Dance I Syllabus

Instructor:Mrs. O’DellEmail:

Office:Dance RoomConference:

Phone:(281) 252-2550 ext. 7278

Description:

Dance I students develop perceptual thinking and moving abilities in daily life that promote understanding of themselves and others and allow them to interact effectively in the community. By mastering movement principles and skills, students develop self-discipline, and healthy bodies that move expressively, efficiently, and safely through space and time with controlled energy. Students recognize dance as a vehicle for understanding cultural and historical contexts, increasing awareness of their own and others' heritage and traditions, thus helping them to participate in a diverse society. Evaluating and analyzing dance strengthen decision-making skills, develop critical and creative thinking, and enable students to make informed decisions about dance and the world around them. (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts-Texas Education Code, 1998)

You will a receive Physical Education credit or Fine Arts credit for taking Dance I.

This course lasts 2 semesters.

You have to have a PE AND a Fine Art credit to graduate.

Goals:

  1. To develop an awareness of the body’s movement using sensory information.
  2. To apply body sciences and fitness principles to dance.
  3. To develop knowledge and skills of dance elements and of choreographic processes and forms in a variety of dance styles.
  4. To demonstrate an understanding of cultural, historical, and artistic diversity.
  5. To make informed judgments about dance’s form, meaning, and role in society.
  6. To improve self confidence in performing in front of others.

Requirements:

All dancers are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings and to be dressed by 5 minutes after. No food or drinks of any kind are allowed in the Dance Studio. Gum is not allowed! Common courtesy is expected during class (raising of the hand to ask questions, staying quiet throughout class, etc). Restroom needs should be taken care of before or after class. The dance studio is not to be left without instructor approval.

All dancers are expected to dress out EVERYDAY unless they are physically unable to dress out. If the dancer is felling ill, they are allowed to sit out (with instructor’s permission) and complete an alternative assignment. This will be allowed once without a note and once with a parent’s note. A doctor’s excuse is expected for continuing non-participation and alternative arrangements will need to be made for credit.

Course Topics and Genres

Fitness, Anatomy, Discipline, Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, History of Dance, Social Dance, Choreography, Novelty, Prop, Pom, Kick

***This is with time allowed and not limited to.

Evaluation:

60%Major (daily participation, dressing out each day, written, and performance (skills) tests)

40%Minor (journals, critiques, handouts, etc.)

Examinations:

Written and Performance

Winter Dance Showcase:Mandatory performance Thursday November 19th

Make-up/Extra Credit:

Make-up work for classes missed should be requested as soon as the dancer returns. Make-up performances/exams should be taken before or after school with appropriate arrangements within the same amount of time that was missed. (If you were absent one day and the assignment was given that day and due the next day, you have one day to get it completed.)

Extra Credit will be considered if approached.

Expectations and Grading:

Students must:

  • Be prepared to participate in movement lessons, oral discussions, and written work.
  • Be dressed in the appropriate dance attire (black pants/capris, dance t-shirt)
  • Have hair secured out of the face/off neck. No necklaces, rings, and bracelets are to be worn.
  • Arrive on time (by the tardy bell) and are not dismissed by the bell.
  • Be highly, self-motivated and respectful of others.
  • Do not enter the dance office or use the sound systems without permission.
  • Leave all food, gum and drinks outside of the studio as well as remove all belongings from the dance floor. Water is allowed in the studio.
  • Be engaged every day or receive a daily grade of zero for lack of participation (sitting/talking)
  • NO CELL PHONES during class. Do not have them in your possession! (aka pockets, waistband, bra)

Dance Supply List

T-shirt (price determined after design)

Half sole lyrical shoes (optional) $18

Foot paws $32 (Optional for Dance I)

Black Capris or Pants

Athletic Shoes when outside to run

1 Folder

Writing Utensil

Dance bag (optional) $10

Money for t-shirt and optional shoes is due by Tuesday Sept.8th. CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY! Bring dress out clothes and materials to class every day. We will start dressing out on Monday August 31th. To avoid losing points, make sure to have your clothes! All dance attire must follow MISD dress code policy.

***Parents will be contacted for failure of dressing out and/or participating in class.

Track and Fitness Expectations

All Dance students will be expected to meet minimum physical fitness requirements including state Fitnessgram standards. This includes conditioning, running, and other physical activities. Students will be tested on areas of completion and personal goals for various physical activities including, but not limited to, running 1 mile. The class is structured to allow students to build up to an appropriate time. The training will also help to build stamina and strength to perform dance movements and skills. Coupled with weight training and stretching, the students will develop a well rounded fitness routine.Participation is a must.