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Dance

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Movin’ and Groovin’

Menlo School students perform at the annual Dance Concert. Photo by Shane Barratt.Menlo School students perform at the annual Dance Concert. Photo by Shane Barratt.

Courses
  • Jazz Dance

    Jazz Dance is open to anyone interested in learning to dance, who loves to dance, or who just loves to move. It is highly recommended for student athletes to help them understand their anatomy, improve their flexibility and alignment and extend their range of movement. The class teaches basic dance terminology, technique, and simple combinations. Choreography is introduced in both semesters and the second semester includes class choreography by the students for the Dance Concert. The class continues to work on progressively more complex pieces in the second semester. Students in all dance classes are encouraged to audition for the performing groups: Knight Dancers, MidKnights, Knight Life and the musicals.

  • Advanced Jazz Dance

    Advanced Dance includes more in depth technique work and more explosive, controlled movements that require a higher level of strength and alignment. The class works extensively on strengthening, footwork, anatomical terms and new choreography that will lead into a final number for the Dance Concert. This class requires permission from the instructor. Students in all dance classes are encouraged to audition for the performing groups: Knight Dancers, MidKnights, Knight Life and the musicals.

    Pre-Requisite: Permission of teacher.

Performing Opportunities

There are three performing groups at Menlo: Knight Dancers (varsity), MidKnights (JV) and Knight Life (hip hop). All have auditions in early September and, except for Knight Life, dancers must be registered in Menlo dance classes. Knight Life performs at the Pep Rally, Valpo Bowl and home football and basketball games. In the past, Knight Dancers have performed in San Francisco and at various corporate parties and events. All dancers perform in the annual Spring Dance Concert.

Menlo School students perform at the annual Dance Concert. Photo by Shane Barratt.Menlo School students perform at the annual Dance Concert. Photo by Shane Barratt.

Jan Chandler

Jan Chandler began dancing at the age of three and has danced professionally throughout California. She attended Stanford and completed her education with a BS in design at San Jose State University. She has taught at Menlo School since 1982, starting the dance program with a handful of students; it has since grown into a thriving department. Jan has also choreographed the Menlo Benefit and the Drama Department’s musical productions each year. She encourages dance for the athlete as well as the beginning dancer.