At Marin Academy, dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to explore movement as a form of identity, cultural expression, and creative inquiry. The program integrates diverse dance styles, technical training, and choreographic development while fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and artistic risk-taking.
Students engage with both faculty and guest artist-led work, and have meaningful opportunities to choreograph and perform. The Marin Academy Dance Program mirrors a professional experience with its resident company, MADCO, and a student-centered, inclusive curriculum. Key experiences include participation in Fall and Spring Dance Assemblies and a fully produced Spring Dance Concert designed to support the growth of confident, reflective, and innovative dance artists. Students who complete Dance 1 and 2 at Marin Academy build a strong foundation in choreography, performance, and production, gaining essential skills in creative expression and collaborative practice. Those who pursue the recommended three to four years in the dance program grow into well-rounded, technically proficient artists who are also intellectually curious and deeply engaged in the world around them. They graduate prepared to question, reflect, and make meaningful contributions through their artistic work and beyond.
Marin Academy Dance Courses
We offer:
The opportunity to fulfill the two-credit arts requirement, providing a strong foundation in dance education
Additional athletics and arts credits available after completing the two required years of arts
Master classes with guest artists, exploring both innovative and traditional dance perspectives
Opportunities for students to choreograph and perform their own work
Field trips to attend professional dance performances by world-renowned companies
A production tech credit developing skills in lighting, sound, and stage management, supporting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary dance education
The MA Dance Company (MADCO) emphasizes collaborative work in a supportive,
ensemble-driven environment. Students receive instruction in technique, improvisation,
composition, and performance, preparing them to create and perform original works for
annual concerts.
MADCO I is designed for dancers of all levels, including those with no prior dance
experience. This course explores the foundational elements of dance studies, including
technique, performance, choreography, composition, and creation.
MADCO II is designed for dancers with a foundational background in dance who are
new to choreographic composition and creation. This course builds on technical skills while introducing new elements of performance, choreography, and creative
development.
MADCO III/IV is designed for advanced dancers, offering rigorous technical training,
performance opportunities, and deeper choreographic exploration. This course
integrates various dance styles and techniques, supporting the development of artistic
expression through individual and ensemble work. Students explore composition,
improvisation, and creative research to build a holistic and interdisciplinary
understanding of dance within current, historical, and global contexts.
More Performing Arts:
I’ve grown to become a leader and someone who stands in the front of the class, which is not something I’m very comfortable doing in a lot of other sports and classes. feeling like my spot is deserved in the front of the line, that mentality is something that builds my character. I really like the confidence it gives me.
