Advanced Dance Course Syllabus

[Type here] Advanced Dance Course Syllabus We Believe We Can Achieve!

Teacher: Mrs. Natalie Bout Class: Advanced Dance Class Location: Dance Room Phone: (951) 253-7200 x2455 Email: [email protected]

Class Description: This course is designed to engage students who have a continuing interest in dance and a more in-depth study. Emphasis will be placed on advanced dance skills and technique, performance choreography. Students will begin to understand more advanced concepts of dance and terminology. They will study artistic perception, creative expression, dance in historical/cultural context, and aesthetic value. Students will focus on four different styles of dance including ballet, jazz, modern and choreography.

Class Expectations: 1. Presence – attendance is crucial. 2. Punctuality – coming to class on time to assure that students’ get proper warm-up to prevent injury from occurring is vital. 3. Preparation – all students must practice what they have learned during class so further material can be covered. 4. Participation – it is expected that all students are active participants throughout the entire class. 5. Positivity - please leave the drama outside and use this time to be positive and enjoy the opportunity to explore movement. 6. Peer Support – at all times support will be expected for your fellow peers in the classroom.

Dress Code: Each class is assigned a color according to their dance level. Advanced dancers will be permitted to wear a red or black fitted full-length top or leotard with black dance pants, black capris, or long black dance shorts (tights preferred underneath) and the proper dance shoes (form fitting to the foot). Hair must be pulled back in a ponytail at all times. Dance tops and bottoms can be purchased at any sport store, Wal-Mart (Danskin), Target, or dance supplier. Dance shoes may be purchased from Discountdance.com. Tan jazz shoes may be worn throughout the year, item S0401L. Please enter code TP 28903 at checkout. [Type here] Advanced Dance Course Syllabus We Believe We Can Achieve!

Dress code is enforced in class and counts as 15% of your grade. If you are not dressed for class you will not be allowed to participate in class. You will be required to take thorough notes throughout the entire class.

Student planners will be necessary to have with you in class along with a writing utensil and dance notebook on Wednesdays, unless told otherwise. It is important to use your student planner to record any assignments.

Requirement of Notation: All students are required to purchase a spiral bound single-subject notebook for dance (not to be shared with other classes). On the outside cover, the student’s full name and class period must be included. Any contact information should be placed on the inside cover of the notebook. Every class journal entry should include the date and lesson information and writing must be legible to receive full credit. Notebooks must be up-to-date. In the case of an absence, students are responsible for getting the material they missed immediately following absence. Notebooks will be collected frequently for credit. Please remember this is not to create more work, but it should serve as a resource for you throughout your dance experience. Key vocabulary and important dance information will be recorded in this notebook, as well as reflective journaling. If you still have your dance notebook from beginning dance, please bring it to class because you will be adding new terminology.

Important: Please if you have a cell phone or other electronic device you must store it with your belongings in the locker. The school is not responsible for your valuables. You will be given opportunities where your devices will be utilized as a learning tool in the class, at such time you will be permitted to use them when instructed by the teacher. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter!

Lockers: Each individual student will be issued a locker and provided with a school lock. However, we only issue one lock and locker per student. If you lose your school lock, you will be charged for a replacement ($8.00). The school holds you accountable for your lock and you are required to return it during the checkout process. You may not use your own lock on the school lockers. Please do not bring any valuables to school (refer to school handbook) and never give your combination to friends. [Type here] Advanced Dance Course Syllabus We Believe We Can Achieve!

Sharing of lockers is not permitted. Please refer to the sign posted in the locker room. Also, please do not leave food items or breakables in lockers. Last year we had critters in the locker room and many broken glass perfume bottles.

Grading Criteria: Given the nature of the dance program and the extensive lab work involved, attendance and punctuality are critical components in grading and developing discipline required in this program. Should a student be unable to attend class due to long-term illness or injury, exceptions might be considered. However, in this circumstance you will be provided alternative assignments to make up the work missed during that given period. All unexcused absences do count against your total attendance, participation and dress code points.

Grade Scale: 90-100 (A), 80-89 (B), 70-79 (C), 60-69 (D), 0-59 (F)

1 st Semester Grading______Attendance 10% Participation 30% Dress Code 15% Test/Perf. Assessments 20% Research/Reports/Notebooks 25%

2 nd Semester Grading______Attendance 10% Participation 30% Dress Code 15% Test/Perf. Assessments 20% Research/Reports/Notebooks 25% ------[Type here] Advanced Dance Course Syllabus We Believe We Can Achieve!

Absence Make-up Assignments: You may only make up points for three excused absences per semester. All make-up assignments must be handed into the teacher the week following your absence to receive credit. They will not be accepted any later. You must include your first and last name, day of absence, current date, and period of dance you are currently enrolled on the top right hand corner of your assignment.

1st absence – Option 1: Watch a YouTube video featuring a famous choreographer or dancer in the style we are studying (ballet, jazz, contemporary, or choreography). Write a one-page critique about the dance you watched. Critique must be typed Times New Roman, 16 font, double- spaced, or Option 2: Critique a live performance and include your ticket stub or program from the performance along with your typed critique. 2nd absence – Find an advertisement for an upcoming dance show that will be performed somewhere in southern California. Print a copy of the advertisement to announce to the class and to hang up. 3rd absence – Create a 10-minute warm-up to use in class. It must pertain to the style of dance we are working on at the time. You must demonstrate and teach it to the class with music you supply (school appropriate). It should contain barre warm-up exercises and some stretches at the barre or center.

***Absence make-ups will only be accepted up to one week after the absence. Please make sure to include your name and the date of absence on your paper. ------Please bring back this page signed and dated by you and your parent or guardian. Thank you!

I agree to follow the above class policies and procedures. By signing this form, I understand and have read the above-mentioned information and agree to abide and follow the course syllabus for this school year 2017-2018.

______Student Signature Date

______Parent Signature Date