DNA Arts
DNA Arts is a unique program of dance, drama, music and visual art exclusively offered at NDSS. It gives students an opportunity to be immersed in a comprehensive arts curriculum, providing them with intensive, hands-on training that allows them to go above and beyond their expectations. DNA Arts Graduates advance into successful careers enriched by the excellent foundation that they have received at NDSS.
Dance
All dance courses offer instruction in various forms of dance technique including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern and Hip Hop. Students study dance history, anatomy, dance critique and learn composition techniques. Specialized Dance Performance courses in grades 10, 11, and 12 allow students to develop their performance and choreographic skills and challenge them with increasingly complex movements.
The NDSS dance studio is a large, spacious area with wood floors, secured ballet Barres, and floor to ceiling mirrors.
View our course offerings for Dance
Download the DNA Arts Application for Dance
Drama
Students build important life skills in drama class that will transport them beyond the stage to a life that is enriched by self-confidence, imagination, discipline, and critical-thinking. Drama classes explore various forms, techniques and historical periods. Students gain experience creating and presenting original and published dramatic pieces and have the opportunity to analyze, interpret and critique works from a variety of cultures. In grades 10–12, drama majors may specialize in Music Theatre which focuses on history, elements of musicals and the works of important composers.
Our drama classroom is features stage lighting and sound allows students to perform in a true theatre space while learning aspects of technical theatre.
View our course offerings for Drama
Download the DNA Arts Application for Drama
Music
Students enrolled in music study tempo, tone, style, rhythm, and phrasing to envision, write and perform their own pieces. An emphasis on participation in creative activities allows students to explore guitar, instrumental strings and vocal music with a foundation in performance, history and theory. Specialty classes in grades 10, 11, and 12 Music Repertoire allow students to work either solo or in small ensembles to study various music styles including jazz, blues, contemporary and world music.
Musicians at NDSS are also leaders in the community; performing at many benefits and charitable events.
The spacious music wing features many practice areas, rehearsal spaces, and fully-equipped sound booths.
View our course offerings for Music
Download the DNA Arts Application for Music
Visual Arts
Whether it takes the form of a painting, drawing or sculpture; visual art involves skill, creativity, sensitivity, risk taking and social conscience. Visual arts majors may enroll in courses in grades 9–12. Specialty courses that focus on the fine art of drawing and painting are offered for grades 10–12. Design process, development of personal style, and showcasing artwork are emphasized in this program. Creative journals and sketch books, and portfolio development are essential components in the senior grades.
Media Arts
Enhancing the Visual Arts courses, students may enroll in Media Arts in grade 11 and 12. Graphic design are integral components of the Media Arts courses. Instruction is given in both studio space and our CGI (Computer Generated Imaging) lab.
View our course offerings for Visual Arts
Download the DNA Arts Application for Visual Arts
