Thank you for your interest in the dance program at the Youth Performing Arts School. In order for you to make the best possible choice for your son or daughters’ future training, we have outlined important information about the program.

The dance faculty holds Masters degrees in dance performance, dance choreography, dance pedagogy, dance education and include backgrounds with professional careers in dance. Our efforts are towards training dancers as performing artists, well prepared to enter major college dance programs and professional careers in the field of dance. The dance program provides serious, professional dance training and performance opportunities. Participation in the YPAS dance major program is not encouraged as a supplement or support for your current dance activity. All designated dance department classes are mandatory requirements for fulfillment of the dance major program. All designated performances are an outgrowth of the dance major curriculum and are mandatory requirements for fulfillment of the dance major program. Dance department major performance dates are: September and October showcases, February or March showcases, and the April Main Stage Dance Concert, which is a fully produced event.

What our program offers:

Our program is a rigorous technical and performance based experience. Classes are based primarily in classical ballet and modern dance. Students fulfill all required academic components of the high school diploma as well as participate in all required components of their designated major.

The school day is organized into block scheduling. Red days are periods 1-4. White days are periods 5-8. Red and White days alternate. Freshmen majors take two periods of dance, 1 period each day. Sophomore, Junior and senior majors have three periods of dance, two on one day and one period on the other. All classes during the school day are graded classes, and are included in the total G.P.A.

After school classes or co-curricular classes happen almost every day of the week. We strongly encourage students to participate in these classes. These classes reinforce and build upon the work done in school. Student and faculty dance material for performance works are created and rehearsed as an outgrowth of these classes. These classes help the student to progress towards a competitive edge for scholarships and placement in a college dance program and preparation towards professional careers in the dance field. Co-curricular classes are not required and are not graded.

All duPont Manual academic classes are a priority. Students in the dance department must maintain above a C average in all academic areas to participate in any co-curricular dance department activity. Students are expected to give 100% towards their best work, effort and attitude in their academic classes.

All in school dance technique and performance choreography classes are the single most important aspect of the students training. Students are expected to give 100% towards their best work, effort and attitude in all dance department classes. All in-school dance department classes are graded and are included in your G.P.A..

Students are expected to be well rested and well nourished for each day.

Parents and students must adopt a realistic idea of how much activity provides for a quality, non-injurious dance training regimen.

Parents and students are expected to manage all outside activities around their first priority; Manual academics and YPAS dance department classes.

Parents and students are expected to manage outside activities as to allow time for quality academic preparation and to participate in the dance department co-curricular dance classes and performance activities.

Students who audition and are accepted into the dance program must make a commitment to give priority to all requirements of both the dance departments daily in school and co-curricular activities.

Failure to uphold you commitment to the dance department requirements will result in failing grades, withdrawal from the dance program and withdrawal from duPont Manual High School.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the dance faculty at 485-8355. You may also want to view our Departmental Handbook which outlines department procedures, grading criteria and philosophy.