Dance
The Dance department at Westinghouse Arts Academy prepares students to be well-rounded dancers for the demands of the future. Students gain the opportunity to focus on their craft, develop new skills, understand the industry that lies beyond dance education, and maintain a consistent academic schedule. Our cohort is solely focused on dance, but we share classes with those who mix acting and singing with a musical theatre focus.
Within the dance program, required fundamental courses expand students’ technique and performance quality in courses including:
- Ballet
- Modern
- Tap
- Hip-hop
- Musical Theatre
- Jazz
As upperclassmen, students can focus and hone their talents in more specialized classes. We offer electives in contemporary, hip-hop, tap, yoga, improvisation, and dance ensemble skills. Our dance department also offers varied options for performance including the Holiday Spectacular, Spring Dance Concert, Student Choreography Concert, Art in The Park, and the school-wide spring musical, which garners nominations and recognition for excellence from the high school Gene Kelly Awards each year.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to perform movement from different dance techniques with attention to alignment, style, quality, weight and rhythm. Dancers are encouraged to express and share personal creativity through an understanding of anatomical and kinesthetic principles as they relate to alignment and expression. Students will use the body effectively as an instrument for performance with attention to areas including, but not limited to: range of motion, flexibility, strength and engagement with the imagination.
Artistic Expectations
Perform and demonstrate the ability to create choreography for public presentations. Perform essential tasks in technical theatre in the areas of scenery, costumes, and lighting of a dance production. Dancers will choreograph and organize original works.
Audition/Portfolio Requirements
Dancers will be given a combination to perform, record themselves executing the choreography and submit for evaluation.
Required Courses
All dance majors must take classes and be proficient in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern.
Please view our Program of Studies here.
Dance Opportunities & Events
Dance Organization – National Honor Society for Dance
- Fall Play
- Holiday Spectacular
- Annual Gala
- Spring Dance Concert
- Spring Musical
- Student Choreography Showcase
- Art in The Park
Past Masterclasses
Guest Instructors have joined us from the touring casts of Hamilton and The Lion King. We have also had the opportunity to have Slippery Rock University Dance Department work with our students.
Dance Faculty
Select a faculty member’s name to view their professional background and contact information.
Tracey Casciato | tcasciato@westinghousearts.org
Tracey Casciato | tcasciato@westinghousearts.org | 412-646-1718 Ext. 7012
Award-winning choreographer, Tracey Casciato is the head of the Dance Department here at Westinghouse Arts Academy. She has taught in the industry for over 30 years while co-owning/directing her own dance studio and competitive dance team.
Mrs. Casciato is extremely well-versed in all styles of dance. While she currently teaches mostly juniors and seniors, you can find her observing and overseeing all dance classes, choreographing performances for school productions, or working at her studio, Studio G Dance Center. Tracey has taught dancers who have gone on to be professional dancers and performers for theme parks, cruise ships, and equity stages. Miss Tracey is overjoyed to be returning for her third year here at WAA!
