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Save the Date

Menlo Dance Presents:
A Knight at the Movies
March 10-12, 2023
Friday & Saturday at 7:00 pm
Sunday at 3:00 pm

Students interested in participating must complete this form no later than Wednesday, Feb. 1. Please refer to this mandatory rehearsal schedule from Mar. 4-12. Questions? Contact Angela Curotto-Pierson or Bibi Khalili.

 

 

 

 

Dance Concert Video Highlights

Here’s a look at highlights from A Blast From the Past—Menlo’s beloved all-school Dance Concert in 2022.  The first dance concert to be performed in the Spieker Center for the Arts.

 

Here’s a look at the Spring 2021 Dance Concert, which was created and filmed during the pandemic. It was shot mostly outdoors around the campus as well as on the stage of the brand-new Spieker Center for the Arts.

 

About Our Dance Program

Express yourself more freely, build confidence, and stimulate your mind while strengthening your body and exploring a mix of movement styles and choreography.

Courses

  • Dance I: Just Dance S1 OR S1 & S2

    Designed for any level dancer, students will gain a solid foundation and appreciation for the love of dance! Throughout the year we will study multiple styles including jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, and even TikTok dances. The focus of the course will be on the development of a technical foundation, understanding rhythm and musicality, strength and flexibility, choreography retention, and most importantly how to have FUN while moving your body! Class structure will include a warm-up designed around proper body alignment, across the floor movement, and choreography sequences focusing on applying proper technique and artistry. Students will collaborate with others and create their own choreography. Enrolled students will be expected to perform and participate in the Dance Concert. Watch a video overview of this course here.

  • Dance II: Advanced Dance S1 OR S1 & S2

    Building upon the foundations of Dance I, students will further develop their technique and dive deeper into dance as an art form. Styles of dance that will be studied include jazz, contemporary, world styles, musical theatre, ballet, and hip hop. Classes will include warming-up, stretching, movement sequences across the floor, and learning choreography. Students will build skills to develop their artistic expression through improvisation and creating and analyzing choreography. Enrolled students will be expected to perform and participate in the Dance Concert.

    Prerequisites for this course include Dance I or permission from the teacher.

  • Intro to Tap (FAX)(1S or 2S)

    THIS IS PRIMARILY A 9TH GRADE CLASS AS IT IS PART OF THE A BLOCK FRESHMAN ARTS OPTION (FAX) 

    All levels welcome! In this semester-long course, students will learn different elements of tap including technique, movement, musical rhythm, tempo, and phrasing. The course will focus on the historical context required to develop the skills needed to practice and perform this popular dance form. Class structure will include warming-up, stretching, and learning choreography, with a focus on developing performance qualities. Students will be introduced to terminology, important historical events, people who contributed to tap, and its lasting impact on pop culture. Tap shoes will be provided to those who need them.

Menlo Dance Enrichment

All Dance Enrichment students will explore and rehearse multiple styles of dance alongside three audition-based dance groups—Knight Life, Knight Dancers, and MidKnights. Knight Life specializes in Hip-Hop based styles, with a focus on performance and connection to music. Knights and MidKnights are designed for dancers with a strong foundation in dance and tend to train additionally outside of school. To be in these groups, you must be currently enrolled or have completed one of the dance curriculum courses. Incoming Freshmen can contact Angela Curotto-Pierson with any questions. Follow us on Instagram! @menlodance