The MHS Dance Department is a place to study and explore the art of dance. Students take weekly classes in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz technique styles, which all share common goals of strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and musicality. Supplemental training in dance history, kinesiology, anatomy, and composition is also provided to provide well-rounded training and respect for the art form.
Introduces students to basic dance knowledge in order to develop coordination, flexibility, and strength while acquiring technical skills in preparation for further dance study. Students explore the role of dance in various cultures, and observe and critique dance performances using specified criteria and appropriate dance terminology. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Dance I or Teacher Approval
Enhances previous course. Further develops knowledge and skills in various dance forms with an emphasis on technical instruction in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques, public performance techniques, and choreographic concepts. Students study dance analysis, dance history, and movement sciences as they relate to injury prevention and technical training. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Dance II or Teacher Approval
Enhances previous course. Offers a comprehensive understanding of the elements of movement and dance technique. Areas of concentration include choreography, dance analysis, dance history, and movement science with an emphasis on intermediate technical instruction in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
Focuses on utilizing pre-professional ballet and contemporary techniques with an emphasis on presenting faculty- and student-generated works in varied settings (e.g., traditional stages, site-specific works, younger audiences, assisted living communities). The goal of the class is to increase dance awareness to the public by performing for the extended community at large. The group will function as a self-governing entity with preparation for a professional dance occupation as a member of a dance company. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Performance Ensemble I
Enhances previous course. Focuses on managerial and leadership skills with an emphasis on choreographing student generated works to be presented in varied settings (e.g. traditional stages, site-specific works, younger audiences, assisted living communities). Class familiarizes students with logistics and time management, becoming leaders/directors of the performance ensemble class, and prepares students for a professional dance occupation as director of a dance company. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
Full Year Course
Prerequisite: Performance Ensemble II
Introduces dance composition covering methods to identify and execute the basic principles of composition (e.g. improvisation, use of movement qualities, musical forms, design, production elements). Concentrates on the development of themes and performance of multiple phrase compositions for individuals and groups. Emphasizes individual creativity and use of choreographic tools. Participation in dance performances outside of regular class hours is expected.
The Marietta Dance Ensemble is a collective of performing dance students. Ensemble members perform for community events, school functions, and dance productions. Auditions are held in the fall, and students must be currently enrolled in a dance class.
Eileen Edwards has thirty years of experience as a dance educator, choreographer, and director. She has worked in the public school system for over twenty years in both Fulton and Cobb counties and has worked with regional theaters and local studios, including Atlanta Ballet and Georgia Dance Conservatory.
Before joining Marietta High School in 2026, Edwards spent 14 years with the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts and 10 years at North Springs Charter School, where she served in multiple roles as a dance teacher, director/choreographer of musicals, and Department Chair.
In addition to annual concerts with magnet dance programs and studios, her choreography has been performed at American College Dance Festival, Georgia Theatre Conference, American High School Dance Festival, KSU Dance Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Edwards earned her BSEd in Dance Education from the University of Georgia and her MA in Arts Administration from Goucher College. She has completed certification in the Luigi and Giordano jazz dance styles as well as extensive training in pedagogy, anatomy, and alignment through teacher conferences. She is involved in local, state, and national efforts for arts advocacy and has served on the board for multiple arts nonprofits in Georgia.
These educational partnerships offer MHS dance students specialized workshops and dance intensives with guest artists, scholarship opportunities, performance collaborations, and the opportunity to work personally with professional artists.
Ready to Find Your Rhythm? Whether you're an experienced dancer or just getting started, we'd love to hear from you.
