Dance

At SSM, we envisioned a dance program that trains both the body and the mind, one in which each student has the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of his or her choreographic voice and to present original choreography, both on and off campus. Based on a repertory dance company, our program includes sound fundamental training, guest choreographers and potential touring options. Students receive instruction rooted in ballet, peppered with numerous other dance styles and techniques that provides a varied experience and results in well-rounded performers.

Courses in ballet, modern, tap and choreography are available at beginning through advanced levels. SSM also offers a unique dance class designed specifically for athletes that uses dance techniques to improve coordination, flexibility, balance and grace.

Advanced dance students are invited to audition for the Arch Dance Company. Arch Dance is a company of dedicated dancers and choreographers interested in working at a college and conservatory preparatory level. Two classes a week are dedicated to ballet, while three days a week focus on dance composition and modern dance technique. Over the course of the year, the company builds a repertoire of student and professional choreography used to fill a busy calendar of on- and off-campus performances. Guest choreographers, representing the leading edge of choreographic thought, and working in a wide variety of dance styles and choreographic processes, work with dancers throughout the year. Apart from rehearsing with the company on new work, guest artists teach master classes in dance technique and composition to Arch and the other dance classes during their residency. Exposure to guest artists with varied choreographic points of view, dance styles, processes and skills provides students with a diverse and comprehensive course of study, ultimately making them more versatile as both dancers and choreographers.