Holy Cross has a thriving dance program with opportunities for all students to explore this art form. We strive to create a safe environment and respect the unique progress and level of each student. Each unit, activity, and resource provide students with expressive outlets to help them reach their full artistic potential as members of the Catholic faith community.
The Grade 10 dance course (ATC2O) allows students to develop their dance skills and learn the basics of a variety of dance genres. These genres include hip hop, jazz, modern, ballet, and musical theatre. Students create dance sequences, revise choreography, participate in public performances, and explore injury prevention.
The Grade 11 dance course (ATC3M) extends beyond basic dance technique and allows students to explore personal goals with regards to flexibility and choreography. Students in the grade 11 course also perform in assemblies thorough out the semester and produce their own showcase in collaboration with the grade 12 students.
The Grade 12 dance course (ATC4M) is a university credit and dives into the historical relevance of specific dance genres. Beyond this, students will learn advanced choreography skills, world dance styles, and continue to set personal goals in technique and flexibility. Students in this course will create and deliver choreography for our grade 11 students as they collaborate on a final dance showcase in June.
(Photo above: A Holy Cross female contemporary dancer uses gravity and extension in her pose.)
Additional Opportunities in Dance at Holy Cross
Dance Team
Auditions for the dance team take place in October in the styles of contemporary and hip hop and are open to all grade levels. Previous dance experience is encouraged for participants as the season is focused on using previously developed technique to build choreography. Rehearsals are usually 2+ days per week.
Students who are successful during the audition process will be asked to join the HC Dance Team and travel to Toronto to compete at STRIVE Dance Challenge, or Niagara Falls for the Ontario Secondary School Dance Festival in April or May. Our team has brought home many overall awards, diamond scores, scholarship money, and adjudicator awards. We focus on building a collaborative community between dancers and providing a positive experience for all involved.
(Photo right: The Holy Cross Hip Hop Team performs their routine, “Nightmare” at our spring Cabaret production in April.)
Dance Club:
If dance at a competitive level is not for you, try the after-school dance club! The club is open to all levels and grades. We hold open hip hop or contemporary classes once a week on the stage and create a routine for our Spring Cabaret show. This opportunity begins in February and runs until the middle of April. This is a great chance to meet others with a passion for dance and let out some energy on the stage!
Musical Production
Dancers also have the opportunity to audition for our annual school musical that hits the stage at the end of November. Each production includes a dance ensemble, lead characters, and chorus! Our productions provide incredible opportunities for dancers to refine their performance skills and experience the thrill of live theatre.
Previous productions include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Shrek the Musical, Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables, Godspell, Newsies, and Little Shop of Horrors. Stay tuned for the announcement of next year's production!
(Photo left: The dance ensemble in the Holy Cross production of Newsies performs "Seize the Day".)
For further information or inquiries, please contact Ms. Shannon Perugino at 613-384-1919 ext. 4051 or email at perushan@alcdsb.on.ca
