Pierce College Program Review Template 5-23-08 DRAFT

Pierce College Program Review

2010-11 Final Version

Department or Discipline: DANCE Date submitted: November 5, 2010 Contact person: Marian S. Weiser

Pierce College Program Review is intended to be a reflective process that builds on the extensive information gathered for the Annual Academic Program Plans and lays out the program’s major directions for the future.

I. Purpose of the Program Describe the need that is met by the program. For CATE programs only, show that “the program does not represent an unnecessary duplication of other vocational or occupational training programs in the area.” (Place your response in the expandable text box below.)

All living beings can, in some manner, dance.

.The goal and excellence of the Dance Program at Pierce College offers every student opportunity to participate in a living/moving art that allows each to creatively and emotionally express deepest feelings from the center of a physical body that is continually being trained to reach its highest level of physicality. However the level reached is dependent upon individual dedication and commitment.

Dance is a collaborative art created for, and by, individuals and groups without age, body configuration, previous experience, ethnic or gender discrimination.

The Dance Program has three major facets and promoted as such every semester: (1) Kinesiology -Training the Body for Lifelong Learning in Health and Wellness (2) Career Relativity (3) Entertainment

Dance is a language…is an art…..is a science. Students learn and explore as one investigates and uses the human body in the expression of ideas and feelings. A student does not have to be highly technically trained to express feelings. However, the more depth-training one has, the more "movement words" one has available in the projection of those feelings. And, how great the art of dance is in contributing to the health and wellness of each individual.

The language is the physical and creative expression of the inner force…the

Pierce College Program Review Template, Approved September 2008 2 soul. Students participating in the Dance Department also are provided with knowledge of biology, physiology/anatomy, history, language arts, psychology, music, art, (including multimedia arts), architecture, sociology,photography, and other disciplines. These afford the dance student opportunity to gain knowledge, and increase the ability to communicate. Using the body/brain as the "vehicle" for expression conceivably causes a visceral and/or emotional reaction in others. No other external instrument is necessary. The body/brain is the dancer's instrument. And, how great dance is throughout life in contributing to the health and wellness of participating individuals.

This collaborative art/science is created for, and by, individuals and groups without age, body configuration, previous experience, ethnicity or gender discrimination.

II. Progress Made Toward Past Departmental/Discipline Goals

Summarize the progress the department/discipline has made toward achieving its goals during the past six years. Discuss briefly the quality, effectiveness, and strengths of the program as reflected in its Annual Academic Program Plans. Show the relationship between the program goals, the mission of the college, the district strategic plan, and the impact on student development. (Place your summary in the expandable text box below.)

In addition to expanding and leveling of classes, the Department has, and continues to pursue new classes indicated by student request and research. Limiting class levels does not support increased advantages for students. To maintain quality and opportunity for students, each class should have at least two levels offered at different times . We only have one class that is leveled…Ballet 434 (level 1 and level 2/3.

The dance faculty (full-time and adjunct) at Pierce each have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the art of movement and application of the meaning of Dance in Education at the Community College. An outstanding ex- dance student at Pierce received her MA in dance from CSUN in May, '10. She was hired as an hourly for several classes at Pierce and at CSUN. She received the outstanding Graduate Award in the Dept. of Kinesiology and also in Dance from CSUN, and has been asked to publish her Thesis (which is now underway). This is the quality of instructor the Dance Department continues to seek.

All course outlines in the Dept. will be updated and submitted to the Curriculum Committee by the end of November '10.

Exciting, stimulating performances on and off campus include: (1) Spring Dance Concert. Dancers in this concert must audition and be selected for dances by professional as well as student choreographers, Each concert is balanced for 3 style, music, stage environment, lighting possibilities, audience appeal, and education. Anyone can audition, (122 auditioned for the spring 2010 concert). (2). Children's Dance Theatre. An educational tool with opportunity for ages from two to fourteen. (3) Folk Dance Concert. Performed by students, and traditional in custom, costume and music and dance, this is audience-pleasing with twelve to eighteen countries and/or cultures presented. The financial support for dance performances comes from the Dance Club fund in the ASO.

Campus-wide, dance has two clubs: Pierce Dance Theatre and Street Dance Club.

The Dance Theatre is classical in nature and performs in concerts both on and off campus. All members must audition each semester of performances, but does not pursue competitions. Concerts consist of modern dance, ballet, jazz, musical theater, tap, hip hop, social/ballroom, folk/ethnic, dance drama, and improvisation. Plans for the future include creation of a Dance Touring Ensemble. Currently, touring includes the LACCD Dance Consortium and other off-campus venues. The future will include touring internationally.

The Street Dance Club supports the Swing Dance Team and the Street Dance competitions. Teams are selected by audition. Both teams plan to enter regional as well as national competitions in 2010 and 2011. In 2009, the Swing Dance Team entered a national competition. Four national teams entered, and Pierce placed Second. . Kudos to the dancers and choreographers.

.A Jazz Team is planned for the near future.

III. Trend Analyses/Outlook

Using the information already gathered in the AAPPs (e.g., enrollment and outcomes data; student learning outcomes assessment and analysis; input by advisory boards; existing articulation agreements; labor market trends; and insights gained from conferences, journals, and discussions with colleagues), summarize the major trends, challenges, and opportunities that have emerged in the discipline since the last program review.

As applicable, please address the breadth, depth, currency, and cohesiveness of the curriculum in relation to evolving employer needs and/or transfer requirements, as well as other important pedagogical or technology-related developments. (Place your summaries in the expandable text box below.)

The Dance Department continued to have large enrollments in classes until the Administration requested we hold enrollments down in fall 2010 and spring, 2011.. Smaller classes are advantageous to students and teaching faculty, so 4 we would like this policy to continue if it does not create a financial hardship for the college.

Dance still needs to have an Advisory Committee.

Dance students find numerous job opportunities in education and performance. Teaching in studios, unified school districts, gymnastic groups, senior citizen facilities, clubs, rehabilitation, therapy/companion agencies, and hospitals offer medium to well-paying jobs.

Entertainment includes but is not limited to theatrical productions. Other opportunities include "the industry", cruises, musicals, international and national choreographic venues and performances.

Although the Program is expanding, plans for future include creating a Dance Major, a Dance Certificate (18-22 units), and one more Skills Certificate.

The National Dance Assoc. (of which the V Chair, Dance is a member) is encouraging all colleges and universities to include a Dance Science or Dance Wellness class in the curriculum. This is in plan for 2011. Nationally, from conferences, journals , symposia, it is supportively determined that enrollments in dance programs increase when there are performing groups as well as skill-training and lecture classes offered.

Current information and the seeking of pertinent advice often comes from each of the colleges and universities our graduates attend. The District Dance Discipline Committee maintains that Dance should be its own Department in each of the LACCD colleges.

IV. Long-Term Department/Discipline Goals and Action Plans (Aligned With the College Educational Master Plan)

Describe the long-term plans for changing or developing new courses and programs, other actions being taken to enhance student success, and the need for professional development activities and other resources to implement program goals.

The Dance Department is continually searching for, and using creative methods to be able to offer more students increased access in having a collegial opportunity in a dance movement art.

Each student must have guided opportunity to experience growth physically, emotionally, socially, and creatively. The vision of dance as a living art is diverse and crosses all ages, cultures, and "styles". The body is the primary instrument of 5 expression, and the essence of that expression is through creativity and feelings. If inner feelings are not evidenced, the movement becomes abecedarian in appearance, and may not cause that inner emotion to be felt by either viewer or mover.

Dance will seek to add another full-time teacher .

Increase hourly classes by two: 1) Dance Science or Dance Wellness 2) .Dance History and Appreciation (modularized in three sections).

A Dance Newsletter is being initiated.

Establish and maintain a viable community Advisory group.

Complete plans for Dance Certificate of Achievement in addition to the Skills Certificate which may be career oriented.

Establish annual symposia and invite local high schools to participate.

Revive lecture demonstrations for High School Counselors.

Update all current dance classes by the end of fall semester.

Explore the possibility of an On Line Tap Dance Class using video as the interactive component between teacher and student. Immediacy of response is critical, so other tech possibilities may be used.

Build an outreach program for both on and off campus.

Expand wherever possible, the use of live accompaniment in specific classes: ballet, modern dance, tap, lyrical/classical jazz, and Dance To Fitness (partial)

Explore the writing of a grant which will be directed to the creation of a class preparing students to work and volunteer in post-Pierce programs that will provide dance experiences to students in LAUSD and/or Tri-County schools.

In summary: Each fulfills the purpose of dance in Community College Education and thrives on fulfilling the Pierce College Mission Statement and ILOs: 1. Opportunity for physical, emotional, and social development underscored by a spirit to learn and to help others. 2. Emphasis in rhythmic movement education. 3. Development of individual creativity in multi-cultural and social opportunities. 4. Aesthetic experiences, interpersonal, and closely integrative experiences. 5. Career and performance- training and availability of same. 6 Carry-over value with lifelong learning skills. Everything living has and needs movement to exist, especially when well taught. 6

DANCE is stimulating, thought-provoking, challenging, interactive, and totally endorphin-producing