Grade 12 Dance Majors
ATM4M
Teacher: Ms. Marsh
In this senior level dance course you will study jazz and modern dance technique. The course includes practical and theoretical components within each style of dance. You must be signed up in the Grade 12 Balletcredit in order to take this course.
Practical: the daily classroom work includes; progress and achievement within the training and technique, improvisation, composition, practical technical tests, oral presentations, performance skills, teaching, stage craft, and the independent study.
Theory: dance vocabulary, written responses, critiques, reflections, self evaluations, stage craft, artist profiles, essays, reports, tests, compositions, exam, dance class, journals, production book entries for the independent study.
Unit 1: Jazz
Unit 2: Modern
Unit 3: Jazz
Unit 4: Modern
Unit 5: Independent Study: The Choreographic Workshop (runs throughout units 1-3)
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Term work 60%
Written Exam (Dec)10%
Culminating Activity (May, June)
Dance Night Production10%
Composition Exam 10%
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100%
Evaluation
Knowledge/Understanding: knowledge of facts, terms, concepts, principles of movement , choreographic and musical structures and forms, notation, composition plans, warm-ups, plans, proposals, production book entries, dance safety and the various conventions of dance.
Creation/Application/Technique: body positions and movements, technique (strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, etc), spatial awareness, (direction, level, focus, patterns, facings, etc.), dimensions of time (musicality, tempo, rhythm), energy (appropriate for the style and form), improvisation, choreographic structures, composition studies, exploration, and the manipulation of the elements (body, space, shape, time, relationships, energy) The work is student and teacher directed, training, dancing, improvising, choreographing, teaching, and other elements of production work.
Thinking /Inquiry/Analysis: develop critical evaluation skills of one’s self and the work of others, develop critical analysis for critiquing dance, develop awareness of own ideas and feelings in dance and related issues, reflection, goal setting, brain storming, problem solving, evaluating, etc.
Communication: the ability to communicate verbally and non verbally for a variety of audiences using a variety of approaches, the use of dance language with improvisation, composition, choreography and the presentation of daily technique and the use of the conventions of dance, writing skills, journals, essays, and formal performance skills.
Our Goals in Dance
to receive training in different types of dance
to experience the creative and compositional aspects of dance
to learn how to care for one’s body - the dancer’s instrument
to gain confidence through taking part in daily classroom presentation and larger performances
to instill a sense of responsibility and discipline through daily practice both as an individual and
as a team player.
to work on literacy through sharpening writing and research skills
to integrate and relate dance to other disciplines (music, art, drama, literature, history, political and social issues, science, etc.)
to work on an independent project with other students - ISU – “The Choreographic Workshop”
to lead others in a number of roles and approaches
to critically analyze dance and its many functions in society
Course Expectations
You must:
be in attendance and on time
change into the proper dance uniform and wear proper footwear for each class
remove all jewelry and gum
cooperate and respect the people and environment around you
bring a binder, paper and pen to each class
complete assignments or homework as assigned on time
attend extra rehearsals as required for performances and productions
attend at least one live professional performance
help with costumes and set designs as required throughout the year
work at a high level of concentration and therefore achieve higher levels of technique
Homework
essay on a chosen production role
journals
readings for ISU
critiques/performance reviews - review 1 professional performance
class outline
personal reflectionsand self evaluations
artist profiles
practice stretching and strength training, practice steps, compositions, routines for technique tests
study theory for tests and exams
show preparation – extra rehearsals and practices
prepare costumes, makeup, props, sets, scene work, for dance night
ISU: teaching, choreographing, leading, proposal, brainstorms, auditions, publicity, schedules, sketches, composition plans, journaling, choreography, costumes, sets, props, makeup, production board display, etc.