To the Parents/Guardian of a MWHS Dance II,III,IV Student:

Welcome back to the wonderful world of dance at MagnoliaWestHigh School! I am thrilled that you and your child have decided to continue their education in dance. Please take a moment to ask your child for the Dance Syllabus that further describes the Dance II,III,IV course. The syllabus explains expectations, goals and classroom rules, discusses the grading process, and outlines unit of study.

With an upper level dance class, it is imperative that each student participates on a daily basis and dresses in the appropriate, required dance attire. Each student will be required to purchase a Dance t-shirt and have appropriate dance attire starting after the first week of school. Dance is a PERFORMANCE class and in order for a student to truly benefit from a dance education, pass, and receive credit for the class, THEY MUST PARTICIPATE EVERYDAY.

This class is designed to use the knowledge that your child learned in dance 1 to introduce new technique/skills and educate them more about the art of dance. I will be using that appreciation they gained in dance 1 to help them develop more choreography skills in all styles of dance as well as learn the history behind that style.

As a beginning dance student, it was intimidating to dance in front of an audience. And last year they worked on their confidence and were able to do a solo at the end of the year. As an upper level dance class, they will learn to build on that self-esteem by working with their peers that share that same love of dance. This class has higher expectations set forth upon them that I know they can conquer. This class is a PERFORMANCE class.

Dance requires discipline and appropriate “dance class etiquette.” Students will be expected to memorize movement, combinations, be sensitive toward their classmates’ performance abilities, stay quiet and attentive during instruction and performances, give 100% effort, and complete written assignments when provided. I hope that you will help to promote these behaviors and to stay aware of assignments and what your child is learning in dance.

If your child has any health concerns throughout the year, please write a note explaining their restrictions for that day. If your child is to sit out for more than one day, please have them bring a doctors note with written instructions and restrictions. Please help support the dance program in your efforts to encourage FULL PARTICIPATION IN CLASS EVERYDAY.

Dance 2, 3, 4, have 2 mandatory performances. November 19 and April 29th. Please see syllabus and Pinnacle Performance contract for more details.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime with any questions that may arise. or 281-252-2550 ext. 7278. Thanks so much.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Terra O’Dell