Program Curriculum

The Hamilton dance curriculum is crafted to allow students to find their own freedom of expression through movement, expose them to a variety of dance styles from around the world, empower them with choreographic tools to share their own ideas, and practice the rehearsal and performance skills necessary to successfully participate in school showcases and eventually the Middle School Spring Musical!

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PreK Areas of Study

• Creative Movement Concepts: Body Parts, Size, Speed, Level, Direction, Weight, Energy, Spatial Relationships, Place (Personal vs. General Space), and the Body Language of Emotions.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Patterns

• Performance Skills Focus: Confidence and Unison

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Kindergarten Areas of Study

• Review of Creative Movement Concepts: Body Parts, Size, Speed, Level, Direction, Weight, Energy, Spatial Relationships, Place (Personal vs. General Space), Body Language of Emotions, and Patterns.

• Letter of the Week: Each week, students dance about a new letter, learning about dance concepts or styles that begin with that letter (e.g., L for Lion Dance, M for Mambo, etc.).

• Core Content Integration Focus: Literacy Skills (print awareness, letter knowledge)

• Performance Skills Focus: Energy and Effort

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1st Grade Areas of Study

• Review of Creative Movement Concepts: Body Parts, Size, Speed, Level, Direction, Weight, Energy, Spatial Relationships, Place (Personal vs. General Space), Body Language of Emotions, and Patterns.

• Dance as a Story: In first grade, students learn how dancers are storytellers, using choreography to share their feelings and ideas.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Literacy Skills (narrative skills, prosody)

• Performance Skills Focus: Expression

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2nd Grade Areas of Study

• Review of Creative Movement Concepts: Body Parts, Size, Speed, Level, Direction, Weight, Energy, Spatial Relationships, Place (Personal vs. General Space), Body Language of Emotions, and Patterns.

• Dance Around the World: After the Winter Dance and Music Show, second graders begin learning about dance styles from around the world (e.g., Samba from Brazil, Tarantella from Italy).

• Core Content Integration Focus: Social Studies (Geography and Culture)

• Performance Skills Focus: Precision and Rhythm

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3rd Grade Areas of Study

• Intro to Choreography: Students begin experimenting with choreographic tools as they create their own dances. They learn about musicality, ABA form, formations, and canons.

• Dance Genres: Students learn specific styles of dance like ballet and contemporary/modern, then apply their choreographic skills to create dances using genre-specific techniques.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Wit and Wisdom (Composition and Form)

• Performance Skills Focus: Formation changes

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4th Grade Areas of Study

• Elements of Dance: Students delve deeper into the Elements of Dance (Body, Action, Space, Time, and Energy) to add interest and complexity to their choreographic ideas.

• Dance Genres: Students learn specific styles of dance like jazz and tumbling, then apply their choreographic skills to create dances using genre-specific techniques.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Social Studies (Harlem Renaissance)

• Performance Skills Focus: Dynamics and Textures

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5th Grade Areas of Study

• Intermediate Choreography: Students expand their understanding of musicality and artistic voice/intent, practicing intentional artistic choices to share a desired message, idea, or feeling with the audience.

• Dance Genres: Students learn specific styles of dance like tap, which prepares them for the middle school musical.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Wit and Wisdom (Theme, Symbols, Motifs)

• Performance Skills Focus: Artistic Intention

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6th–8th Grade Areas of Study (Semester 1 Dance Elective)

• Advanced Choreography: Students use collaboration, choreographic tools, and peer feedback to create and prepare dances that will be performed on stage.

• Dance Genres: Students focus on ballet/lyrical, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary/modern, learning skills and creating choreography within each genre.

• Core Content Integration Focus: Wit and Wisdom (Identity and Community)

• Performance Skills Focus: Professional Performance Etiquette

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