News and Performances
Dance Instructors
Reading List
Academy Dance Descriptions
Placement Auditions
Academy Dance Company

Annual Spring Dance Concert

Our Annual Spring Dance Concert will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Warren Woods Middle School @ 6:30pm. Call time for students is 5pm. 

Tickets are $8.00/Advanced and $10.00/door and will be on sale from April 27th until 3:10 p.m. on May 11th.  Please see Mr. Long or Ms. Hopkins to purchase tickets.

Our Tech/Dress Rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Warren Woods Middle School from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  

4 p.m. call time for students.

Warren Woods Middle School- 13400 E 12 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088

2011 Senior Dance Concert

The Arts Academy in the Woods Dance Department presents the 2011 Senior Dance Concert “Lasting Impressions” featuring 13 original pieces from our graduating seniors.

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Arts Academy in the Woods (32101 Caroline St., Fraser, MI 48026)

$4.00/individual donation at the door.

The tech rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at Arts Academy in the Woods from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.  This rehearsal will be closed to parents, friends, and family.  Only choreographers, dancers, and teachers will be allowed in the auditorium during the rehearsal.

 

Katie Kuczaj performs at Arts Academy in the Woods for a student assembly, 9/19/2008:

Caitlin Wagner performs at Arts Academy in the Woods for a student assembly, 9/19/2008:

 

Robyn Fox performs at Arts Academy in the Woods for a student assembly, 9/19/2008:

1. Gail Grant: Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet (Mandatory)
2. Agripina Vaganova: Basic Principles of Classical Ballet

The curriculum that the dance department follows at AAW is in accordance with the guidelines for Michigan Content Standards and Working Benchmarks for Arts Education - Dance. All dance classes at AAW require placement auditions.

All dance courses are year long / 2 semester courses. When completing one level it is not automatic that the student progress to the next level. All students are required to audition for all dance classes (see AAW audition requirements for dance).

Introduction to Dance - Dance Concepts

No previous experience is necessary.

This course is an elective and allows the student an opportunity to be exposed to the different techniques offered within the dance department at AAW. All students participating in this course will be given an overview of dance history, dance concepts, classical ballet, contemporary modern, jazz and hip hop. This is an ideal course for the musical theater student, actor, singer or musician who wants to be exposed to the main elements of dance in both theory and practice. The 'Introduction to Dance' course aims to help students majoring in other arts disciplines gain an understanding and insight into the world of dance so that they can enrich their learning and progression in their art major.

1st semester: (1st & 2nd quarters)
An insight into the world of dance history and an Introduction to the fundamentals of classical ballet at beginning level. This focuses on the development of classical ballet technique: correct body alignment, positions of the feet, head and arms, strength, discipline and coordination and basic locomotors.

2nd semester: (3rd and 4th quarters)
An introduction to modern dance and its pioneers in theory and practice, plus an exploration and study into the world of traditional jazz and its development into today's popular cult hip hop and breakdance styles. In this final part of the course students will undertake their own projects in the form of choreographic projects to create their own dances in any / or all of the styles studied over the 2 semesters.

Dress Code
Girls: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, hair tied back and fastened securely. No shorts or skirts.
Boys: White tee shirt, black tights, leggings or dance pants, black ballet slippers. Students should also have jazz shoes and / or dance sneakers. Avoid excessive jewelry and baggy leg warmers that obscure the body's alignment.

Ballet I

Prerequisite: At least 1 year of classical ballet training.

Students must be familiar with basic vocabulary, footwork, port de bras and center work.
A revision in the fundamentals of classical ballet at beginning level and a continuation to pre-intermediate level. Ballet I focuses on developing and maintaining classical ballet technique: correct body alignment, positions of the feet, head and arms, port de bras, arabesques, body positions and facings, strength, discipline and coordination, basic and intermediate locomotors and increase in vocabulary and motor movement memory.
Girls will also be introduced to *pre-pointe work and towards the end of the course they will be introduced to *basic pointe work at the barre (*qualifying students only).

Dress Code
Girls: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, hair tied back and fastened securely. No shorts or skirts.
Boys: White tee shirt, black tights, leggings, or dance pants, black ballet slippers. Avoid excessive jewelry and baggy leg warmers that obscure the body's alignment.

Ballet II & Pointe I

Prerequisite: At least 2 years of classical ballet training. Students must be strong enough to begin pointe training (girls only). Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.

The continued practice of beginner / intermediate classical ballet technique with an emphasis on more advanced barre work and vocabulary, core strength and endurance, flexibility, musicality, movement quality and performance ability. Students will study pointe work at the barre and be introduced to pointe work in the center. The class will aim to strengthen foot work in preparation for more structured pointe work.

Dress Code
Girls: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes, hair tied back and fastened securely. No shorts or skirts.
Boys: White tee shirt, black tights or dance pants, black ballet slippers. Avoid excessive jewelry and baggy leg warmers that obscure the body's alignment.

Ballet III & Pointe II

Prerequisite: At least 3 years of classical ballet training and at least 1-2 years of pointe training (girls only). Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.

Students will further increase their physical and technical strength and flexibility which propels the student toward artistic growth. Students will study reconstructions of classical ballets (corps / ensemble work), as well as new works. This class will focus on more intermediate vocabulary, core strength, musicality and pointe work and the introduction of classical ballet solo variations. Students will also focus on motor movement memory and the ability to pick up movement quickly (in preparation for audition), critical thinking and technical ability.

Dress Code
Girls: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes, hair tied back and fastened securely. No shorts or skirts.
Boys: White tee shirt, black tights or dance pants, black ballet slippers. Avoid excessive jewelry and baggy leg warmers that obscure the body's alignment.

Ballet IV & Pointe III

Prerequisite: At least 3/4 years of classical ballet training and at least 2-3 years of pointe training (girls only).
Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.
An elaboration and extension of the technical movement skills in the ballet idiom. Students will further increase their physical and technical strength and flexibility which propels the student toward artistic growth. This class will focus on advanced vocabulary, musicality and pointe work and increasing the student's classical repertoire through reconstructing the classics, solo variations and partnering; the ability to pick up movement quickly (in preparation for audition), critical thinking and above all performance quality and ability.

Dress Code
Girls: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes, hair tied back and fastened securely. No shorts or skirts.
Boys: White tee shirt, black tights or dance pants, black ballet slippers. Avoid excessive jewelry and baggy leg warmers that obscure the body's alignment.

The Academy Dance Company

Dancers are accepted into the Company by audition only.

The Academy Dance Company (ADC) operates as a semi-professional dance company which requires participation in a pre-professional track program that prepares students for entry into college dance programs, scholarship eligibility and auditions for apprenticeships into professional dance companies.

ADC are members of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), Michigan Dance Council (MDC) and have performed at the NDEO annual conference, Noel Night and alongside Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestra. ADC have also represented Arts Academy in the Woods at MAPSA (Michigan Association of Public School Academies.)

This is a repertory & partnering class where students will study works for performance in classical ballet, modern, and jazz dance idioms. In performing classical, modern and jazz works, students will be able to adapt to the eclectic repertoires performed by dance companies today. Students may also be required to do performances in addition to the dance department annual holiday and spring concerts. Company members will also be expected to perform in school assemblies and represent AAW at certain functions.

ADC full company members are required to be dance majors and take the appropriate level classes. Students will rehearse from 3:15-4:15pm on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. Additional rehearsals will only be scheduled if / when necessary. Rehearsals will be conducted by the Dance Directors.

Modern I

Prerequisite: At least 1 year of classical ballet training.
Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.
Students enrolled in Modern I must also be enrolled in the appropriate level ballet class and study both techniques simultaneously.
This class is designed as an introduction to the technique of modern dance. Students will study the basic structure and protocol of a variety of styles of modern dance with an emphasis on spatial aspects, rhythm, quality of movement, musicality and fall and recovery techniques.

Dress Code
Girls: Solid color leotards, pink, tan or black tights, tight shorts or ballet skirts may be worn. No footwear is required for this class.

Boys: White tee shirt, black tights, leggings, dance pants, or shorts.

Modern II

Prerequisite: At least 2 or more years of classical ballet training and at least one / two years of modern training.
Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.
Students enrolled in Modern II must also be enrolled in the appropriate level ballet class and study both techniques simultaneously.
In this class students will focus on more complex combinations and strengthening alignment while moving through space. Combinations with weight shifts and changes of directions and facings will be introduced. Students will also be introduced to mixed meter musicality and work on developing performance quality.

Dress Code
Girls: Solid color leotards, pink, tan or black tights, tight shorts or ballet skirts may be worn. No footwear is required for this class.

Boys: White or solid colored tee shirt, black tights, leggings, dance pants, or shorts.

Modern III

Prerequisite: At least 3 or more years of classical ballet training and at least two years of modern training.
Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.
Students enrolled in Modern III must also be enrolled in the appropriate level ballet class and study both techniques simultaneously.
In this class students will focus on more complex combinations and strengthening alignment while moving through space. Combinations with weight shifts and changes of directions and facings will be included to develop strength and flexibility beyond large muscle groups. Students will study advanced mixed meter musicality and the importance of performance aesthetics.

Dress Code
Girls: Solid color leotards, pink, tan or black tights, tight shorts or ballet skirts may be worn. No footwear is required for this class.

Boys: White or solid color tee shirt, black tights, leggings, dance pants, or shorts.

Jazz Hop I/II

Prerequisite: At least 2 years of classical ballet training.

Placement for this class is by audition or permission of the instructor.
Students enrolled in Jazz Hop I/II must also be enrolled in the appropriate level ballet class and study both techniques simultaneously. An introduction and continuation into the theory and technique of fast paced jazz dance. This style is then blended with cult hip hop styles to music's most popular grooves. Students will also study elements of classical jazz styles; i.e. Bob Fosse

Dress Code
Girls: solid color leotards, black jazz pants or leggings and dance sneakers/gores.
Boys: White or solid colored tee shirt, black jazz pants / leggings and dance sneakers.

Senior Project (Dance)

Students who opt to enroll in senior project must be dance majors. The student will be expected to have 4 years classical ballet training at Arts Academy in the Woods and be taking classical ballet class during their senior year to be able to specialize in dance for their Senior Project as this class is performance based.

The student will be expected to rehearse, direct and perform a classical variation or original dance of no less than 3 mins and not more than 6 mins in a conventional theater setting. The project will include mandatory weekly choreography classes where the student will gain understanding in the practices of choreography, dance concepts and develop competence in the making of dances.

The student has the option of creating / re-staging a solo 'piece', or presenting a collaborative duet, trio or quartet. If the student chooses to create / stage a duet, trio or quartet, he / she must direct and costume the other performers that are a part of the project. If the student chooses to perform a classical variation the choreography must remain true to the original classic. If the student prefers to choreograph and present an original work the dance must reflect either the contemporary modern dance genre or popular jazz/hip hop style/culture. Students who choose to choreograph an original work will receive 'extra credit' rather than those students who choose to re-stage an original variation.

Dress Code
Girls: solid color leotards, black jazz pants or leggings and the appropriate dance footwear.
Boys: White or solid colored tee shirt, black jazz pants / leggings and the appropriate dance footwear.

*See Grade Requirements & Syllabi for complete details of the dance programs at AAW.*

If you have already been placed in a particular level you will remain in that level unless the teacher recommends that you progress to the next level. In addition to auditioning to gain access to higher level classes students must have written permission and recommendation from their current teacher (Long/Hopkins). There are no exceptions.

The Academy Dance Company is available to dance for both casual and formal functions. Note that they have an eclectic repertoire which can accommodate all types of audiences.