The foundation and heart of the Saint Mary’s Hall Dance Program is rooted in classical ballet for Lower School girls, beginning with the vocabulary and basic positions of ballet. Boys dance is offered beginning in Montessori in the disciplines of jazz and hip-hop.

In Middle and Upper School, dancers progressively train in the technique of ballet for performance, and demonstrate their technique and artistry in ballet productions such as La Bayadere, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. Students also study modern dance, dance history, and choreography as part of their in-school dance curriculum.

Ballet students also have the opportunity to train and test in the Cecchetti Method, a technique which culminates in an annual graded ballet performance examination.

In addition to ballet, dance students explore contemporary dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, modern, and tap. Irish step dance and Folklorico round out the multifaceted SMH Dance Program.

Under the direction of the Saint Mary’s Hall dance faculty and professional master teachers, The Tobin Fine Arts School at Saint Mary’s Hall presents four productions annually:

• Montessori-Kindergarten Dance Recital
• Lower School Dance Production
• Middle and Upper School Ballet Production (full-length story)
• Kaleidoscope, the Middle and Upper School Contemporary Dance Production

The Saint Mary’s Hall’s Dance Building consists of a newly renovated dance lobby, three dance studios, dressing room and faculty offices.

Our dance performances take place in our modern and spacious Theater/Chapel, with breathtaking sets and professional lighting and sound.

At Saint Mary’s Hall, we offer distinctive learning opportunities. By incorporating thought-provoking field trips and inviting impressive guest artists to campus, students learn how being an artist can transcend their lives as students beyond “the Hall.”