Courses
Dance classes at Liberty are a blend of jazz, ballet, and modern technique classes, with occasional tap, hip-hop, ballroom, and contemporary experiences. These classes additionally explore dance history of concert and social dances; dance critiques of choreographic masterworks; composition and improvisation; safety and wellness including injury prevention, anatomy and kinesiology.
Explorations in Dance 1: Introduction to Dance. This class is perfect for students who have never taken a formal dance class before or have been out of the studio for many years. The class is one semester long.
Explorations in Dance 2: Building on the Basics. This class is open to all students in grades 9-12 who have completed Dance 1, or new students who have completed an audition and are placed into Dance 2.
Explorations in Dance 3: Historic Dance Styles. This class is an auditioned level and open to students in grades 9- 12.
Explorations in Dance 4: Collaboration in Dance. This class is an auditioned level and open to students in grades 9- 12.
Explorations in Dance 5: Composition. This class is an auditioned level and open to students in grades 10-12. As part of the curriculum, Dance 5 students will lead their peers in teaching or choreography of their peers.
Dance Leadership: Building Future Educators. This class is an advanced choreography lab and pedagogy class. This class is open to students in grades 10-12, currently enrolled in Dance 4 or 5, who have been accepted by application.
Dance classes at Liberty may be taken for PE or Arts credit, though most dancers choose to receive PE credit. After required credits are met, dance classes will count as Unrestricted Electives.
All Dance classes levels 2-5 and Dance Leadership may be repeated for credit.
Auditioning
The audition consists of technique demonstration and is usually offered in person at two different times in February. If you are unable to attend a live audition, please contact Mrs. Williams to make other arrangements. There is an online registration form to sign up for auditions. Placement results will come out at the end of the year.
Lancer Dance Collective is an auditioned, non-competitive performance group. These intermediate and advanced dancers work with guest choreographers and have opportunities to perform at assemblies and other events. Rehearsals are Tuesday/Thursday after school and approximately every other Saturday in the morning.
Performances
All classes perform in a concert at the end of each semester, which is fully staged with costumes and lights. The concert is free to attend for families, friends, and the Liberty community.
Each semester NHSDA hosts a Student Choreography Competition, which is judged by Colorado Springs dance professionals. This is an opportunity for students to work on the craft of choreography, and get meaningful feedback to grow as artists.
Clubs
Liberty Lancer Dance hosts many clubs for specific dance styles, which meet during lunch or before school. Clubs are primarily student run, perform at all concerts, and include dancers from within and outside of the department as members.
Clubs include:
Lancerz Dance Squad (Hip-Hop)
Lancer Tappers
K-Pop Dance Club
Swing Dance Club
Glorified Ballerina Tossers
Ballet Ensemble
Dance Honor Society / Earning a Letter in Dance
The National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) is a program of the National Dance Education Organization, created to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance. Through NHSDA Liberty dancers have the opportunity to earn points and be inducted in the Honor Society. Students in the society may additionally receive a Liberty Activity Letter in dance, have leadership opportunities, and earn cords to wear at graduation.
NHSDA and dance students are regularly involved in school events such as Activity Nights, Evenings of Ballroom, Youth Dance Clinics, and Trunk or Treat.
Additional Involvement
Dancers are encouraged to be involved in the other performing arts departments. The color guard performs in the fall with marching band, and in the winter during a competitive indoor season. The Performing Arts Department produces a performance in the winter (October- January) called Scarborough Fair, a no cut show (if you audition you get cast) hosting a variety of Broadway and Movie themed song and dance numbers. In the spring we do a musical. Advanced dancers can be asked to choreograph for Scarborough Fair or Dance Captain for the musical. Many dancers participate in these activities, as well as taking band, choir and theatre classes.
If you would like to set up an audition, or have additional questions please contact Mrs. Williams.