Course – Dance Foundations I

Instructor – Mrs. Morrow & Mrs. Willis

Email –
Home Campus – LHS (not on WSMS campus until 1:20pm)

Course Objectives: Students will:

1)Gain self-discipline and self-confidence through the art of dance.

2)Demonstrate knowledge of dance terminology and will develop the skills of description, and interpretation in a dance performance.

3)Explore diverse dances styles and techniques.

4)Become more aware of space, time, energy and your own body.

5)Demonstrate leadership and organization skills through leadership of class performances/projects.

6)Develop basic choreography skills.

7)Perform.

Class Materials:

  • Folder to keep handouts in
  • Pencil & highlighter
  • Appropriate dance attire/shoes
  • WSMS Dance T-shirt

Student Expectations:

  • RESPECT to teachers and classmates…. school rules are expected at all times!
  • Laughing or making fun of another student will NOT be tolerated at any time.
  • Talking over teachers or another peer will NOT be tolerated at any time.
  • Students must dress correctly and participate in class each day.
  • Students must spend time rehearsing material learned in class and be prepared each day.
  • Any student who misses class must learn movements and be prepared when returning to class.
  • Lockers will be assigned to you – you are responsible for your personal belongings.
  • NO GUM, FOOD, CANDY, OR OPEN DRINKS, (except water) in the gym at any time.
  • Students are NOT to operate any school-owned audio equipment without permission from teachers.

Class Procedures:

  • When you are released from your previous class period, you will come in the gym and wait for announcements and pledges.
  • Once released to the locker room, you will have 5 minutes to get dressed.
  • You’ll lock up all of your personal belongings including your cell phone.
  • You’ll then come to sit in your roll call/stretch lines for me to take roll.
  • When class is over, you will be given 5-7 minutes at the end of class to change back into your school clothes. You MUST either stay in the dressing room or wait in the hallway by the coaches office when finished getting dressed. You MAY NOT leave early.
  • The class is responsible for keeping the changing areas neat and tidy.

Dress Code/Dressing Out Guidelines:

  • Solid BLACK Fitted Tank Top (Nothing baggy/spaghetti strap/halter/crop-top)
  • Shirts MUST cover your stomach area when you raise your arms.
  • Solid BLACK yoga pants, capri pants, leggings – (Nothing baggy, NO long flare/boot cut pants for safety reasons & NO shorts of any kind)
  • Tan Jazz shoes or tan colored lyrical foot-paws (these can be ordered via Flipdog Sportswear)
  • WSMS Dance T-shirt (this will come in a separate order)
  • Supportive bras for females
  • NO JEWELRY!!! (Except stud earrings)
  • NO SWEAT PANTS ARE ALLOWED! (Except for the Hip Hop unit)
  • You MUST have dance shoes in this class.
  • NO GUM!!!
  • Hair pulled back in a PONYTAIL/out of your face! (no loose braids or loose low ponytails are allowed)

Grading: Student’s 9 weeks grade will be based on the following criteria:

30% = Daily Performance

  • Student has successfully completed all expectations each day
  • Dance Etiquette (example: properly attired)

70% = Skills Tests, Quizzes, Projects & Performances

(Performances include: Fine Arts Festival the 1st Saturday in December and the Spring Fine Arts Dance Concert held in April)

Performances: Because our goal is to gain experience in many areas of dance performance, we will have multiple performance opportunities throughout the school year. Each performance fulfills a different genre and the venues will vary, so each is extremely important. Performances are for a grade, and because there is no real way to make up the experience you would gain, they are MANDATORY. Dates for these will be outlined within the first week of school to allow plenty of time for you to make adjustments to your calendars.

IF YOU DO NOT DRESS OUT, YOU WILL STILL PARTICIPATE!

Illness & Injuries:

In the case of illness/injury, a parental note may excuse the student from participation for one day. The note must be presented to the instructor BEFORE class begins. If you do not have a parent’s note – you will be required to participate. A doctor’s note is required if the student misses participation for three or more consecutive days. If you are unable to take a skills test due to injury, then writing a paper will be assigned in its place. Please DO NOT give me a note from home saying you need to sit out because of cramps. (Research shows that the more you move/exercise while having cramps, the more it helps with the discomfort.)

I have been made aware of the class expectations of all students enrolled in dance class at Willow Springs Middle School and understand the class rules, grading, and procedures. Please sign and return by Friday, August 25th

Student Name: ______
(Please print)

Student Signature: ______
Date: ______

Parent Name: ______

(Please print)

Parent Signature: ______
Date: ______

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