Dance
Saint Mary’s School’s Dance program is designed to inspire leadership through the art of movement. Our students discover their strengths and passions, achieving personal excellence in mind, body, and spirit. Dance teaches resilience, discipline, and creativity, equipping young women to lead with grace and confidence. Through performance and practice, our dancers learn to express themselves and inspire others, embodying the values of honor and integrity.
Program and Philosophy
The Saint Mary's School Dance Program was established in 1938 and continues a legacy of giving girls the chance to explore and develop their creative and expressive potential through the study of dance. The program is designed to build a student's confidence, teach responsibility, develop expressive communication, foster an ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Orchesis Dance Theatre
Saint Mary's School's Orchesis is an invitation-only resident dance company for serious dancers, requiring enrollment in dance technique classes. Students perform in two annual concerts, featuring choreography by faculty, guest artists, and students. Training in classical ballet, modern, and jazz is emphasized, with opportunities to explore new dance forms and choreography.
Technical Training
At the core of Saint Mary’s School dance program is solid technical training in ballet and modern. In addition, a range of dance and movement classes combine to create an extensive program encouraging creative exploration and supporting physical and mental wellness.
Performance
Performance opportunities are also a key component of dance at Saint Mary’s. Orchesis Dance Theatre, Saint Mary’s invitation-only dance company performs twice a year in historic Pittman Auditorium. A professional and experienced dance faculty provides exceptional training at every level.
Dance Studios
Dance classes are conducted in one of three dance studios. All studios are equipped with sprung floor systems, “marley” covered surfaces and mirrored walls. When possible, modern dance technique classes are accompanied by a professional dance accompanist. Dance students are able to participate in master classes offered by area guest artists in disciplines such as jazz, hip-hop, ballet, modern, yoga, African, Indian, as well as general conditioning, kinesiology, nutrition and aerobics.