About

The Mater Dei High School Dance program offers many opportunities for dancers to grow their artistry including three performing groups, each with their own unique direction and focus.  Dance Conservatory, Hip Hop, and Song, together make up the 'Honors Dance Company,' each receiving an honors class credit for their work.  All groups are audition-based and rehearse during class and before or after school. Dancers use the training to prepare for the next stage in their artistic journey or simply to be come a better dancer while at Mater Dei.  

Dance Conservatory

Designed to prepare dancers for a collegiate and/or professional career in dance through pre-professional experiences that include training, performance, exposure to colleges and professional dance companies, and portfolio building activities. This focus is paired with a traditional school team experience for the best of both worlds.  Train weekly with experienced and professional faculty in contemporary, jazz, and ballet and learn from guest choreographers.  Develops versatile dancers with advanced technique, artistry, improvisation skills, and performance qualities in both Commercial and Concert Dance styles.  Performs at full evening concerts in fall and spring and dance festivals, in addition to school rallies, football and basketball games, and school/community events.  Full year commitment.

Commitment

• REQUIRES ONE ACADEMIC BLOCK (afternoon block 7 or 8) plus after school (Block 9) on Tues/Wed/Thurs until 4:30/5.
• 1-2 performances per month
• USA Dance Camp @ Knott's (July22-25, 2024)
• 2-3 guest choreographer sessions per semester on Sat/Sun
• Extra events like College Dance Day, photo shoot, conventions, attending professional concerts, etc.

Suggested Skill Level: Emphasis on placement, line artistry, technical skills (turns, leaps, extensions) and versatility of styles.  Must possess strong stage presence, spatial awareness, and musicality.

Red Company & Gray Company: Two levels of Dance Conservatory provide level-appropriate and challenging training for each group along with individual performance opportunities for int/adv and advanced dancers.

School Credit: Honors Dance Company + Dance Conservatory class credits, college credit at OCC (dual enrollment)

Commitment:

• REQUIRES TWO ACADEMIC BLOCKS - Morning class/rehearsal during Block 1 (8am) and Block 3
• 1x per week after school rehearsal (Mondays)
• Some summer rehearsals and/or camp
• 1-2 performances per month
• Competition Season: January-March

Song

Nationally-ranked team that merges that athleticism of cheerleading with the art of dance for dancers with advanced Pom, Jazz, and Dance Acro technique.  Performs sidelines at football and basketball games, rallies, school events, regional and national competitions, and Synthesis Dance Concert (spring). Full year commitment.

Commitment

• REQUIRES TWO ACADEMIC BLOCKS - Morning class/rehearsal during Block 1 (8am) and Block 3
• Saturday morning technique class
• UDA Dance Camp (June 17-20) & US Spiritleaders Camp (July TBA)
• Athletic events for football and basketball
• Competition Season: November to March

Financial Commitment: This group does include a participation fee to cover costumes, competition fees, camp, teamwear, etc. Email [email protected] for details.

Teams:  The Song team performs by grade level for games and by skill placement for competition.

• Games: 9/10th grade do sidelines cheer for JV football games and 11/12th grade do sidelines for Varsity football and basketball games
• Competitions: Pending the size of the group, Song may compete in JV and Varsity Pom and Jazz divisions.  Or, compete only in varsity with some Song members in alternate positions.  The team competes regionally and travels to Florida for UDA National Dance Team Championships.