Note: Grade 12 students may take more than one dance class at the same time.
DANCE FOUNDATIONS 12
This course is an extension of Dance Foundations 11; however, students are not required to take Dance Foundations 11 beforehand. It is well-suited for beginner dancers, and no previous experience is required.
Through structured warmups, across-the-floor exercises, and teacher- or student-led choreography, students will develop foundational dance technique while improving strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, and coordination. A key focus of the course is on performance quality and how to bring expression, clarity, and confidence to any choreography taught in class.
Progressive lessons support students in working effectively in small groups, large groups, and as a full class. Throughout the course, students will prepare and refine one class dance piece to be showcased at the Year End Dance Recital.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
CLICK HERE to look at a grade 10-12 performance
DANCE CREW 12
Dance Crew 12 is designed for students interested in exploring urban dance styles, including Hip Hop, Tutting, Locking, and Breaking. No previous experience is required. This course is ideal for beginner to intermediate dancers, with optional skill extensions available for more advanced students.
Classes include warm-ups, team-building activities, small-group movement explorations, and technique development. Through a progressive approach, students will build strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, and coordination. In addition to technical growth, students will develop confidence, trust, and leadership skills as they learn to work collaboratively.
Students will create and refine choreography in pairs, small groups, and as a full class in preparation for the Year End Dance Recital.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
CLICK HERE to look at an example of a warm up during the pandemic.
DANCE COMPANY 12 (by audition)
Dance Company 12 is open to qualified Grade 12 students through teacher approval or audition. This course is designed for highly motivated students with previous dance training or experience in styles such as Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, or Breakdance. It is recommended that students also take an additional dance class, such as Dance Foundations or an after-school course, to expand their technical range.
The class is divided into two groups: one focusing on Hip Hop technique and the other on Modern technique. Students have the opportunity to create their own choreography, which may be included in future performances.
All students also participate in a large-class dance performed at the Burnaby Festival of Dance and the Year End Dance Recital. This course provides advanced technical, creative, and performance experiences while preparing students for professional or post-secondary dance opportunities.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
CLICK HERE to look at a Dance Company Modern group performance
CLICK HERE to look at a Dance Company Hip Hop group performance
MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE 12 (Yes for 2026/7!)
Musical Theatre Dance 12 is a 4-credit course offered during years when Burnaby South produces a large musical, which occurs every second year. No prior experience or prerequisite is required.
Students in this course learn multiple dance numbers as part of a large ensemble of dancers and actors. Dancers work closely with actors, musicians, and production students as they prepare for the final school musical, which typically runs in March.
Sessions take place after school at least twice a week. This course also qualifies toward the scholarship requirement.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
DANCE LEADERSHIP 12 (By permission)
Dance Leadership 12 is intended for students who have previously taken dance courses at Burnaby South. Students should have a solid understanding of how the dance studio operates and be able to represent the Burnaby South Dance Program in a positive and professional manner.
Students may be paired with a dance class to lead warm-ups, assist with choreography, support classroom management, and problem-solve challenges that arise during lessons. In some cases, students work directly with the teacher in a dedicated block, helping with costumes, organization, choreography, and potentially developing special solo or small-group projects.
This course is designed to strengthen leadership skills, build responsibility, and provide hands-on experience in teaching, mentorship, and production within the dance program.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
WORLD DANCE 12: (Not offered 2026/7)
World Dance 12 is a 4-credit after-school course open to students in Grades 9–12, with Grade 8 students welcome to participate as club members. No previous dance experience is required.
Students explore a variety of world dance styles, which may include Bhangra, Tahitian, Tinikling, Hawaiian, Broadway Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Māori Poi. Throughout the course, students learn dance technique, choreography, cultural history, and additional elements such as costuming and performance skills.
Students may be invited to perform at school and community events, including the Year End Dance Recital. This course is offered every other year.
Please note that students who take a dance class in grade 10, 11, and 12 will be eligible for a dance scholarship upon graduation.
DANCE PRODUCTION 12 (after school)
Dance Production 12 is a credit course for students in Grades 9–12. There is no dancing involved in this course. Students gain hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes work required to run school productions, including the Year End Dance Recital. This course is co-taught by Ms. Wilson, Ms. Dewar, and Mr. Hobbes and in conjunction with Theatre Production, giving students a wide range of opportunities in technical theatre and production design.
Students choose one specialized crew to work in:
Stage Management Crew: Oversees the entire production from start to finish, ensuring all crews stay on schedule. Stage managers also work backstage during performances to keep everything running smoothly.
Marketing Crew: Designs posters, websites, social media content, tickets, and show merchandise. This crew promotes productions in the school and community and assists with fundraising and donation collection.
Set Design Crew: Creates scenery and painted backdrops for productions. Students work together to build creative set pieces based on the needs of each show.
Props Crew: Designs or sources all handheld items performers use onstage—from themed umbrellas to glow-in-the-dark props.
Costumes Crew: Designs, assembles, and organizes costumes. Ideal for students interested in fashion, sewing, or garment construction.
Lighting Crew: Learns to use stage lighting equipment, haze machines, and digital programming to create atmosphere for each performance. Works closely with Stage Management and Sound.
Sound Crew: Operates the soundboard, collects sound effects, programs cues, and runs audio during productions. Collaborates closely with Lighting and Stage Management.
Dance Production counts toward the Dance Scholarship requirement. Students who take a dance course in Grades 10, 11, and 12 automatically qualify for consideration, with up to $2000 awarded each year.