Los Angeles Valley College: DANCE SPC. Hip HOP

Syllabus: Fall 2016

Tuesday & Thursday 11:20pm -12:45pm

Dance Specialties 171 - Section 8005 – Hip-Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 172-Section 8006-Hip Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 173-Section 8017-Hip Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 174-Section 8031-Hip Hop Techniques

Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:25

Dance Specialties 171 - Section 8007– Hip-Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 172-Section 8009-Hip Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 173-Section 8018-Hip Hop Techniques

Dance Specialties 174-Section 8025-Hip Hop Techniques

Instructor: Maya Zellman

Email:

Office Hours- by appointment only: Tuesday & Thursdays 2:30pm-3:30pm

Course Description:

Hip-Hop Techniques is a beginning level movement class. This course will focus on the foundation of various Hip-Hop styles including social party dances from the 1970’s until current day. This includes 90‘s Hip Hop, House, Breaking, Waacking, and Commercial “New Style” choreography, with an emphasis primarily on 90’s Hip Hop and House. Students will be challenged to physically demonstrate a basic understanding of musicality (e.g. rhythm, tempo, groove) by executing movement in coordination with the music. The movement content of this course is reflective of the instructor’s personal experience as a teacher, professional dancer and choreographer and participant in the field of Hip-Hop dance and culture. Students will be challenged and encouraged to understand and apply historical, social, and practical knowledge of Hip-Hop and how it relates to their own specific cultural experience.

Course Objectives:

Students will leave with:

An enhanced Hip-Hop movement vocabulary, which will help develop freestyle execution.

Refined physical coordination when performing movement phrases.

A stronger ability to memorize and perform combinations of Hip-Hop movement, demonstrating technical accuracy and consistent artistic intent.

A historical and social understanding of Hip-Hop dance and how it informs and has been informed by other dance genres.

Awareness of posture/alignment and the relationship of rhythm and movement.

The ability to identify the pioneers and innovators of Hip-Hop/street dance styles.

A knowledge of specific genres of music that directly influence various street dance styles

An initial understanding of the four elements of Hip-Hop culture: B-boy/B-Girl, MC, DJ and Graffiti Art.

Student Learning Outcome (SLO):

Students will execute a basic Hip-Hop dance phrase, accurately and to the beat of the music.

Participation:

Evaluation of your participation is inclusive of your presence in class and the quality/intent of your involvement. Participation includes but is not limited to:

Participation in dance class activities/assignments

Concentration and alertness in class

Consideration of others

Ability to accept constructive criticism

Positive, full physical involvement in all movement experiences

Openness and willingness to try new things (i.e. leave attitudes that hinder openness to the principles of the course outside of the class.)

 Evaluation of the student’s individual rate of technical progress over the semester. How you approach the material, the relevance and thoughtfulness of your contributions (i.e. questions and/or comments) are all part of participation.

Note: If you are unable to participate, you may observe, take notes, and turn them in at the end of class for partial credit.

Attire:

Students should wear comfortable, loose non‐restrictive clothing (i.e. sweat pant and cotton shirt) no jeans or slacks will be allowed. Clothes that inappropriately expose the student’s bodies will not be allowed in class (i.e. sheer clothing with no undergarments, extremely short shorts, or shirtless attire for male students). A cross trainer shoe/sneaker is highly required in order to give students the shock absorbency and arch support needed to fully execute movements with the least amount of risk for injury. Students should be prepared to remove jewelry during class. This includes large earrings, watches, necklaces, etc. Kneepads are recommended.

Classroom Etiquette

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that is respectful to both the instructor as well as fellow classmates. This includes spatial awareness/consideration of other’s personal space. Students may not conduct themselves in a disruptive manner or take it upon themselves to assist in theinstruction of other students. Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat all students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which they and their students express opinions. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender variance, and nationalities. NOTE: All cell phones must be put on silent mode during class and no gum chewing, eating, or drinking in classroom.

Tardiness:

Arriving late and/or leaving early will affect participation and grading, as points will be deducted. Three tardies will automatically cause your grade to be lowered one letter grade and cannot be made up with extra credit points. If you are late, enter the studio quietly and take your place without disturbing other students who are already working. It will be your responsibility to approach the teacher after class to ensure you get marked as arriving late for the day, and it is your responsibility to get acquainted with any materials missed.

Evaluation Percentage Distributions:

Participation = 70 points (70%)

Skill Development and Assessments = 10 points (10%)

Physical Midterm Exam = 5 points (5%)

Physical Final Exam= 5 points (5%)

*VersaStyle Performance (“Box of Hope” at the Ford Amphitheater! Sat., September 17 at 8:00 ) or Hip Hop Event= 10 points (10%)Total Points Possible = 100 (100%)

Grading Scale:

A = 100-89

B = 88-79

C = 78-69

D = 68-59

F = 58 - Below

Make up points:

Each student will be given an opportunity to earn make up points. These opportunities are offered as a way for students to make up points and further their understanding of the material being covered in this course and apply it in an outside setting.

This includes attending & writing a well thought out review on a live Hip Hop performance, battle, or attending an outside class recommended by the instructor. Each make up assignment opportunity will be worth two points. A limit of two make up assignments will be allowed per student. VERSA-STYLE DANCE