ESA offers intensive training in a variety of dance styles; our aim is to develop technically strong and creative artists who are musically adept, self-disciplined, and who have a deep appreciation of the arts.
In the program dancers study a variety of styles like Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Street-style and Cultural dance forms each year. Our program promotes and develops student voice through composition and community partnerships. Students have the opportunity to work with a diverse collection of dance artists from local and international dance communities each year.
Our program also includes studies in wellness, dance conditioning, anatomy, dance production, composition/creation, improvisation, repertoire, as well as dance history in order to expand students’ understanding of the world of dance and their role in it.
Through the curriculum and extracurricular activities, the ESA dance program is designed to strengthen leadership skills and offers performance opportunities and showcases students’ choreography, in a supportive environment that promotes modelling self-discipline, teamwork, creativity, and exploration. All levels of experience in dance are welcome in the ESA dance community. Our faculty are well versed in working with a variety of age groups and levels of experience in dance. Through our program we strive to foster a sense of community and belonging. We stress a positive, non-competitive and nurturing environment.
The ESA dance department is committed to honouring, nurturing, and advancing dance through a lens of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity across all aspects of our programming.
All students enrolled in dance courses are invited to participate in our major performances: Choreographic Workshop showcases student choreographed work as well as class pieces choreographed by guest artists or our faculty, and works from our dance company, Dancesation, and our Hip hop crew, Refresh; and our major production, An Evening of Dance, features all of our classes as well as our dance company and Hip hop crew.
The Dance department also offers open level dance courses that are open to all ESA students regardless of their chosen arts focus.
If you have any questions please contact Melissa Michailidis, Assistant Curriculum Leader (ACL) of Dance, at Melissa.Michailidis@tdsb.on.ca
Dance Course Offerings Summary
A more detailed description of each of these courses is given below.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 | |
| Courses & Prerequisites | Grade 9 Dance ATC 1OP/1 Prerequisite: none | Grade 10 Dance ATC 2OP Prerequisite: none | Grade 11 Dance ATC 3MP Prerequisite: any grade 9 or 10 Dance course | Grade 12 Dance Performance & Repertoire ATP 4MP Prerequisite: any grade 11M Dance course |
| Grade 9 Dance Performance ATP 1OP Prerequisite: none | Grade 10 Dance Performance ATP 2OP Prerequisite: none | Grade 11 Dance Performance & Composition ATP 3MP Prerequisite: any grade 9 or 10 Dance course | Grade 12 Dance Composition & Production ATD 4MP Prerequisite: any grade 11M Dance course | |
| ELECTIVE COURSES | ||||
| Grade 9 Dance ATC 1O1 Prerequisite: none | Grade 10 Jazz Dance ATJ 2O1 Prerequisite: none | Grade 11 Jazz Dance ATJ 3O1 Prerequisite: none | ||
| Grade 11 Jazz Dance ATJ 3M1 Prerequisite:any grade 9 or 10 Dance course | Grade 12 Jazz Dance ATJ 4M1 Prerequisite: any grade 11M Dance course |
Course Descriptions
ATC 1OP/1 Grade 9 Dance
In this course students will study a variety of dance styles like Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Street-style and Cultural dance forms. The course is designed to develop students’ knowledge of: dance technique, the elements of dance, the historical and cultural significance of the art form, and the contribution dance can make to physical and emotional well-being. In addition, students will have various performance opportunities.
By the end of this course students will develop their dance technique and understanding of the art form. This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is part of the Dance pathway at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and is also an excellent complement to the Music Theatre pathway.
Prerequisite: none
ATP 1OP Grade 9 Dance Performance
This dance course will give students an opportunity to hone their performance skills by exploring dance creation and composition as well as learning repertoire and choreography in a variety of dance styles. Elements of composition and choreography will be explored in a supportive and collaborative environment.
By the end of this course students will develop their choreographic skills and dance in a number of performances throughout the semester. This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is part of the Dance pathway at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and is also an excellent complement to the Music Theatre pathway.
Prerequisite: None
ATC 2OP – Grade 10 Dance
In this course students will broaden their studies of a variety of dance styles like Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Street-style and Cultural dance forms. Students will develop more complex movement skills. The relationship between technique and artistry will be developed through various performance opportunities.
By the end of this course students will have a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the art form and further hone their technical and performance skills. This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is part of the Dance pathway at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and is also an excellent complement to the Music Theatre pathway.
Prerequisite: none
ATP 2OP – Grade 10 Dance Performance
In this course, students will continue to hone their performance skills by exploring various approaches to composition and performance expression. Students will also learn repertoire and more complex choreography in a variety of dance styles. Throughout the course, students will learn to analyse dance and to polish their own work for performances throughout the course.
By the end of this course students will have experienced creative exploration, student-centred themes and will explore their own interests and connections to dance choreography. This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is part of the Dance pathway at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and is also an excellent complement to the Music Theatre pathway.
Prerequisite: none
ATC 3MP – Grade 11 Dance
In this course students will be exposed to a number of dance artists to help further develop their artistry and technical skills in a variety of dance styles. Students will be exposed to guest artist residencies in preparation for school performances.
By the end of this course students will acquire complex technical skills and have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership abilities through teaching workshops in a variety of settings.
Prerequisite: any grade 9 or 10 Dance course
ATP 3MP – Grade 11 Dance Performance & Composition
In this course students will be exposed to a number of dance choreographers to help further develop their choreographic skills in a variety of forms and styles. Students will work on increasingly complex compositions for small groups to be performed on school tours.
By the end of this course students will learn a variety of choreographic forms, structures and techniques to connect to their own works. Performance and stagecraft skills will be developed throughout the course.
Prerequisite: any grade 9 or 10 Dance course
ATD 4MP – Grade 12 Dance Composition and Production
This course focuses on students creating and presenting complex compositions while working towards their own show. Students will assume leadership roles in class and in rehearsal, while developing their choreographic understanding and critical analysis skills.
By the end of this course students will learn to work collaboratively, and create and produce their own show.
Prerequisite: any Grade 11M dance course
ATP 4MP – Grade 12 Dance Performance and Repertoire
This course gives students the opportunity to experience working as a small dance company. Students will focus on learning dance repertoire and developing their performance skills in a variety of dance styles to be performed throughout the course.
By the end of this course students will experience first hand a professional company type setting while developing their technical skills in a variety of dance styles.
Prerequisite: any Grade 11M dance course
ELECTIVE DANCE COURSES
ATJ 2O1 – Grade 10 Jazz Dance
In this course students will develop their dance skills in the Jazz genre. Vintage, Broadway and Commercial Jazz dance will be explored. Students will learn about creating dance and the historical development of Jazz dance. Artistry and performance skills will be developed through various performance opportunities.
This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is an excellent compliment to both the Dance and the Music Theatre pathways at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.
Prerequisite: none
ATJ 3O1 – Grade 11 Jazz Dance
In this course students will further develop their dance skills in Jazz dance. Students will continue to learn about various styles within the Jazz genre. The course is designed to develop students’ knowledge of: composition, the elements of dance, and the historical and cultural significance of the art form. Artistry and performance skills will continue to be developed through various performance opportunities.
This course is friendly to both students who have previous experience in dance as well as students who are newer to dance. It is an excellent compliment to both the Dance and the Music Theatre pathways at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.
Prerequisite: none
ATJ 3M1 – Grade 11 Advanced Jazz Dance
This course focuses on more complex movement skills in jazz and furthering artistry. Student learning includes: compositions for small groups, performance skills and the cultural significance of Jazz dance in North America and internationally.
This course is open to students who have completed a grade 9 or 10 dance course. It is an excellent compliment to both the Dance and the Music Theatre pathways at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.
Prerequisite: any grade 9 or 10 Dance course.
ATJ 4M1 – Grade 12 Advanced Jazz Dance
This course focuses on more complex movement skills in jazz and furthering dance artistry. Student learning includes: compositions for small groups, performance skills and the cultural significance of Jazz dance in North America and internationally. Students will practice, polish and perform their own works for their own showcase.
This course is open to students who have completed a grade 11 dance course. It is an excellent compliment to both the Dance and the Music Theatre pathways at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.
Prerequisite: any grade 11M Dance course
If you have any questions please contact Melissa Michailidis, ACL of Dance, at Melissa.Michailidis@tdsb.on.ca