We teach the three core techniques of ballet, modern, and jazz. This allows our students to gain the fundamentals that will allow them to be successful in all other forms of dance.

Our curriculum includes the following:

Improvisation

Choreography

Dance Production
Dance History

Anatomy

Development and performance of repertoire

Nutrition

 

We produce two full-length formal productions during the school year. Our fall dance concert happens in mid-late November and includes Conservatory Dance Intermediate, Advanced, and Company. Our spring concert is held in early to mid April and includes Conservatory Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Compnay as well as our non-magnet Beginning Dance classes. These concerts consist of faculty and student choreography. Spring concert also includes senior solo performances.

 

In early December, we participate in the Magnet Showcase that features all performing arts beginning level magnets. This is a mainstage production, however less formal than the two dance-only concerts.

 

In early May, we participate in the Senior Performing Arts Showcase that is also a mainstage, less formal production to feature graduating students who have participated in the performing arts during their time at South Mountain.

South Mountain's Dance Magnet offers block classes 5 days a week. This offers a student 10 hours a week in our program, twice as much as any other school in the Phoenix Union High School District. This allows us to create a conservatory atmosphere where our students can gain proficiency in their technical skill while also fostering the growth of their performance and choreographic skills. This block class schedule also allows us to go more in-depth with our other topics to give students preparation to study dance in higher education by giving them a more thorough foundation of the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college dance programs.