Dance
The Dance Department at Westinghouse Arts Academy welcomes students of all experience levels who are passionate about movement and self-expression. Whether students are just beginning or have years of training, our program supports individual growth, creativity, and collaboration. Dancers build confidence, develop new techniques, explore various styles, and learn about the broader world of dance—from performance to wellness to production. While some students focus solely on dance, others may take classes that blend movement with singing and acting as part of our musical theatre offerings.
Within the dance program, required fundamental courses expand students’ technique and performance quality in courses including:
- Ballet
- Modern
- Tap
- Hip-hop
- Musical Theatre
- Jazz
As upperclassmen, students can focus and hone their talents in more specialized classes. We offer electives in contemporary, hip-hop, tap, yoga, improvisation, and dance ensemble skills. Our dance department also offers varied options for performance including the Holiday Spectacular, Spring Dance Concert, Student Choreography Concert, Art in The Park, and the school-wide spring musical, which garners nominations and recognition for excellence from the high school Gene Kelly Awards each year.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to perform movement from different dance techniques with attention to alignment, style, quality, weight and rhythm. Dancers are encouraged to express and share personal creativity through an understanding of anatomical and kinesthetic principles as they relate to alignment and expression. Students will use the body effectively as an instrument for performance with attention to areas including, but not limited to: range of motion, flexibility, strength and engagement with the imagination.
Artistic Expectations
Perform and demonstrate the ability to create choreography for public presentations. Perform essential tasks in technical theatre in the areas of scenery, costumes, and lighting of a dance production. Dancers will choreograph and organize original works.
Audition/Portfolio Requirements
Dancers will be given a combination to perform, record themselves executing the choreography and submit for evaluation.
Required Courses
All dance majors must take classes and be proficient in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern.
Please view our Program of Studies here.
Dance Opportunities & Events
Dance Organization – National Honor Society for Dance
- Fall Play
- Holiday Spectacular
- Annual Gala
- Spring Dance Concert
- Spring Musical
- Student Choreography Showcase
- Art in The Park
Past Masterclasses
Guest Instructors have joined us from the touring casts of Hamilton and The Lion King. We have also had the opportunity to have Slippery Rock University Dance Department work with our students.
