Dance Department Guidelines
Welcome to the Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts Dance Division. We are very excited to bring you an education opportunity in dance and the arts that is comprehensive, exciting, and challenging. The Dance Department at CLHSCA offers an intensive program for students interested in preparing for furthering their studies and careers in dance and other fields. Areas for study within the department include a variety of techniques: ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and ethnic forms; dance history, choreography, repertory, kinesiology, dance critique and administration.
The goals of the Dance Department are to:
·  Develop the skills that will be competitive in higher education and career opportunities.
·  Increase knowledge of education career opportunities.
·  Offer a diverse curriculum that will foster strengths in many areas of dance and academic studies.
·  Foster discipline, cooperation, self-esteem, and a desire to work to full potential.
·  Develop critical and creative thinking, resource management, and communication skills.
·  Increase knowledge of current world dance and arts issues.
·  Expose students to professional teachers, performers, and choreographers.
We encourage students and families to take an active part in the program!!!
Class Expectations
Students must be in the dance building at the time of the tardy bell. Students have five minutes to change and be in the classroom. Students are considered tardy if they fail to be ready at this time. Students who have dance during first period are expected to come to school dressed and ready to begin class at 7:10 A.M. There will be seven minutes allowed at the end of the period for changing back into clothing that meets the dress code stated in the Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts Student Handbook.
Students are required to participate fully in classes. Students who are ill or injured and cannot physically participate in class are required to bring a note from their parents/guardians excusing them from physical participation (alternate work will be given). Such written notes must be received prior to the class in order to receive an alternate assignment and credit for classwork. If an injury or illness exceeds three days, a doctor's note is required. In cases of injury or illness exceeding two weeks, the student, parent/guardian, and dance faculty will meet in order to develop an individual education plan that addresses academic and rehabilitation needs. Students on extended excuses must have a doctor's release to return to full physical activity. Students who are absent are required to make up written assignments to replace their participation grade for the missed time period. Students with five or more absences in a semester may be prohibited from attending fieldtrips, participating in performances or other events that require a loss of academic time.
Students needing to speak with school counselors, administrators, teachers, make phone calls or go to their lockers will be prohibited from using class time for these purposes. If an emergency occurs the student must first report to the teacher and then be excused to follow-up on the matter.
Students are required to keep a dance notebook in a hardbound, three-ring notebook. The notebook should be divided into the following sections: 1) Department Handouts (including: Permission Forms, communication memos, itineraries, rehearsal schedules, etc.) 2) Department Handbook and Course Summaries 3) Classmate info list 4) Separate sections as directed by the teacher, for each dance class taken. Students need to decorate the cover to reflect their individual personality.
Dress Code
The attire for dance class aids the instructor in seeing the lines of the body and facilitates correction. The attire for dance class provides maximum movement, a disciplined professional appearance, and the maintenance of an even muscle temperature. For these reasons the dress code will be a part of the evaluation process. Dancers, whether participating in class or observing, will be required to dress in dance attire for full credit. Failing to follow the dress code will result in the loss of some performance roles, placement in a lower level class and participation grades. Dress code includes hair (unless very short) in a secure bun, braid, or ponytail that must remain in place for the full class to receive credit. Borrowing dance clothes from other students is prohibited, please see the instructor for assistance.
Dance attire:
Female dancers are required to wear tights, leotards, and have black jazz shoes available for classes, whether they are dancing or not. Ballet students may only have a black leotard and pink, tan, or black tights. Level 4 dancers have a required dress code for both ballet and choreography/repertory. Ballet requires the black leotard with the attached skirt and shoes; choreo/rep requires the black halter leotard and black camisole pants. Order forms for these items are available in the dance department. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Women
Dance Tech Class - Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed tan tights, and black jazz shoes.
Ballet Class – Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Level 4 dancers are to wear the required leotard and pink tights and ballet shoes.
Repertory Class- Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed black tights, and black jazz shoes. Level 4 dancers are to wear the required leotard and black tights.
Male dancers are encouraged to wear a leotard or unitard, footless tights, a dance belt, and proper shoes, whether they are dancing or not. Men may substitute a white t-shirt and black sweat pants. The color and style of dancewear should be black, gray, navy, or white. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Men
White t-shirt black sweat pants, dance belt, and black jazz shoes/white ballet shoes.
*Although the school provides the materials and supplies for basic instructional activities, the optional supply items on this list will allow your child to have an enhanced educational program. We appreciate your commitment to the education of your child, and with your donation we can provide a great program for the students here at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts.
The only warm-ups (shirts and pants) that can be worn on top of dance clothes must contain the department logo.
Grading and Evaluations
An evaluation will be conducted at the end of each semester to determine the student's status in the department for the following semester. The evaluation is a compilation of student work including performance skills, class skills, physical development, attendance, and lab hour completion. The results of the evaluation will be the basis for placing a student on artistic probation.
Performing is a very special learning experience for the development of the young artist. Performance affords the opportunity for the student to put into practical application the skills learned in class. Dance majors at CLHSCA have a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their talents through performance. Specific performance expectations are described in the course code summaries for dance classes.
Students are selected for choreography through auditions and observations. If selected, students must be willing to commit to a rehearsal schedule and have parental consent. If the student fails to fulfill his/her part of the rehearsal schedule the student may be dismissed from the dance work. A student may only be excused from a rehearsal schedule if it is an emergency situation or with prior approval of the choreographer. All absences require written explanation from a parent or guardian. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the rehearsal schedule and inform parents or guardians of changes. Students are required to participate fully in all CLCA dance concerts in one or more of the following areas: 1) performer, 2) backstage staff, 3) technical crew, 4) usher, 5) front of house manager, and 6) publicity.
During the week of the performance all rehearsals will run from 2:00 P.M. until 4:30 P.M. This is the only after school commitment that is mandatory. Most of the other after school rehearsals are held until 3:30 P.M. and are optional. There are three performance weeks in the school year and the dates are noted on the course summaries at the beginning of the year.
Students are graded based on the criteria detailed in their course summaries, these areas include class preparation, class participation, artistic growth, notebooks/journals, tests, quizzes, projects, adherence to the dress code, and performance work.
Final exams may be performance-oriented and written. Class performance projects can also be used as the final exam for classes. The exams are used to evaluate the student's personal growth both mentally and physically.
Outside Dance Commitments
Study and performance with private dance schools is recommended and encouraged by the staff of Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. Consideration of the responsibilities to CLHSCA by the students should be reviewed prior to such commitments. CLHSCA performance and rehearsal schedules for the three performance weeks must have top priority.
Extracurricular Activities
The CLHSCA dance program is rigorous and demanding. Parents/guardians are asked to help students plan their work schedules and other activities in order to maintain optimum health and minimal stress. Activities like sports, cheerleading, math club, etc. should be integrated into the student calendar carefully in order to offer fun and relaxation, rather than to over burden. Dancers who choose to participate in any extracurricular activities need to communicate to all parties scheduling conflicts and important dates so that solutions may be worked out. Every effort possible will be made to give students the freedom to take advantage of the many opportunities at CLHSCA.
Conference and Communication
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to have an understanding of the arts and academic education their student is receiving. The conference time for faculty will be listed on the course summaries. Parents may call and leave an evening phone number for a conference call after hours. The Dance Department would like to be of assistance to students who have problems in any of their classes.
Visitor, observation days, and performances will feature student work and will be held each semester to follow student progress. Students will bring home notes in regards to these sessions. Parents are highly encouraged to observe their student in action with their peers.
Dance Building
All dancers will seek to preserve the unique setting that has been provided for dance at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. A clean environment must be maintained for safety and a disciplined atmosphere. Food, drink, or gum is unacceptable in the dance building. Water bottles are permitted ---encouraged! There are picnic tables directly outside of the dance building where food and drink may be consumed. Gum chewing is very dangerous for dancers and is unacceptable in class, rehearsal, or performance settings.
Arts spaces are very valuable in today's society. The campus of Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts is a most unusual space and should be upheld to the physical beauty and technical purposes for which it was intended. Students are expected to develop a sense of ownership and pride in preserving the school.
Dressing rooms are equipped with benches and lockers. Students are responsible for securing dance items and valuables or bringing them into the classroom if they do not fit in the lockers. Each student must purchase a lock from the dance department. Items of extreme value are to be left at home.
What It Takes to Be A Cypress Artist
Being an artist means more than just attending the Center for four years. There are many important qualities that lead to the development of the spirit of a true artist.
Teachable – Be open to new ideas and ways of looking at your work. Try to keep from feeling you have learned everything already. Always strive to improve.
Passionate – No matter what you strive for, pursue your dreams with a passion. Avoid taking “no” for an answer - try again.
Practitioner – Practice is a daily habit, rather than just when it’s time to perform or create the final product. Use practice to remember the details that make a difference.
Competitor – A true artist compares the progress they make on their work over time rather than simply measuring to external standards. Competing with others only produces unreal expectations and disappointments. Artists have to strive to develop their unique talents.
Thinker – An artist has to be able to think on his/her feet when the pressure is on. One needs to avoid dwelling on previous failures, successes, or problems and concentrate on solutions that impact the present and the future.
Team Player – The power of an individual is amplified by their participation in community. Look out for the success of everyone involved in the artistic project (and CLHSCA) and you will insure your personal success.
Character Qualities of a CLHSCA Dancer:
Attentiveness, Availability, Compassion, Courage, Creativity, Dependability, Determination, Diligence, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Fairness, Flexibility, Forgiveness, Generosity, Gentleness, Humility, Initiative, Love, Loyalty, Neatness, Patience, Resourcefulness, Self Control, Sincerity, Thoroughness, Tolerance, Truthfulness, Wisdom