Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Ave
Portland
OR
97217
(503) 916-5180
Jefferson Dancers 2023
Course Offerings
African Dance 1-2
African Dance 1-2 emphasizes the historical and cultural roots of African dance and explores more advanced levels of technique.
African Dance 3
African Dance 2-3 emphasizes the historical and cultural roots of African dance and explores more advanced levels of technique. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to African Dance1-2 and instructor consent.
Ballet 1-2
This course emphasizes refining and strengthening the fundamentals of classical stance and movement. Body alignment, line, and precise musical execution are introduced to steps, turns, and jumps at an intermediate level.
Ballet 3
This course is for ballet students with strong intermediate‐advanced techniques. *Pointe work for those who are ready. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Ballet 4-5 / Pointe
These are two separate levels of ballet for ballet students with strong intermediate‐advanced technique. Pointe work is studied and stressed throughout the year as students learn and study classical variations and repertoire. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Contemporary 2, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Hip Hop 1,2, or 3
Hip Hop is offered at a variety of levels depending on the overall experience and dance level of Jefferson students. In general, students must have a strong knowledge of the basic Hip Hop steps. Complex rhythms and longer sequences progressively build technique, stamina and artistry. Prerequisite: None
Improvisation / Compostion
Designed for the advanced student, this course further studies expressive dance improvisation techniques in the modern idiom. Improvisation, composition and performance skills are covered. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz 3, Contemporary 3, Ballet 3 and instructor consent.
Intro to African Dance
You will focus primarily on traditional African dances from the Senegal, Mali, and Guinea regions of West Africa. Included are studies of African songs, the relationship of drum rhythms and concepts in African culture. Any interested student may take this course. Prerequisite:None
Intro to Modern
Students are introduced to the basic forms of dance and dance vocabulary. The class focuses on modern techniques such as Horton, Cunningham, and Graham. The class is designed to enhance body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self-discipline, control, and the joy of movement. Students are taught to develop their kinesthetic sense of basic alignment and principles of safe and efficient movement. Prerequisite: None
Intro to Tap
You will explore the uniquely American dance style that emphasizes the development of rhythm and fine motor skills. Students learn basic tap combinations along with a variety of beginning dances. Prerequisite: None
Jazz
Students are introduced to the basic forms of classical jazz, contemporary, and ballet, as well as contemporary hip‐ hop and funk. Designed to enhance body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self‐discipline, control, and joy of movement. Students are taught to develop their kinesthetic sense of basic alignment and principles of safe and efficient movement. Prerequisite: None
Jazz 1-2
Students are offered additional exploration and work on basic dance techniques emphasizing jazz styles. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Jazz
Jazz 4
Designed for the advanced student, this course offers jazz techniques for the highly skilled dancer. The ongoing refining of line, dynamics and musicality are consistently stressed as performance and presentation are studied in detail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz 2 and Contemporary 3
Jazz 5
Designed for the advanced student, this course offers jazz techniques for the highly skilled dancer. The ongoing refining of line, dynamics and musicality are consistently stressed as performance and presentation are studied in detail. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz 4, contemporary 3 Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Jefferson Dancers
The Jefferson Dancers is a select group of our school’s most advanced dancers. Intensive work, intended for the career‐oriented dancer, includes continued training and frequent performances in all dance styles. Students work with local, nationally and internationally recognized choreographers. Students must make a one‐year commitment and meet the district’s extracurricular activities standards. Prerequisite: Audition Only
Jefferson Dancers II
The Jefferson Dancers II is comprised of dancers who are a part of the dance program at Jefferson High School. The company is by audition or invitation only, and the dancers rehearse all year on Tue/Wed/Thurs from 3:30‐5:30 p.m. Outreach opportunities, performance opportunities, and work year round with different choreographers are part of the process for dancers in the company. Prerequisite: Audition Only
Modern / Contemporary 3
This course is an intermediate survey course about various modern approaches to expressive dance. Different approaches to expressive dance require focus, trust, movement skills and a willingness to share and collaborate. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Contemporary 2, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Modern 1-2
Students are offered additional exploration and work on basic dance techniques emphasizing various modern dance styles. Different approaches to expressive dance require focus, trust, movement skills and a willingness to share and collaborate. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Modern and instructor permission
Strength and Flexibility or Strength / Floor / Barre
In this course, students will be challenged to increase flexibility and strength. The class will be focusing on core strength and isometric stretching. Prerequisite: None when offered as an introductory level dance
Tap 1-2
You must have a strong knowledge of the basic tap steps. Complex rhythms and longer sequences progressively build technique, stamina and artistry. Emphasis is placed on musicality, notation, and performance quality throughout the year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Tap and instructor consent.
Tap 3-4
This course is designed for students with strong tap skills. Speed and technical accuracy is applied to complex tap combinations and layered rhythms in a variety of tap styles. Ease of movement and artistry are stressed throughout the year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Tap 1-2 and instructor consent.
Steve Gonzales
Jefferson Dancers Director/ Dance Teacher
503-916-5180 ext. 83756
Bunky Holden-Williams
Jefferson Dancers II Director/ Dance Teacher
503-916-5180 ext. 83751
Lauren Smith
Dance Teacher
503-916-5180 ext. 83757