The ACE Dance program offers young dancers the opportunity to strengthen their dance technique, push their performance skills and expand their own creativity and choreographic voices in an energetic, multi-arts setting.

In addition to two-levels of core classes in Ballet and Contemporary/Modern Dance, weekly Master Classes in diverse dance styles such as Salsa, African Dance or Breakdance and on-site performances by some of Los Angeles' top dance companies, dancers will have the chance to work on unique performance projects and sign up for their choice of dance and all-school electives.

Want to work closely with a hip-hop choreographer on a trio? Would you like to be part of a group tap dance? Would you love to learn a contemporary piece – perhaps a duet? This is a rare opportunity to receive very personal attention from a master in the field. Students will be placed in these projects based on their interest and ability. Some students may be involved with two performance projects.

Our program also offers some very exciting dance electives. This year, for the budding choreographer, we offer the Choreography Lab, where students have the opportunity to experiment and develop solo and group dances. For the film enthusiast, we offer for the first time a "Dance on Camera" course, where students have the opportunity to star in or direct their own dance on video. The outcomes of these electives will be shown in the final concert.

In addition, please see our class list for all of the available "ALL SCHOOL ELECTIVES" - which include dance, theatre, music and visual art classes that are open to the entire ACE student body.

At the end of our four week session, ACE Dance students will present a performance in our state-of–the art dance studio/theatre, presenting the works they have learned and created during the program.

Dance Chair: Ren Bell

Ballet / Pilates (Beginning & Intermediate Levels):
We begin with a 1/2 hour Pilates Mat workout for strength and flexibility, followed ballet technique at the barre, center and across the floor. Class is offered twice each week.

Contemporary Modern (Beginning & Intermediate Levels):
2 hour contemporary modern dance technique class. Following center and across the floor technique, dancers will learn a short performance piece that will be performed in the final concert. Class is offered twice each week.

Master Classes:
Once each week you will have the opportunity to take a special world-dance master class, such as Salsa, Capoeira, Flamenco or Afro-Brazilian dance. Get a taste of a new style from a master teacher!

Choreolab:
Work with professional choreographer in a workshop exploring the art of making dances. This is a risk-taking, creative laboratory for anyone interested in making their own work. Explore improvisation. Develop skills working with space, time, dynamics, and movement invention. Explore many different approaches to making dances, such as working from text, imagery, music, story. Develop your own choreographic voice, your own individual style; learn to collaborate with others and to direct groups. Select studies created in this choreography lab will be performed at the end of the session. This class is open to students with all levels of dance experience.

Dance for the Camera
Working with a professional dance film director, students will learn how to think about, plan, video, light, choreograph, dance in and edit a short Dance for Camera" piece which will be premiered in our final concert. Class size is limited.

Guest Artist Series:
Enjoy special workshops such as Makeup for Stage and the opportunity to see informal performances by some of Los Angeles' most exciting dance companies in Oakwood's own facilities!

Performance Projects:
Work in small groups with a professional choreographer, on a dance project of your choice. Final projects will be determined by student interest. This year's projects include:
1) A hip hop piece
2) A contemporary piece
3) A tap piece with live jazz band accompaniment
4) A jazz-funk piece