Mission of the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Dance Program

The mission of the Rainey-McCullers Dance Program is to instill artistry, creativity, technique and passion in young dancers, and send them into the professional world on a platform of knowledge and inspiration. Middle school students are accepted into the school based on grades and teacher recommendations. High school students must audition for acceptance into the Dance Major. Dance students at RMSOTA train in ballet, modern and jazz styles with introductions to other forms like musical theater, hip hop and cultural dance forms. Each dance major will take one technique class, and one academic class which rotates each year, such as World Dance Forms, Dance Anatomy, or Dance History. It is our goal to provide students with opportunities that expand their knowledge beyond dance technique, through experiences like guest choreographers, guest performances, and community involvement. The dance department hosts a Student Choreography Showcase each year, allowing dancers 8th grade and older to submit proposals for choreographic pieces, and facilitate their own rehearsal and performance process upon selection, under the careful guidance and mentorship of Ms. Williams. The department also puts on an annual Spring Concert, where every student enrolled in a dance class will perform a routine with their class. This concert also features performances from the RMSOTA Dance Company, an elite audition-based performance group selected at the beginning of each school year. As a department, we believe in cultivating a well-rounded dance community, fueled by passion and supported by knowledge.