Fitness and Athletics

Dana Hall’s athletic program is an integral part of the School’s curriculum, and as such, it provides opportunities for instruction, participation, and growth. The athletic program strives to promote healthy competition and embody the highest ideals of sportsmanship and respect. Students are encouraged to compete at the highest level that their ability and performance will allow. Accordingly, Dana Hall provides appropriate levels of competition for each athlete.

The Fitness/Athletics Department meets the challenges of its athletic philosophy through the cultivation of the following values:

achieving individual and team goals,
diligent preparation, fair play, and self-discipline,
exercise and competition that contributes to the development of an athlete’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being
age- and skill-appropriate coaching and competition at every level

FITNESS/ATHLETICS CLASSES

Middle School Teams

Every student is provided an opportunity to play on a team. In some sports, there may be cuts due to space.
The emphasis at this level is on instruction, development, teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship.
Participation is a key component for Middle School teams. At this level, it is anticipated that all team members will play in every game.
When there are large numbers of students participating in a sport, there may be multiple teams based on ability level.
In those sports where a Middle School program is offered, exceptionally proficient eighth-grade athletes in that sport may petition the Director of the Middle School and the Director of Athletics, Health, and Wellness to participate on an Upper School varsity team.
When the School does not offer a particular sports program in the Middle School, Middle School students may try out for the Upper School team.

Fall Courses:	Cross Country, Dance I, Field Hockey, Riding*, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Volleyball*
Winter Courses:	Basketball, Dance I, Diving (US Team) Fencing (US team) , Fitness, Ice Hockey (US team), Riding, Rock Climbing, Spin, Squash, Swimming (Intramural or US team)**
Spring Courses:	Dance I, Lacrosse, Riding, Rock Climbing, Softball, Spin, Tennis*
Full-Year Courses:	Dance II, Dance III

* Sports teams

** Riding times to be determined on an individual basis

***Middle School students may be eligible for these Upper School teams at the discretion of the head coaches, in consultation with the Director of the Middle School and the Director of Athletics, Health, and Wellness.

Dance Levels

The following is a sequential program designed to build dancers’ skills and create awareness of dance as an art form. At each level, these courses examine dance technique, styles, anatomy, and creative expression. The classes may be taken to fulfill the Fitness/Athletics requirement. Placement is determined by the Director of Dance at the start of the school year.

Middle School Dance I

This course is an introduction to dance as an art form. It is recommended for the beginner-level student with little to no background in dance. This is a fun, upbeat course that emphasizes dance appreciation and fundamental techniques based on the principles of Jazz in Trimester I, Modern/Contemporary in Trimester II, and Hip Hop in Trimester III. Students enrolled in Middle School Dance I have the opportunity to perform in showings throughout the year. (Open to students in grades 5-8. This course meets twice per week during the Fitness/Athletics period. Placement is determined by the Director of Dance at the start of each trimester. Students enroll per trimester.)

Middle School Dance II

This course is for the intermediate-level dancer. Classes include a warmup at the barre or in the center, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises, as well as combinations across the floor and in the center. Each week, students in Dance II take one class in Ballet, one class in Jazz, and one class in Tap. Students enrolled in Middle School Dance II have the opportunity to perform in showings throughout the year. (Open to students in grades 5-8. This course meets twice per week during the Fitness/Athletics period. Placement is determined by the Director of Dance at the start of each trimester. Students enroll per trimester.)

Middle School Dance III

This is a fast-paced course for the advanced-level dancer who has a strong dance background. Classes include a warmup at the barre or in the center, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises, as well as combinations across the floor and in the center. Each week, students enrolled in Middle School Dance III take one class in Ballet with Pointe Workshop, one class in Modern, one class in Jazz, and one class in Tap. Students enrolled in Middle School Dance III have the opportunity to perform in showings throughout the year. (Open to students in grades 5-8. This course meets four times per week during the Fitness/Athletics period. Placement is determined by the Director of Dance at the start of each trimester. Students enroll per trimester.)

Independent Study in Athletics

Although the School maintains a strong belief in the value of participating in Dana Hall team sports, on occasion, a Middle School student's involvement in an organized athletic activity not offered at Dana Hall may be significant enough to provide a similar learning experience. In such instances, students are allowed to apply for an Independent Study in Athletics for one trimester. Applications are reviewed by the Director of the Middle School and the Director of Athletics, Health, and Wellness, in consultation with relevant coaches/instructors.

Middle School Departments

Learn more: Athletics