synchronicity, projecting to an audience, body language, stage directions, transitions, and expression. 

LEAP Electives in the Middle Years Program offer ballet and contemporary classes allowing for the development of technique, flexibility, fluidity of movement, performance skills, and confidence dancing individually and as a group. Dance class etiquette and terminology are woven throughout. 

Senior School students participating in the Grade 10-12 production are invited to enjoy original choreographic works, created specifically for their unique roles. Students have agency in their learning and are involved in opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and choreographic input. Learning opportunities are relevant to their interests and differentiated to each student, allowing for challenging and rewarding experiences. Emphasis is placed on performance skills essential for both individual and group dance pieces, such as timing, musicality, synchronicity, projecting to an audience, body language, stage directions, transitions, and expression. 

Senior School Dance Ensemble allows for two unique dance opportunities. Students may partake in either Rehearsals and Repertoire, the Contemporary Fusion class, or both. Rehearsals and Repertoire hosts rehearsals for dance in the Senior School production as well as a range of new choreography. Contemporary Fusion class encompasses warm-up, centre work, across the floor technique, and choreography. Contemporary technique will be used as a base, providing a platform to incorporate elements of multiple genres, including lyrical, jazz, and hip hop.

Each year, Middle School students engage with and learn from guest artists who specialise in traditional cultural dances from around the world such as Capoeira (Brazilian), Bhangra (Indian/Pakistani), and Ewe (African).