Fort Bend ISD’s vibrant and active dance program offers young artists the opportunity to perform in both sports venues and competitive dance environments.  Dance teams perform traditional genres at football games in the fall and explore a wide variety of dance genres in competitions in the spring.  The annual Dance Classic and Dance Showcases are highlights of the FBISD Dance season.  Dance classes provide students with basic dance skills in ballet, tap, modern, improvisation, and jazz. Students will develop kinesthetic awareness and appreciation for the development of dance through the study of dance history. The various courses allow for the varying abilities of all students, so each can develop his/her skills at an appropriate pace, which will lead the student to develop self- confidence and an ongoing appreciation for dance as an art form. Students may be required to purchase some materials. Cost may vary depending on the level of study.

Principles of Dance I

 Principles of Dance I is an introductory course that provides students with an exploration of the fundamentals of movement. Aerobic fitness dance, recreational dance, and dance forms including ballet, folk/ethnic, jazz, tap, precision, hip hop, lyrical, and modern will challenge the students to employ both fine and gross motor skills. Students receive a brief historical overview of dance. Choreography/dance composition will be covered as well. This course may be taken to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement or the PE requirement, but not both.

Principles of Dance II

Dance II is a continuation of the Dance I course. Students at this level demonstrate higher levels of competency in movement sequences that are increasingly more rhythmically complex and utilize a wider range of motion. Students will evaluate performances and offer thoughtful critiques of movement execution and choreographic content using correct terminology. This course may be taken to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement or the PE requirement, but not both.

Principles of Dance III and IV

Mastery of dance skills and teacher recommendation. Students use advanced skills and techniques through composition and efficiency of dance. Individual and group choreography are stressed. Participants perform in large group formats, select small groups, and solo performances.

Dance Team I–IV

Selection by audition only. Dance Team courses are designed for the advanced dance student. Advanced dance technique and creative expression are taught as each relates to performance in large groups, ensembles of various sizes, and individually. Students participate extensively in competitions and performances throughout the year. Students are required to purchase supplies and materials; cost may vary depending on the program and level of study. Dance Team members are required to participate in all practices and performances. Practices begin in August and continue throughout the school year. Students enrolled in Dance Team I will receive one PE substitution credit for their participation in the course.