Intermediate dance: Bridging the gap
In previous years, students who have taken Beginning Dance and wanted to progress further into the dance program without taking the IB dance class or joining Dance Team have been forced to retake Beginning Dance. However, this year, those students who want to progress further into program can take the Intermediate Dance class. Intermediate Dance is focused on bridging the gap between Beginning Dance and the higher level programs, and preparing students to progress into IB Dance or the Dance Team. “The main goal of the class is to get a bunch of like-minded people together, kids who already know that they love dance, and give them an opportunity to improve their skills,” said Cameo Carolan, the teacher for the Intermediate Dance.
Intermediate Dance also prepares students for the pressures of performing by requiring them to dance in various performances throughout the year, including the Spring Dance Concert in April. “The hardest part (about performing) is to improve in front of people because you feel uncomfortable,” said Nicole Hoffman, junior. “Dance is very artistic and you feel exposed all the time, so it’s just being comfortable with yourself.”
The class is challenging because it is aimed at pushing students from beginning skill levels into more advanced levels of dance. “The hardest part is probably adjusting your body to do things it isn’t used to,” said Nazzo Khalil, junior. “Especially for people like me with no dance background, it’s extremely difficult for most of us to adapt to new movement.”
Intermediate Dance pushes each student to expand in dance and to develop the skills necessary to continue in the dance program. “The class is more difficult but that’s the fun part, having to learn different techniques is always an experience,” said Kabbaj. “It’s been fantastic.”
Although the class can be difficult, students say that it is also very rewarding. “I’ve taken regular dance with Carolan for two years now, and have always had an amazing time in her class,” said Khalil. “I love how she and the T.A.’s take their time on helping everyone make their own personal improvements.”
The class focuses a lot on hard techniques and practices it every day, making sure that everyone can do it well. “I like seeing myself improve each day,” Khalil said. “I like the feeling of knowing I’m getting better at something that was once difficult.”
Carolan and the students focus on making the atmosphere of the class positive and inviting for everyone involved. “It has a very strong sense of community. Everyone is very supportive. It’s definitely my favorite class,” Hoffman said.
But the rewards of the class go beyond just the dance floor. “Dance is a way for me to express my emotions through movement, which relieves a lot of stress that comes from school and other things,” said Hoffman. “Carolan and both the Beginning and Intermediate dance programs have made me consider going into a career with dance.”
The class has helped its students to grow and develop as individuals as well as dancers. “It was just a whole new experience for me and it has helped me become who I am,” Kabbaj said. “It has taught me that with hard work and determination you can accomplish anything.”
