The JPII Dance Department offers students an interactive learning experience in various dance genres including ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, cultural and ethnic dance, and choreography.
Our goal is to promote...
...the students' physical dance ability, and appreciation for the art form. Dance classes are a great way to stay active and invest in the arts.
The JPII Dance Department offers four different levels of dance classes. Dance 1 focuses on the basic fundaments and terminology of various dance genres. From there students have the opportunity to take Dance 2, 3, and 4 where they will build on their base knowledge and physical dance ability in each dance style. All dance classes can be taken for either a Fine Art or Physical Education credit.
Mrs. Bethany Ralston attended Kilgore College and became a member of the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. She was also selected as a member of their elite performance team, the Swingsters. While studying at Kilgore College, she found her passion for both performing and teaching dance. Mrs. Ralston also attended Texas Women’s University where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Dance Education. While at TWU, she received her Texas Educator Certification in Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities EC-12 as well as the Dance Content Certification 8-12 and Physical Education Content Certification EC-12, and was selected to be a member of the University’s non-profit performing company, Living Motion Dance Company. She is currently a member of DefiANCE Dance Company and continues to teach and choreograph dance outside of JPIIHS. Mrs. Ralston began her dance career at the young age of three. After training in Arkansas, Chicago, and California for several years, she moved to Texas where she studied tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hip hop, and contemporary. In addition she was also a member of her high school drill team, Hi-Steppers, where she served as an officer. This is Mrs. Ralston’s sixth year as the Head Director of the Regional, State, and National Champion Cardinal Belles. In addition, her and her husband just had their first child, Adelaide Joy Ralston.
No problem! In Dance 1 we focus on basic fundaments of different dance styles, and in every dance class we teach to and accommodate all ability levels. No experience necessary!
Yes! Please speak with a JPIIHS counselor and see Mrs. Ralston for approval. We want to invest in your dance knowledge and ability, and help you grow into a more well rounded dancer!