Dance is an art that is applicable to all ages. It is rich in movement, expression, rhythm and dramatic play. In the lower years it assists in coordination, patterning, rhythm, body awareness and listening skills. Skills of which apply to reading, writing and general learning. It is fun and active, allowing for interaction on all levels. Dance and Creative arts are essential aspects of your child’s development and is integrated throughout Hillcrest. We provide many opportunities for interaction with dance throughout primary school, in dance clubs, dance classes, show and stage plays. We encourage and foster the love of dance as we see its role in learning.

Dance in the college is offered to students both as a curriculum subject for Years 9-12 as well as an extra-curricular option through our College dance teams. This year students have developed their choreography and performance skills and gained a greater knowledge of various choreographers, components and history of dance. Within curriculum studies students explore various dance units and styles including Contemporary Dance, Modern Dance, Popular Dance, Hip-Hop and Pop styles, Social Dance, Musical Theatre, Performance Styles; Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary as well as World Dance Styles.

Each year dance students have many opportunities to attend live performances and workshops by professional dancers. In Term 1 2009: students had the opportunity to attend Queensland Ballet’s, A Street Car Named Desire in Brisbane. In Term 3: dance students had the opportunity to participate in workshops taught by a company member of Queensland’s leading contemporary dance company, Expressions Dance Company, before attending a the companies latest show Dance Makers. In Term 4: Year 11 dance students had the opportunity to attend Bangarra Dance Company’s performance of Fire in Brisbane.

All curriculum dance students performed their assessment items in Showcase, our dance performance night, held at the end of every Term. These Showcase evenings have been well supported by parents and friends, thankyou for all your encouragement and support to the students.

As well as curriculum dance, Hillcrest Christian College had an open dance team which took place in Term 1 and 2 as well as an auditioned dance team rehearsing twice a week. Hillcrest Dance Team worked hard throughout the year, learning new skills and preparing for performances. Students in these teams perform throughout the year. They learned over eight routines ranging in styles from Broadway Jazz, Contemporary, Pop and Hip Hop. Students performed in Whole School Assemblies, Presentation Night, Hillcrest Fete, Beenleigh Eisteddfod (placing 3rd), the Choral Extravaganza and Dance Ed in the Spotlight (combined schools event) during the Festival of the Arts.

Dance is not only run as a co-curricular program to Primary and Secondary students after school, but it is offered as a curricular elective to Secondary students.

The College has a specialist dance room complete with a ‘sprung floor’.

Dance is also an integral part of College musicals and is frequently highlighted at special events.