Dance offers a comprehensive curriculum based on modern and ballet technique supplemented by improvisation, choreography, jazz, hip hop, yoga, Pilates, dance history, anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention, college and career preparation.
In addition to training with High Tech's professional faculty, students will also have the opportunity to study with guest artists and learn legendary choreography.
Dancers will have many opportunities to perform their own work as well as that of their instructor and guest artists throughout the year. At High Tech, dancers grow and develop their artistry and technique in an environment that is challenging, focused and supportive.
Dance faculty
Trista DeFilippis
Head of Dance Department
Trista DeFilippis holds a BFA degree in Dance from Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts and an MA in Dance and Dance Education from New York University. She danced professionally for many years with the world-renowned NYC-based modern dance company, Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance. She serves on the Nikolais Legacy Committee whose mission is to preserve the works and pedagogical philosophies of these legendary modern dance pioneers.
Trista has also performed with Beyondance, Inc., Janetti/Haver, Acrodanse Theatre, FreeFallDance Company, KDNY, Thomas/Ortiz Dance in addition to presenting her own work. She is a member of NDEO and DanceNJ. She is the chapter sponsor for the National Honor Society For Dance Arts at High Tech and has been Head of the Dance Department since 2002.
