Do I have to audition to get into a dance class?

No. Students can take a dance class at any grade level without previous experience.  The Burnaby South Dance Program is open to all Burnaby South Secondary and B.C. School for the Deaf students with varying skill levels. The only course you need to audition for is Dance Company. There is also no dancing in Dance Production after school.

 

I am a person with a disability. Can I take dance?

Absolutely!  Burnaby South Dance is an inclusive environment in which everyone is welcome no matter who you are. Anyone can dance. The teacher will modify dance movements to your needs.

 

What kinds of dance will I learn?

Burnaby South Dance does not follow a traditional studio learning model. Since this is a public school, students are put into classes according to their age instead of ability level. A student can go through the program from grade 8 to 12 exposed to different styles of dance each year. Some styles of dance that may be introduced are Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, Street Jazz, Contemporary, Hawaiian, Breaking (Breakdance), Disco, Tahitian, Tinikling, Stage, Musical Theatre, Fosse, Maori, Ballet, Bhangra, Salsa, and Swing…etc. Each class focuses on style of dance to be made into a final class dance for the year end dance recital. Students will be introduced to beginner level jazz technique each year regardless the style of dance they are learning for that particular year. Dance Company is the only class that is divided into two groups of modern and hip hop.

 

What is the difference between Dance Technique & Choreography and Dance Foundations?

Students can take Dance Technique & Choreography, Dance Foundations or both during their gr. 11 and gr.12 years.  Both classes are 4 credit courses that can be applied towards graduation.  Dance Technique & Choreography focuses on improving dance technique and allows students more opportunities to create dance on their own. Dance Foundations is more suitable for students who may be less confident in their skills and likes to follow the teacher.  If you are a beginner dancer, Dance Foundations is a suitable choice.  If you have an intermediate to advanced dance background or you are a person who loves a challenge, Dance Technique & Choreography is the choice for you. Often these two courses are combined due to not enough student enrollment. In these cases, the class is usually led by the teacher.

 

When and where do I get to perform?

Junior students often perform for one another during class time or for other classes in school during their assigned dance block.  In addition to class performances, Senior students may be given opportunities to perform in the Remembrance Day assemblies, Rebel Nations Talent Show, Parent Advisory Committee functions, Staff functions, Fine Arts Week, Rebelfest, Burnaby’s Got Talent, and the Burnaby Festival of Dance.  Both Junior and Senior students are required to perform in the annual Year End Dance Recital at the Michael J. Fox Theatre.  This major performance is part of all dance program student’s Term 3 mark.

Do dance classes enter competitions?

No.  The Burnaby South Dance Program’s philosophy is about the appreciation of dance and the idea of self improvement rather than competition; however many dance students join dance clubs within the school community for these types of competitions.

 

What should I wear to class?

CLICK HERE to find out more about the dress code.

 

Do I have to provide my own costumes?

No.  All costumes are provided by the school.  Students are expected to clean and return their borrowed costumes or they will be charged for the lost items.

 

Where can I find out more about the Burnaby Festival of Dance?

Please click here for more information.

 

When is the Year End Dance Recital?

It is usually scheduled in the school calendar in either May or June.  Click here for detailed performer information.  Ticket info to be announced closer to the recital date.

 

How can I reach Ms. Wilson?

Students can reach Ms. Wilson through the REMIND app or the Microsoft TEAMS platform in which they are required to use during the school year. Parents, guardians, and students can reach Ms. Wilson through school email at christina.wilson@burnabyschools.ca