Our Dance Program
The Dance Department at Benjamin Franklin Charter School "does it big". We cover multiple genres of dance. Competitions, community outreach, dance retreats, cultural experiences, choreography, dance festivals and student leadership all contribute for an invigorating learning experience. We "do it right". Classical ballet is our backbone and we strive for perfection in our technique every day. We "do it with style". Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and achieve personal growth in the performing arts!
Do it big, do it right, and do it with style.
Fred Astaire
Achievements
- TSC Grand Hip Hop Champion, TSC Jazz Champion 2024
- NDA Dance Nationals Finalists 2023 and 2024 in Orlando, FL.
- AZ State Cheer and Pom Tournament Champions 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
- 2019 AIA State runner-ups, 2020 AIA State Finalist, 2021 AIA State Finalist, 2022 AIA State Finalist, 2023 State Finalist, 2024 AIA State Runner-Up in Pom and Hip Hop
- AZDEO Superior with Distinction Rating
- AZ State Cheer and Pom Tournament soloist state champion and runner-up
- Spring It on overall high score and Competition Champion in Lyrical
- 2019 USA Nationals Runner-Up in Hip Hop, 2021 USA Nationals 3rd Place in Hip Hop
- "Creative Choreography" Award for the AIA State Championship 2022
- 2017 production of the Nutcracker
Programs:
- Introduction to Classical Ballet and Jazz: Intro to ballet and jazz technique, performs in our Fall and Spring concerts.
- Intermediate Dance (audition required): Builds upon principles learned in Intro, performs in our Fall and Spring concerts and additional school performances.
- Advanced Dance (audition required): Advanced technique and choreography. Performs in concerts, some games and special assemblies, special ensembles and solos given. Performs for adjudication at dance festivals.
- Pointe: For those who would like to advance in ballet. This is outside of our curricular classes and students are selected based on ballet skill level, experience, and interest in the program. A small monthly fee is required as well as pointe shoe purchase.
- Ballroom: Introduction to many styles (including but not limited to: waltz, tango, rumba, samba, salsa, etc...) performs at concerts and some school events.
- Advanced Ballroom (audition only): For those who have progressed beyond the ballroom basics and have a desire to perform and compete.
- Junior High Pom (audition required 7th-8th grade): Competitive pom team at the junior high level. Performs for middle school games, concerts, and events as well as competes at the Junior State Championships.
- JV Pom (audition required 9th-11th graders): Competitive JV pom team. Competes state-wide. Performs at JV games and events in and out of school as well as school concerts.
- Chargerettes (audition required) High School Only: Varsity Pom team. Competes state-wide and nationally. Performs at Varsity athletic events, school functions, community events, and school concerts.
