Faculty

ANI ATOYAN
SPMS Dance
[email protected]
Ani Atoyan started teaching at SPMS in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Single Subject Credential in English from California State University Long Beach. She received her dance training with the Pasadena Civic Ballet and has had the amazing opportunity of performing both in and outside the United States. At SPMS, Ani teaches both English and Dance and above all believes that dance should be fun and accessible to all. ​
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​COURTNEY CHEYNE
SPHS Dance/Colorguard
[email protected]
www.southpasadenadance.com
Courtney Cheyne graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelors in Theatre Arts and Dance. Ms. Cheyne received her early dance training at Debbie Reynolds Studio under the direction of Patsy and Rowdy Metzger. Over the past 20 years, Ms. Cheyne has worked with dance choreographers from the Diavolo Dance Theater, Los Angeles Ballet, and LA Contemporary Dance Company. She has been teaching Dance and Colorguard at South Pasadena High School for the past 5 years. ​​
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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Brigham Young University
Californa Insitute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
Chapman University
Emerson
Indiana University
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
The Ohio State University
UCLA
Univeristy of Arizona
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance- Los Angeles

COURSES OFFERED
​MIDDLE
Dance P.E.
This course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in dance, movement, expression, nonverbal communication, choreography, and dance history. In this course, students become aware of the expressive capabilities of the physical body. Elements of dance and expression are explored through a variety of dance genres (i.e. ballet, jazz, modern). Students are expected to recognize and perform different genres of dance, understand the evolution of dance throughout the decades, and successfully articulate concepts and stories through group choreography. This class replaces general PE and fulfills the class requirement, including the Physical Fitness Test

HIGH
Color Guard
Students will receive training in marching, reading drill charts, counting music, and learning to use the body in order to properly perform a field tournament show. Students will learn how to control their body through the use of technique exercises in the areas of dance, and choreography with the use of equipment such as flag, rifle, saber, props, etc. Students will learn leadership, responsibility and work ethic skills that may be applied throughout their academic career. The Color Guard competes in the marching band field show and performs at home football games during the fall semester. During the spring semester, students will compete in a Winter Guard production, as well as, perform in the Spring Dance Concert. Note: This course can satisfy the SPHS Physical Education (PE) requirement in lieu of a traditional PE class with full participation in all practices, competitions, and activities (fall semester only). This course is traditionally offered during 8th period.

Dance P.E. I
Beginning Dance will introduce students to a variety of dance forms including Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap. Instruction will focus on technique, dance vocabulary, choreographic concepts and dance history. Students will learn various technical components of these dance forms and gain awareness of the body, while building physical, aesthetic, and performance skills, as well as developing an appreciation for dance. NOTE: Students are required to attend and volunteer during tech week and the performance for the Fall Concert. For spring, students need to attend after school rehearsals and perform in the Spring Dance Concert. Note: This course may be taken in lieu of the traditional PE class and will satisfy the SPHS PE graduation requirement. 

Dance P.E. II
Intermediate Dance is designed for the student that is interested in furthering their dance knowledge and technique. Students will continue to learn more complex dance sequences and focus on technical practices in various dance styles and forms including Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap. Higher expectations and continued understanding of correct execution of material is stressed. Instruction will focus on technique, dance vocabulary, choreographic concepts and dance history. Recommended Preparation: Minimum of 1 year in Dance I, prior dance training, and/or teacher approval. Students need to attend after school rehearsals and perform in both the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts. Note: This course may be taken in lieu of the traditional PE class and will satisfy the SPHS PE graduation requirement. 

Advanced Dance III
Students will gain a physical and intellectual understanding of creative movement/dance. Daily workouts are designed to help students gain muscle strength, increase flexibility, and develop a sense of coordination and control of their bodies through dance. Students will learn dances that demonstrate jazz, ballet, modern improvisation, yoga and Pilate’s techniques.​