BALLET—Appreciate and understand the art of Ballet. Learn the traditional class format: barre followed by centre work (adagio, pirouettes, petit allegro, grande allegro), as well as experience the exhilaration of performance. Alignment, vocabulary, musicality, skill execution, and presentation will be emphasized. Beginning, Intermediate (instructor recommendation), and Advanced (audition and/or instructor recommendation).

CONTEMPORARY DANCE—This style has origins in modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic dance forms. Students will develop an understanding of the artistic and technical elements of physical expression that lead to performance artistry and will attain a technical proficiency based on sound kinesiological principles. Warm-ups are based mostly in Horton techniques and breathwork. Along with technique, floor work and strength training are emphasized. Students will also engage in the collaborative process and will build on the intellectual and aesthetic understanding of craft and technique. Beginning, Intermediate*, Advanced*, and Pre-Professional Ensemble (Ensemble is grades 9 – 12, audition only). * = instructor recommendation

DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE—Focus on the dance techniques and styles used throughout the history of Musical Theater. Students will examine the great choreographers of Broadway history and will explore the different techniques these choreographers used: ballet, jazz, social dance, and tap dance.

FLAMENCO—Introduces students to the culture, music, and dance traditions of Spain. Basic instruction in taconeo (footwork), brazeo (arm work), palmas (hand-clapping), flamenco turns, body posture, movement, and coordination taking the student beyond the steps to incorporate style and expression in choreography. Three levels—beginning, intermediate (teacher recommendation), and advanced (audition and/or teacher recommendation).

HIP-HOP—Technical aspects of hip-hop street dance styles that focus on self-expression. Classes include warm-up, moving across the floor, style explorations, and freestyle circles. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility and strength, precision and creativity, as well as finding your own style. Alignment, vocabulary, musicality, skill execution, and presentation will be emphasized. Beginning, intermediate (instructor recommendation), and advanced (audition).

JAZZ—Evolved from the social dances of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dances such as the Cake Walk, Charleston, and the Lindy Hop were set to the popular music jazz of the day. Jazz dance made its way onto the stage and popular culture through Minstrel shows, Vaudeville, Broadway, and the movie musical. Each class begins with a warm-up focused on isolations, stretch, and strength conditioning, from there we will develop our technical skills moving across the floor, and lastly, class culminates with an extended combination in the center floor. Beginning, intermediate (instructor recommendation), and advanced (audition and/or instructor recommendation).

BAND—Beginning Band focuses on learning fundamentals of music including reading notes and rhythm. Intermediate Band (instructor recommendation) continues instruction from the beginning and includes group and solo performances. Advanced Band includes all aspects of concert and jazz bands and is an audition and/or instructor recommendation only.

CHOIR—Develops musical competencies: sight-singing, music theory, correct breathing technique. Explore music from a historical perspective through the study of choral repertoire from various periods. Develops each singer’s vocal abilities to the fullest potential. Beginning, intermediate (instructor recommendation), and advanced Bass/Tenor Choir and Les Chanteuse Choir (audition and/or instructor recommendation).

GUITAR—Class will cover both the fundamentals of playing guitar along with general music theory, music history, sight-reading, and ear training. Three levels—beginning, intermediate (teacher recommendation), and advanced Cadenza (audition and/or teacher recommendation).

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONICS—High School only. Offered on alternating years with Music Theory. The class will focus on operating basic sound systems, explore music production and creation utilizing online tools, as well as basic theory concepts.

MUSIC THEORY- Offered alternating years with music technology-High School Only. The Music Theory course is designed to enhance music skills and basic music fundamentals. … Throughout the course of the year, students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, cadences, non-chord tones, form, part-writing, and analysis of a score.

ORCHESTRA—Develop musical competencies: sight-reading, music fundamentals, correct playing technique. Explore music from a historical perspective through the study of strings and repertoire from various periods. Beginning, intermediate (instructor recommendation and advanced Camerata (audition and/or instructor recommendation).

PIANO—Class will cover both the fundamentals of playing piano, including general music theory, music history, and sight-reading. Three levels—beginning, intermediate (teacher recommendation), and advanced (audition and/or teacher recommendation).

ACTING FOR CAMERA—Learn fundamentals of acting in front of a camera, script reading, scene analysis, voice and body awareness, hands-on training with equipment, set design, and working behind the scenes.

TECHNICAL THEATRE— Grades 8-12 only. Teaches technical aspects of theatre production: sets, costumes, light, sound, properties, stage management, crew work, basic acting, and directing concepts. Focus is on the elements of a theatrical production that support and enhance live theatre. Students will learn to run technical aspects for PAPA productions.

THEATRE—Explore the craft of theatre from the perspective of a professional artist. Participate as an actor, director, designer, and crew member in class as you explore monologues, scenes, and plays. Engage in movement, voice, and acting techniques every class period.

THESPIAN TROUPE-Thespian Troupe—Advanced acting course for high school only with audition/teacher recommendation.

MUSICAL THEATRE—7th-12th Grade Develop skills in singing, acting, movement/choreography, terminology, and vocabulary associated with musicals. Achieve a personal and professional understanding of musicals and the arts through rehearsals, auditions, performances, and presentations. Audition required.

ART—Courses in the Public Academy for Performing Arts’ Visual Arts department are based on National and State standards for Visual Art. This includes art-making, art analysis, art appreciation, and art history. The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design will be the building blocks of student learning. Artists will create original art, master skills, take risks, develop a global awareness of art-making, use problem-solving skills and reflect on the artwork of others, as well as their own. Students will deepen their vocabulary skills and critical thinking skills. Visual arts courses will prepare students to pursue their passions and talents in the many opportunities in the vocation of Visual Arts.

BROADCAST—Provides students with groundwork in various forms of media, including videography and broadcasting. Students will have the opportunity to use editing software to create topical videos. Students work to produce projects using cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound.

FILM/MEDIA—Covers topics in the Film Industry including censorship, copyright, audience, responsibility, green screen editing, using the internet, lighting techniques, fundraising, marketing, and distribution. Film Crew will film school events that will be used in Social Media and for distribution. High school students can earn dual credit.

YEARBOOK—High school only. Create the PAPA yearbook. Includes: photography, layouts, copyright, audience, responsibility, editing and design, lighting techniques, fundraising, marketing, and distribution.