Beginnning Modern Syllabus, Expectations, Grading

MODERN DANCE SYLLABUS (Dance Repertory Ensemble 1-3:  Beginning Modern:  Period 6

OBJECTIVE:

Modern technique is designed to fine tune the neuromuscular and cognitive level of the dancers and prepare them for the professional dance world.  Students must demonstrate both technical and theoretical skills required of that particular skill level:  self discipline, alignment, and understanding of the use of the body on and off center, an understanding of the use of the body both on the floor, in center, and through space, and the ability to synthesize and apply corrections.  Technique classes give the dancers the facility to learn and execute movements other than just those presented in class.  The class is designed to make the dancer available to movement of all styles and choreographies.

CLASS:

Classes meet from 8:55-10:20 a.m. on “B” days and will normally meet in 276.  Class will begin on time; tardiness will not be tolerated.  The structure of the class will vary usually following a traditional approach of warm-up and technical exercises followed by movement patterns designed to develop strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, coordination, musicality, performance quality, and sequential skills.  The series of exercises are designed to increase awareness and control of:

§  The placement of the body vertically and off-center (design);

§  The use of time (rhythm); and

§  The energy involved in the movement (dynamics-quality).

In addition, some classes will concentrate on a floor barre.  The class will usually culminate with sequences of movement through space to allow the student the opportunity to apply concepts learned in class.

GRADE:               The grade will be based on studio performance as evaluated in the following areas:

SKILLS                                                                                        40%

Students are evaluated on the use of the individual elements of dance:  design, rhythm, and dynamics.                                       Minimum daily expectation/assignment is to come dressed in the proper dress code attire and work

to your maximum potential throughout class time.

PARTICIPATION                                                                     40%

Students must participate daily and experience the rigorous content of the class with effort and a professional attitude:  attending class on time, displaying effort daily, displaying dialy professionalism.

IMPROVEMENT                                                                      20%

       Every student is expected to display a pre-professional approach to class, synthesizing corrections, and

       Maintaining and/or improving on every skills evaluation.

WRITTEN                                                                                   part of skills

Students are evaluated on the quality of completed written assignments in the form of dance critiques, journals, and other written work.

FINAL EXAM                                                                           

The final exam for the semester will be comprised of a jury exam evaluated by a minimum of three instructors.  The jury exam will be 100% of the final exam grade and the completion of crew hours will be 20% of the last six weeks of each semester. 

REQUIREMENTS:

§  Each dancer is expected to attend and participate in every class in the proper attire.  It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for any make up work, both written and skills.

§  A minimum of one written assignment may be required each six weeks. 

§  It is expected that every dancer will dress according to the Dance Department Dress Code (Black leotard and tights without feet) and that hair be worn off the face and neck.  For the safety of the dancers, no jewelry is worn during class.

§  It is expected that every student in the Dance Department attend Evening of Dance and On Stage at the MAT and write a critical review of each concert.

§  If a student cannot participate in class due to an illness or an injury, a note, e-mail or a phone call that day is required!

After one week of non-participation, a student must have a note from a physician.  Students who do not participate in class will be given a written/research assignment due the same day by the end of class.  Keep in mind that long-term injuries will require a meeting before the administration and a committee if it requires non-participation for more than 30 days.

CONFERENCES:

You may reach the dance faculty at the following numbers to schedule a conference at least 24 hours in advance.

                Lily Cabatu Weiss, Dance Coordinator                          e-mail:  aweiss@dallasisd.org         (972) 925-1226

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