Dance

The Sayles School of Fine Arts is one of the few schools statewide to offer dance. Students study jazz, tap, ballet, and Afro-Brazilian dance.  Dance Connection is the school’s performance troupe. Courses taught during the school day include – Introduction to Dance; Ballet; Jazz Dance; Hip Hop; Tap; Afro-Brazilian Dance and Dance Connection. We have been told that we are the only school in the State to have developed our dance curriculum and received approval to award Dance credit that supports the New York State Standards for the Arts. Students can earn their physical education requirement through dance in grades 11 and 12. 

The dance program welcomes students of all abilities, students with limited dance experience as well as those that have studied dance privately. The dance staff differentiates instruction to challenge the abilities of all students. Advanced students take their knowledge to developing choreography and demonstrating and assisting other students. Dance Connection is the only course requiring audition. This advanced class expands students’ performance ability and repertoire as well as develops their technical skills. All students do perform as part of each course requirement. Extensive dance residencies and opportunities to see professional dancers have expanded students’ knowledge of this art form. The dance program often collaborates and integrates with other areas. Everything from teaching students the Charleston during a study of the Great Gatsby to a cultural exploration recently in a performance and residency by the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company “Branches of Words,” a cross cultural show featuring music, dance, and poetry of the Middle East. 

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