Regional Arts Program Dance

Mayfield Secondary School

Regional Arts Program – Dance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many dancers are selected each year for the program?

Each year anywhere from 50-56 dancers are welcomed into our dance program.

1. Does being in the program involve after school commitment?

Class representatives, members of student run dance companies and those in extra pieces during shows will have after school meetings/ rehearsals, however, all are optional. Mandatory after school rehearsals occur twice a year (once a semester) leading up to our shows for dress and tech rehearsals.

1. What style of dance should my solo be?

Your solo should be personalized. Showcase what you want us to see with confidence and cleanliness. Dance the style you are most passionate about!

1. Do I still have the chance to be accepted if I am less experienced?

Yes! Mayfield dance is a large community filled with dancers of all different skill levels and dance backgrounds. Passion is important to us, show us that dance is what you want to do every day for the next four years and is what you love to do. Endless curiosity about dance and the dance world is your best asset.

1. How many times a week are students dancing?

Students dance for one period a day (75 Min.) everyday of the year! There are some exceptions during clean up days and test review days but we never like to miss a chance to dance.

1. Do the people in this program see themselves continuing their dance education into post-secondary/ careers?

The dance program includes a unit on dance related careers, so students are given a large range of knowledge about many different career paths to pursue in the world of dance. Students at Mayfield in the RAP Dance program also use the skills acquired in this program to help them in their future careers (i.e. leadership, organization, time management, discipline, etc.).

1. What do you learn in the dance program?

In the Mayfield Dance program you will learn ballet, modern and fusion technique, the history and significance of many world dance forms, anatomy related to dance, dance careers, more about yourself through written and movement based reflections, as well as additional world dance styles learned in guest workshops such as Hawaiian, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Bharatanatyam, African, Flamenco, etc.

1. Is ballet a large part of the program?

Ballet is one of the many things that make up Mayfield dance. It helps dancers with their alignment, posture, and musicality and it translates to the technique of many other dance forms as well. We spend about three weeks each semester learning and practicing ballet technique, also our winter production of The Nutcracker performed every other year, is largely based in the style of ballet.

1. What do the students love about the program?

Here are our students’ top 10 favourite things about Mayfield Dance:

• The community and safe space inside of our dance studios
• Performances (we have two every year!)
• Workshops with guest choreographers
• Friendships
• Learning new dance styles
• Learning from peers
• Non-competitive environment
• Auditions, companies and extra pieces
• Dedicated dance teachers
• Field trips

1. What transferable skills do you learn in the dance program?

• Time management
• Organization
• Team work and collaboration
• Leadership
• Strong work ethic
• Commitment and dedication
• Reliability
• Listening skills
• How to be an artist
• Self confidence