Dance at Austin ISD

Austin ISD Fine Arts believes in strong dance education because it develops well-rounded students through movement-based learning that builds physical awareness, discipline, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking while supporting confidence, self-expression, and social-emotional growth. Dance instruction connects academic learning to real-world skills such as teamwork, communication, goal-setting, and kinesthetic awareness, while also fostering cultural understanding and civic engagement through performance and choreography. By providing equitable access to dance education, students with diverse learning styles are supported, school engagement and achievement are strengthened, and learners are prepared for college, careers, and active participation in society.

Important Notices

Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within the dance discipline, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.

Prerequisite: Before a student can advance to the next-level theatre course, they must complete any previous-level theatre course.

Courses

PRINCIPLES OF DANCE I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Before a student can advance to the next level Dance course, they must complete any previous level Dance course.
Students learn to work cooperatively with others through various group compositions. Students learn about the cultural, historic and artistic diversity of various dance styles. Students have an opportunity to choreograph and present a movement piece using the body as a means of expression. Students must perform in a public recital.