The Dance Department with its distinguished faculty prepares high school students for professional careers in dance by offering a comprehensive curriculum in Ballet and Modern Dance with additional classes in Jazz, Tap, and Dance academics. We are committed to each student’s pursuit of technical and artistic excellence in the art of theatrical dancing, and dedicated to the highest professional level of teaching.

Our limited class enrollments, graded levels, and an anatomically-based method of training ensure safe and effective development of each student through a process of one-on-one guidance and attention.

All Dance majors must enroll in ballet, modern dance and jazz classes each year. Placement into all technique classes is by audition. All Dance majors must complete a minimum one year of course work in Dance Appreciation and in Anatomy and Kinesiology. Juniors and seniors are required to take Dance Composition, and senior Dance majors are required to take Dance History. Tap dance is offered as an elective.

The Dance Department is focused on developing performing abilities. All Dance majors are required to audition for and participate in the various performing opportunities. The Dance Department mounts two mainstage dance concerts—one each semester, which are faculty choreographed. Student choreography is performed once a year in a studio workshop setting in the Fischer Dance Studio. Often, there are interdisciplinary collaborations between the Dance, Music and Theatre Departments. Many of our students participate in national dance competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix and Spotlight. Faculty and students work together to develop senior solos in preparation for college/university and professional company auditions according to each student's individual goals.

Throughout the year, guest artists come to campus to teach master classes and workshops in dance technique and related subjects such as anatomy, basic nutrition, care of dance related injuries, lighting and stagecraft, and stage make-up. Idyllwild's proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego provides easy access to the many high-quality performances that take place regularly in these cities. Students have opportunities to attend performances of many companies including the American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Martha Graham Dance Company.