Program concentration is on ballet and modern dance techniques, but students also experience jazz, tap, character, folklorico and African dance, as well as theoretical studies in composition, dance history, dance costuming, and Labanotation.

Outstanding professional dancers are a vital part of the instructional program. Residencies by dance companies give the students an opportunity to participate in master classes; works of locally and nationally prominent choreographers are included in the repertory ensemble. Guest artists have included Donald McKayle, Arthur Mitchell, Erik Bruhn, Gus Giordano, Bill Evans, John Mead, Luis Montero, the Bella Lewitzky Dance Company, Repertory Dance Theatre of Utah, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. Funding comes from foundation and corporate support.

Students participate in the Dallas Morning News Dance Festival and faculty host the Gathering, showcasing a variety of local and visiting professional dance ensembles.

Both festivals merit outstanding reviews from local critics. Student dancers participating in the Young Audiences program reach an estimated audience of 4000 each year.

The Dance Cluster boasts thirteen Presidential Scholars since 1976. These students have received a medallion from the President, and performed at The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.

Four faculty members have been named Texas Dance Educators of the Year. Faculty member serve on boards of local, state, and national dance organizations. Faculty members have danced with several professional dance companies and one has received the Texas Choreographer’s Award for her work. In 2001, Lily Cabatu Weiss was named a SURDNA fellow and in 2002 was named TFAA Outstanding Teacher. Dr. Linda James was named a SURDNA Fellow for 2003-04.

Repertory Dance Ensemble has performed throughout Texas, Louisiana, and at the High School Dance Festivals in Philadelphia and Miami. Repertory Dance Ensemble is on the artist's roster for Young Audiences of greater Dallas, one of the few high schools in the nation chosen for this outreach program. Ten dance students have received the award of Presidential Scholar in the Arts and have been recognized in Washington, D.C. Many students have received scholarships to such schools as Boston Ballet, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Cal Arts, etc. and have become performing members at Dallas Ballet, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and many other companies.

Dance Guild

Dance Calendar