Arts

Dance

Here’s a quick look at the dance classes offered at Vernon.

The Dance Team is an audition based class, while Dance and Hip Hop are classes that will count as your Physical Education (PE) requirement. You will up for regular Dance and Hip Hop by circling "Dance" on the elective form sheet provided in spring.

Dance: This class is great for beginners. You’ll learn basic dance vocabulary, how to stretch safely, and techniques from styles like jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, and hip hop. You’ll build strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination through center work and across-the-floor combos. You’ll also take short quizzes, do simple written assignments, and create your own choreography. All students will perform in the Fall Spooktacular and the Annual Dance Showcase.

Hip Hop Dance: This beginner class focuses on hip hop. You’ll learn hip hop vocabulary, stretching, and technique, plus styles like commercial, jazz funk, breaking, popping, locking, and house. Expect to build upper-body strength, coordination, and confidence. You’ll complete quizzes, written assignments, and choreography projects. All students will perform in the Fall Spooktacular and the Annual Dance Showcase.

Advanced Dance / Dance Team (Audition Required): This class is for experienced dancers. You’ll explore advanced choreography, performance skills, and different dance styles used in professional-style shows. Students work on technique, creativity, showmanship, and producing more complex dances. The team performs at school events, district events, parades, community performances, and the annual dance show. Members must commit to practices, performances, and fundraising.

I dance because it helps me express my feelings in a way that words can’t always do. When I'm on the dance floor, I feel free and can forget about my worries for a while. Each performance is an exciting adventure, and sharing those moments with my friends and fellow dancers makes it even more special. It's a fun way to connect with others and create memories that I’ll always treasure! Sofia

More Information

Auditions

Want to join the dance team?

To apply, you’ll need to show your dance skills at an audition. This is your chance to show what you’ve learned, try new moves, and show your energy and teamwork. It will be a two day audition. Day one you will learn a short mini dance & day two you will dance in small groups and showcase your skills.

Dance team members get to perform at school events and community shows, so you’ll need to be ready to practice, work hard, and have fun with your teammates! Below is the Audition Packet that will need to be filled out in order to be considered for the team. Good luck!!

In order to be in a regular dance class, you will circle dance on your elective form and be placed in dance for PE.

WICOR in Dance

Assessments & Rubrics

Dance assessment rubrics help both students and teachers by clearly showing what’s expected in class. For students, rubrics break down skills like technique, performance, creativity, and effort, so they know exactly what to work on and how to improve. For teachers, rubrics make it easier to give fair, consistent feedback and track each student’s progress. Overall, rubrics guide learning, motivate growth, and make the whole dance experience clearer and more successful.

Here are some common criteria often used in dance rubrics, especially for middle school dancers:

Technique – How well movements are executed, including posture, alignment, and precision.
Timing/Rhythm – Staying on beat and moving in sync with the music.
Performance/Expression – Energy, facial expressions, and ability to convey emotion or style.
Choreography/Creativity – Originality and use of space, levels, and formations in routines.
Effort/Participation – Work ethic, focus, and willingness to try new skills.
Body Control/Coordination – Balance, flexibility, and smoothness of movement.
Memory – Ability to remember choreography accurately.

Fitness Days

In dance class, we include fitness and workout days to help dancers build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. These workouts focus on muscles used in dancing, like the core, legs, and arms, which makes jumps higher, turns cleaner, and movements stronger. Staying fit also helps prevent injuries, improves balance, and gives dancers the energy they need for long rehearsals and performances.