Marquettes

The San Marcos High School Dance Program is committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where all students are encouraged to explore creativity, discipline, and self-expression through dance. Through the study of dance as both an art form and a language, students explore movement, develop strong technical and performance skills, and discover meaningful ways to communicate ideas and emotions through movement. The program emphasizes growth in technique, improvisation, and choreography, guiding students toward higher levels of artistry while building confidence, physical well-being, and artistic voice.

Students gain a deeper appreciation of dance by studying its rich history, influential artists, and diverse styles, including Ballet, Contemporary Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Social, and Cultural dance forms. This comprehensive approach celebrates cultural diversity, artistic excellence, and creative exploration while fostering connections to both self and community.

Housed within both the Physical Education and Performing Arts departments, the SMHS Dance Program offers a wide range of opportunities, including PE dance classes, performing arts coursework, choreography and performance experiences, and community engagement. Students may participate in recreational and instructional classes or pursue higher-level performance through the audition-based Marquette Dance Team. The mission of the SMHS Dance Program is to inspire creativity and cultural understanding through a vibrant, equitable, and sequential dance education that empowers every student.

Dance/PE 1

Dance PE I is an introductory course open to all students in grades 9–12 with little or no prior dance experience. The course provides students with a supportive and engaging environment to explore dance as both an art form and a physical discipline. Students develop foundational skills in dance technique, musicality, performance quality, strength, flexibility, and proper body alignment, while learning basic dance terminology, movement phrases, and introductory choreography.

Throughout the year, students explore a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Social, and Cultural dance forms, while also building cardiovascular endurance, physical wellness, and injury prevention awareness. The course emphasizes creativity, self-expression, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for movement and fitness.

Students will have the opportunity to perform in a Dance Concert at the end of each semester. Class instruction includes technique and choreography, fitness activities, and written reflection. No audition is required for enrollment.

**Students are required to dress for class everyday, no exceptions!! Students learn a great deal of material everyday by teacher demonstration so if they are absent it is extremely difficult to make it up. A doctor’s note is required to sit out for medical reasons and is needed to avoid losing participation points.

Dance/PE II

Dance PE II is an intermediate-level course designed for students who have successfully completed Dance PE I or demonstrate equivalent proficiency via instructor permission. This course deepens students’ understanding of dance as an art form by expanding technical skill, performance quality, musicality, strength, and proper body alignment. Students continue to build dance vocabulary through more complex movement phrases, terminology, and an increased exploration of dance history and style.

Throughout the year, students explore a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Social, and Cultural dance forms, while also building cardiovascular endurance, physical wellness, and injury prevention awareness. The course emphasizes creativity, self-expression, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for movement and fitness. Through continued study of dance heritage and its relevance to society, students develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural and expressive power of dance.

Dance II students participate in performances throughout the year, allowing them to refine performance skills, confidence, and stage presence. Class instruction includes technique, creative exploration, written reflection, and fitness-based activities. Placement is based on successful completion of Dance I or equivalent experience with instructor approval; no audition is required. 

**Students are required to dress for class everyday, no exceptions! Students learn a great deal of material everyday by teacher demonstration so if they are absent it is extremely difficult to make it up. A doctor’s note is required to sit out for medical reasons and is needed to avoid losing participation points. 

Marquette Dance Team (also use blurb for athletic page with photo from Robert)
The Marquette Dance Team represents San Marcos High School with pride, spirit, and excellence through dance performances both on and off campus. The team performs at SMHS sporting events and school activities, energizing crowds and supporting school spirit. In addition to on-campus performances, the team represents SMHS at off-campus events, regional competitions, fundraisers, and community outreach opportunities. Through dance, the Marquette Dance Team builds leadership, teamwork, and confidence while serving as ambassadors for San Marcos High School within the greater community. 

Tryout Information:  Please see the athletic department tryout page.