The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Dance department motivates student dancers to achieve their highest level of technical movement proficiency while investigating, realizing, and expressing their unique artistic visions. Under the creative direction of Carol Zee, the department is grounded in the belief that young dancers benefit most from a dance education in both traditional and contemporary dance forms. With the mindset that EVERY BODY has the capacity to dance, no prior experience required to join, only the desire to learn and the commitment to the class and rehearsal schedule.

Students will explore and understand concepts of balance, flexibility, how muscles, ligaments and joints work, practice proper alignment and coordination while developing foundational jazz technique. Students will learn fundamental concepts for choreography and learn how to give and receive constructive criticism.

The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is organized as a Dance Company, One Body Dance Company (OBDC), is comprised of dynamic and unique Culver City High School student dancers. Company members attend a weekly meeting, as well as the monthly Convocation for all AVPA members. OBDC company members also participate in fundraising events and are committed members of the dance department and the AVPA.

There are several performing opportunities for the dancers throughout the year. In a given year, these opportunities may include Winter Dance Showings, Cabaret performances (produced through multi-disciplinary efforts by the Music Department), the AVPA Spring Musical, the Spring Dance Concert, and the end-of-the-year AVPA Java event. On occasion, dancers may be invited to perform in additional AVPA and community events.

Workshops in Pilates, Yoga, Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy will expand students’ knowledge of career opportunities related to dance. Additionally, all OBDC members will be learning how to teach dance to children by hosting monthly Saturday dance classes for 3rd through 5th graders in room 107 at the high school.

We will be exploring multicultural dance forms through our partnership with SMC’s World Dance Program and discover dance history through the lens of BIPOC pioneers and their contributions to the art form.

AVPA Dance is a community of learners in a judgement free zone. Students develop patience for themselves, take risks and discover their unique artistic voice.