The Benefits of Attending a Dance Program at a Magnet School of the Arts
The Benefits of Attending a Dance Program at a Magnet School of the Arts
Having attended the Fine Arts Center’s dance program in Greenville, SC, for all four years of high school, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique opportunities that magnet schools of the arts offer young dancers. My time spent there helped shape my artistic skills and supported my academic journey. Schools like Charleston County's School of the Arts create an environment where students can dive into dance programs, explore their creativity, and refine their craft while also receiving a well-rounded education. Here are some key benefits of attending such a school:
Specialized Dance Training
Magnet schools of the arts offer focused training in various dance styles, such as ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. This intensive training, combined with studio practice, prepares dancers for auditions, performances, and the possibility of pursuing dance in college or as a career. During my time at the Fine Arts Center, our schedule alternated between ballet and modern days, mixing in days where we focused on dance composition and dance history.
Holistic Arts and Academic Education
Students at a magnet school of the arts receive advanced dance training alongside a well-rounded academic education. This balance enables students to excel in both their artistic and academic pursuits, equipping them with the skills to thrive in any career path they choose. Spending part of each day surrounded by peers in other art departments such as, Creative Writing, Digital Filmmaking, Music, Visual Arts, Theatre Design and Production, and Architecture was inspiring and deepened my love for the arts. This diversity fosters a dynamic environment where students can learn from one another across disciplines and experience the arts through a broader lens. Just from chatting with my peers before and after school, I learned a lot about the other art departments.
Creative Freedom and Artistic Expression
These schools encourage students to explore their creativity, helping them develop their own artistic voice. Through choreography projects, performances, and collaborations with peers, dancers gain confidence in their abilities and are empowered to express themselves. This creative freedom fosters growth and helps students stand out in future auditions and performances. While my training at the Fine Arts Center focused primarily on ballet and modern dance, we also dedicated significant time to dance composition, working on self-choreography and even creating pieces for our classmates. We were responsible for seeing the choreography through from studio to stage, which included choosing costumes, lighting, music, and organizing rehearsals before and after class.
Performance Experience
Magnet schools give dancers so many chances to perform and get comfortable on stage. Through recitals, school shows, and community events, dancers build confidence and get tons of practice in front of an audience. This regular stage time is such a great prep for the professional dance world and auditions for college programs or dance companies. At the Fine Arts Center, I got to perform in our school’s annual recitals and showcases, but also at community events and dance festivals, each with its own challenges and rewards. I’d never danced in a black box theater before FAC, and it was so cool to experience how different that feels for the audience. Performing in all these unique spaces really helped me grow as a performer and gave me the confidence to adapt my movements for small stages at community centers or big theater stages.
Collaboration with Other Artists
Being around so many creative people in music, theater, visual arts, and more was such an inspiring experience. I loved getting to collaborate with students from different backgrounds—it really opened my eyes to new ideas and ways of thinking about performance. One of the best experiences was working with the Theatre Design and Production crew, where we learned how lighting and sound work and even got to help light our own performances. It made me realize just how much goes on behind the scenes to make a show come to life, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for everyone involved.
Guest Artists and Masterclasses
Magnet schools frequently invite guest artists and professional choreographers to conduct workshops and masterclasses. These experiences expose students to new techniques, styles, and ideas, allowing them to learn from established professionals in the dance world. We learned directly from artists like Brian McGinnis, who performed with companies such as Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Elisa Monte Dance, Parsons Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Zvi Dance, and Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago; Gerri Houlihan, a Florida State University Dance Professor and American Dance Festival Instructor; and Tim Glenn, another Florida State University professor.
Preparation for College and Professional Auditions
Magnet arts schools equip students with the skills and preparation needed for future auditions—whether for college dance programs, conservatories, or professional dance companies. The training and mentorship students receive ensure they are ready to take the next step in their dance journey. Attending the Fine Arts Center prepared me immensely for college auditions. For my senior project, I was to choreograph a solo audition piece and was able to receive valuable feedback from both school faculty and guest artists, some of whom were even professors at the colleges we were auditioning for. We learned about college dance programs across the country, and even took a field trip to Florida State University to experience their dance program firsthand.
At Dance Moves, we’re proud to work with several dancers who currently attend Charleston's School of the Arts. We’re committed to helping dancers prepare for auditions at institutions like Charleston's School of the Arts. With our emphasis on modern dance and a highly qualified team of instructors, we ensure that our students are fully prepared to shine on their journeys, whether in dance or beyond, building the confidence and skills they need to excel.
