The dance program at VSAA has been vibrant for thirty years.
Over 12 passionate dance educators built a program that thrives on a concert dance focus with many styles offered. Numerous regional and international guest artists have inspired students thanks to the support of Leslie Durst, White Bird, Broadway Across America, ASB, and the newly formed Arts Booster Club. All VSAA students continue to courageously step on the stage at least twice in their time here to perform as dance continues to serve as physical education and arts credit.
Some students grade 6-12 come before school every Tuesday and Thursday to participate in the Extended Day Dance Ensemble (EDDE).
EDDE in early years, was a group of about 10 students wanting to dig deeper into the art form. Now membership averages 45 each year.
EDDE became a place for students to further develop their choreographic voices and deepen their experiences with guest artists.
A word from VSAA Dance Director, Jackie Sacks
What first drew me to the school and specifically the dance program was the opportunity to collaborate, to work multi and interdisciplinary. I am so incredibly grateful for my colleagues who said yes to creating unique experiences. These include annual or biannual traditions such as Spooktacular with the orchestra program and Jazzy Nutcracker, a collaboration between band, dance, and theater. Main stage productions such as Under One Sky, Flight, and Joyful Jambalaya demonstrated how integrated the arts truly are and embraced bringing numerous students together to engage in the artistic process of building a new show. ASL and photo collaborations over the years have offered unique opportunities for students to expand their work beyond a class title. It is certainly my hope that dancers at VSAA continue to celebrate all that their bodies are capable of doing, of expressing while building confidence and artistry along the way.
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Make a Donation
Every act of generosity—big or small—helps our dance students. Your gift will allow our students to:
access classes and workshops with guest artists
attend field trips, festivals, auditions, and competitions
maintain or replace costumes
experience other amazing and enriching opportunities
Please consider a monthly donation to help sustain our arts programming, especially amid increasing budget cuts at the district level.
To make a stock or crypto donation to the VSAA Dance Program, please visit our page at Every and check the “Add a note for VSAA Arts Booster Club” box and indicate that you’d like your donation to support VSAA Dance.