Catch the shooting stars

The Southeast Raleigh Dance Department continues in its evolution of excellence under the direction of Ms. Lisa Wilder. The students traveled to Walt Disney World in Florida this fall to perform in experience behind the scenes instruction from the Disney staff. They were also selected to perform at the 2006 NAACP Stave Convention. The department has been honored by being selective three consecutive years to perform in Wake County Pieces of Gold. This year promises to be even more exciting. The students experience movement from many areas of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, tap, Modern African and Dance History. Artists from the surrounding area and abroad are summoned to teach master classes. The Shabu Family (Magic of African Rhythm) is our Artist in Residence for spring 2007. The Department has two performance groups and Dance Lab that meets after school. Dance at the high school level provides the students with the opportunity to devote part of their school day to the formal study of dance and foster creative expression.

Course Descriptions:

• Dance 1 : Dance 1 explores movement as a creative art form. This level introduces the student to busy awareness, alignment, improvisation, dance history, and interpretation of different forms of dance. (NC DPI Stand Course of Study) The students will create a dance portfolio, which contains all written work. The students are evaluated by written and movement exams. The students must reach a basic performance skill level to perform on stage. The students perform in the Class recital at the end of each semester.
• Dance 2 : Dance 2 is more concentrated that Dance 1. The study of dance terminology, modern and ballet technique, process of choreography and dance history is studied in depth. Performance quality is emphasized. This course prepares the students for the in-depth study of dance as a major or a minor. The dance portfolio showcases their written work and biography in progress. At this level the students are also evaluated by written and movement exams. The students must attend Dance Lab to perform in the second semester of the school year.
• Dance 3 (Prerequisite Dance 2 or Audition) : Dance 3 emphasizes the study of dance as a creative art form. (NC DPI Standard Course of Study) Technique in ballet and modern dance is cultivated. Dance performance quality is stressed at this level. The dancers in this class perform more than once a year. The students will create abstract and concrete idealistic dances that will be on display in the spring productions. The dance portfolio showcases their written work, biography, and builds their performance resume. The students are evaluated by written and movement exams. Scheduled performances are also evaluated.
• Dance 4 and 5 Honors (Prerequisite Dance 3 or Audition) : Dance 4 and 5 Honors provides the students with the opportunity to develop an advanced level of dance technique and refine their skills as both choreographer and performer. The student works strive to clearly express ideas through the creative process of integrating movement with choreographic intent. (NC DPI Standard Course of Study) The dance portfolio showcases their written work, biography, and builds their performance resume. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, summer workshops, and performance opportunities enhance their education as a performer. Students at this level produce and direct portions of the spring concert.

Performance is Sharing the Arts
The Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School has two performance groups and a Dance Lab. The Dance Company performs at all Southeast functions, musicals, and festivals. Dance Company as well as the entire department conducts a Youth Dance Clinic in the fall and spring to expose younger in the community to dance as positive expression. The Touring Dance Company is called SOLE (Sold on Lasting Expression). This group takes the show on the road. They perform in public shows, universities and community functions. The performances are designed for each audience. The students are serious about their craft and enjoy sharing it with others. We would like to add you to our touring schedule. E-mail Ms. Wilder at lwilder@wcpss.net for more information. SRMHS Dance Company and SOLE are designed to provide a professional performance experience for the students and to share the wonderful world of dance with the community. Dance Lab is designed for students that can not take class during the school day and for those who needs extra training. Dane Lab students perform in the spring semester.

Performance Dates :

1. October 2-5, 2006 - Disney World Performance
2. October 12, 2006 - NAACP State Convention
3. October 24, 2006 - Fall Preview
4. November 4, 2006 - Magnet Fair, 10AM
5. December 6, 2006 - Dance 1 Showings, 7PM
6. December 7, 2006 - "Stargaze" at HHS, 7PM
7. December 16, 2006 - Asbury Temple, 5PM
8. December 19, 2006 - Barwell Elem., 3PM
9. January 25, 2007 - Barwell Elem., 3PM
10. February 10, 2007 - MSEN Fashion Show, TBA
11. February 17, 2007 - Black History Program, 6PM
12. March 7, 2007 - Pieces of Gold, 7PM
13. May 3-6, 2007 - Spring Musical, 7PM
14. May 9, 2007 - Dance 1 Showings
15. May 12-13, 2007 - Spring Concert "Assumptions", 7PM and 4PM
16. May 15, 2007 - Dance Co. Interest Meeting, 3-4PM
17. May 19, 21-22, 2007 - Dance Company Tryouts, 3PM