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A Comprehensive Dance Education

Students receive instruction in a wide range of dance styles, allowing them to explore movement through multiple artistic lenses while building strong technical foundations. Through our dance courses, students explore:

  • Ballet
  • Contemporary/Lyrical
  • Jazz
  • Musical Theater Dance
  • Tap
  • Hip Hop

In addition to technique training, students engage in choreography, improvisation, composition, dance history, performance studies, creative expression, and artistic collaboration. Through these experiences, dancers learn critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, discipline, and self-expression.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH DANCE

Dance at Miami Country Day School is more than a class — it is a community. In Spartan Dance, students learn to support one another, celebrate individual strengths, and collaborate toward shared artistic goals. The relationships built through dance create lasting connections and foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and excellence.
Our program empowers students to discover their unique voice, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence to make an impact both on and off the stage.

MCDS Dance students performing an ensemble piece
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A Middle & Upper School Journey in Dance

MCDS Dance students performing at the Fall Evening of Dance

Middle School Dance

MCDS Dance students performing in matching costumes

Upper School Dance

Dance in Action
Performance Opportunities

Performance is an essential component of the dance experience at Miami Country Day School. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to showcase their growth, artistry, and technical development through a variety of performances and collaborative projects.
A highlight of the program is our biannual Evening of Dance performances, which celebrate the talent, creativity, and dedication of our student dancers. These professionally produced concerts feature a diverse range of dance styles and original choreography, providing students with meaningful stage experience while allowing them to share their artistic voices with the school community. Through the rehearsal and performance process, students develop confidence, professionalism, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of performance as an art form.
In addition to Evening of Dance, students may participate in school productions, special events, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community performances throughout the year.

MCDS Dance ensemble performing on stage
Spartan Dance Elite

Spartan Dance Elite (SDE) is Miami Country Day School’s audition-based course for dedicated middle and upper school dancers seeking advanced training and performance opportunities. As a cross-divisional program, SDE brings together passionate student artists who are committed to artistic excellence, collaboration, and personal growth.
Students accepted into Spartan Dance Elite receive advanced instruction and participate in performances, competitions, workshops, and special artistic projects throughout the year. The class provides opportunities to work with renowned guest artists, master teachers, and industry professionals, exposing students to a variety of perspectives and career pathways within the dance world.
SDE members may also participate in regional and national travel experiences, allowing dancers to attend performances, participate in workshops, compete, and engage with broader artistic communities. Through these experiences, students develop leadership skills, professionalism, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the art of dance.
As the highest level of dance training offered at Miami Country Day School, Spartan Dance Elite challenges students to elevate both their technical abilities and artistic expression while fostering a strong sense of community and school pride.

MCDS Dance soloist performing on stage
National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)

Qualified students may be inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding artistic merit, leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to dance.
Through NHSDA, students are celebrated for their accomplishments while gaining opportunities for leadership, service, mentorship, and national recognition within the dance community.

MCDS Dance ensemble performing together on stage
Guest Artists and Master Classes

Students regularly engage with professional dancers, choreographers, educators, and industry leaders through master classes, workshops, residencies, and special projects.
These experiences expose dancers to diverse artistic perspectives and professional pathways, enrich classroom instruction, and inspire continued growth.

Group of young performers in purple waitress-style costumes dancing together on stage

The MCDS Experience, Shared

“The experiences I’ve had through dance at Miami Country Day have prepared me for challenges both inside and outside of the studio. The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for life.”

“Dance has become my second home. The support from my teacher and my classmates has helped me push myself creatively and technically every year.”

“Spartan Dance Elite has given me opportunities I never imagined — from performing and competing to learning from incredible guest artists and professionals.”

“The dance program has helped me grow not only as a dancer but also as a leader. I’ve learned confidence, discipline, and how to work collaboratively with others. I’ve also developed a level of confidence that I never imagined possible. “