Through developing the essentials of coordination, flexibility, strength and balance students are introduced to dance through the art of School Aerobics in Semester 1. An opportunity is available for these students to represent Meridan SC at the School Aerobics QLD Championships as well. Throughout the rest of the year students are exposed to styles such as Lyrical, Jazz and Contemporary and will create their own works using technology. This is a yearlong program and students are required to audition to be accepted into the program.
Workshops with industry professionals, competitions, dance showcases, school performances, and involvement in extra-curricular dance opportunities are also available.
Dance 9 – Semester Program:
In Year 9, with the focus of Cheer and Lyrical Dance – students are exposed to the current trends and movements in a fun and supportive environment. Students also learn about the theory of dance - how the elements work together to form dance, and safe dance practices.
Dance heightens awareness of, and develops respect for, the body and increases the quality of a student’s physical wellbeing and self-confidence. Safe dance skills including mental and physical health will be touched on during the course as well.
Students are encouraged to showcase their skills in the annual school dance showcase.
Dance 9 Extension (Audition Only)
Dance Extension is a yearlong program that provides an advanced experience in performance, choreography and appreciation for students who display a combined passion and talent in Dance. The course aims to:
- Provide strong overall technique in all aspects of performance and develop performance skills;
- Develop choreographic skills through an understanding of forms and devices;
- Develop an appreciation of dance through analysis and synthesis;
- Develop a professional attitude with respect to personal health, work ethic and personal commitment; and
- Develop the necessary skills of discipline, motivation and creativity to succeed in any chosen career.
Workshops with industry professionals, competitions, dance showcases, school performances, viewing live performances and involvement in extra-curricular dance opportunities are also available.
Year 10 Dance:
Year 10 Dance is a one year course which offers experiences in performance, choreography and appreciation of Dance. Through both practical and theoretical tasks students will explore the elements of Dance and study the genres of Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Popular Dance.
Dance heightens awareness of, and develops respect for, the body and increases the quality of a student’s physical wellbeing and self-confidence. Safe dance skills including mental and physical health will be touched on during the course. Creative and problem-solving abilities will be fostered both individually and in group situations, and students will also gain an appreciation and awareness of global issues and develop skills to creatively express ideas.
Year 11 and 12 Dance:
The course aims to:
- Equip students with the skills to perform, choreograph and appreciate dance in a variety of dance contexts, genres and styles.
- Foster the development of students as creative complex thinkers, effective communicators and reflective and independent learners.
- Enhance the learning experience through participation in real life experiences including public performances, workshops and possible excursions.
- Promote an understanding of their culture as well as sensitivity to other cultures, through developing insights about the world in which they live.
- Develop important transferable social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills providing a foundation for future involvement in dance and related art forms for employment and leisure.
Students will study the following units of work:
YEAR 11
Unit 1 Fusion - A study of the functions of Dance- ritual, social and artistic, with a focus on various cultural and social dances.
Unit 2 Innovation - A look at the origins of contemporary dance and ballet, through to the current leaders in these innovative styles.
Unit 3 Community - Students create a dance project to be delivered to a group in the local community.
Unit 4 Industry - A study into the world of commercial dance, with a focus on lyrical, Hip Hop and Stomp.
YEAR 12
Unit 5 Entertainment - A look at the dance industry through the Musical Theatre genre, with a focus on jazz and cabaret styles.
Unit 6 Action - Dance that makes a political statement and/or explores social issues.
Unit 7 Boundaries - A study into Post-modern dance and dance film.
Unit 8 Legacy - Student devised unit of work, with a focus on performance, choreography or appreciation.
Workshops with industry professionals, dance showcases, school performances, viewing live performances and involvement in extra-curricular dance opportunities are also available.
IMPACT DANCE:
Meridan State College offers an extensive extra-curricular dance program for students who are successful through the audition process. With teams in both Junior and Senior Secondary, students are given the opportunity to work in smaller teams or as a large group to represent the school. With entries submitted for eisteddfods, state and national wide dance competitions the ‘Impact Dance Troupe’ calendar is busy one which requires students to rehearse weekly and on some weekends. Students are also invited to attend workshops with industry professionals, perform at school events and showcases.