The Special Dance Company of Columbia High School is comprised of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are chosen through a selective audition process. Under the direction of Kandice N. Point-Du-Jour, they study various techniques, improvisation, choreography, and dance history. Each year The Company is proud to give the Janet Hicks (Founder 1971) Scholarship to a senior pursuing dance or a related field in the arts. The Company is celebrating 50 years!

 

In 2017 Columbia High School became a part of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts, Chapter #NJOO65. Six Special Dance Company members were inducted based on the Honor Society's general guidelines, overall grade point average and points earned to commemorate work in dance. We are proud to say that we will be awarding a National Honor Society Scholarship to a Special Dance Company Member!

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Special Dance Company Alum have majored in dance and furthered their careers by becoming dance educators, recording artists, performing on cruise lines, touring with professional dance companies, and performing on Broadway. 

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Although the company's annual performance is held in May, the company also performs throughout the year and attends various field trips and masterclasses.We have attended the National High School Dance Festival
that was held in Pittsburgh. PA.  This international festival allowed students to take master classes and view performances from teachers, companies, and dance with high school students all over the world. Another highlight is an 8-week residency with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which culminated in a performance at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The Company also performed at Show up and Dance sponsored by Dance New Jersey.

 

 Performance credits through the years include: NJ Performing Arts Center, Two River Theater, Essex Country Metro West Dance Festival, Teen Arts Festival, National High School Dance Festival, NJ High School Dance Festival, Dance Gala for NJ and Eastern District, Pulse on Tour, and the South Orange-Maplewood Community.