DANCE I S/R TRACK

HANDBOOK

WELCOME BACK TO DANCE!

GET READY TO MOVE!!

Mrs. Perosi

DANCE I S/R TRACK

Description and Expectations

The Dance I S/R Track Course is designed to expose students to the structure and discipline of dance as well as technique, theory, history, creation and performance skills. All elements of the class are meant to provide the student with a unique experience and enhance their appreciation for dance as an art form. While all students may not have prior experience in dance nor intend on dancing in the future; the discipline, thought process, problem solving, and professionalism required in dance are all lifelong skills that can be applied outside of the dance studio.

Whether you are an athlete, musician, artist, actor etc. Everyone can benefit from movement classes. Movement and dance will help you familiarize yourself with your body and your body’s relationship to space. Course of study will include Modern Technique, Ballet Technique , Jazz Technique, Movement Improvisation, Beginner Dance Composition, Dance History (Origin of Ballet, Origin of Modern, Origin of Jazz and Social and Ethnic Dance Forms) and Body Maintenance (Strengthening, Stretching and Conditioning).

Students without prior dance experience may feel out of your “comfort zone” in dance class. However, I invite you to embrace the unfamiliar ground and open yourself up to “the process.” The process of learning how to move your body and express yourself through movement! Students with prior dance experience, I invite you to investigate all aspects of dance and understand that the class may at times move at a slower pace than you are used to. However, more serious dancers WILL be challenged accordingly with more advanced movement tasks, but will also be expected to serve as role models for the class and support their peers through demonstration and assistance.

The following pages include dress code requirements for dance, supply list, classroom rules and expectations, description of general class work, policies, rubrics and class schedule. Please pay close attention to these documents, read them through thoroughly and then sign both copies of the Dance I S/R Track Understanding Document. (*Keep one copy for your binder and submit the other copy to Mrs. Perosi by September 8th- This is your first homework assignment! )

I LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING YEAR AND TO WORKING WITH EACH OF YOU!!

MANDATORY DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS

*Please be aware that the following dress code is strongly enforced. Lack of proper attire for technique class will affect your daily participation grade.

Black dance/yoga pants or leggings are suggested. A solid colored leotard, fitted tank top or t-shirt are required. Clothing must be fitted. You may wear what you wear to gym class so long as I can see your body line, ankles and feet. This means your clothing should not be too loose. Split sole jazz shoes are recommended for Jazz and Ballet. If you decide to purchase them- They must be slip on. An alternative is socks (preferably with rubber grips on bottom for safety) Sneakers can be used but socks are preferable. If you have any issues regarding the dress code requirements –please let me know. Hair must be neatly tied back in a pony tail or hair bun. Boys must keep hair neat and out of face. No loose jewelry is permitted. (i.e- dangling earring, necklaces, bracelets, watches, anklets etc.) You are encouraged to lock up all valuables in your locker. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Dancers with prior experience are welcome to wear leotard, tights, or biker shorts. Please make sure all items are solid colored. Please make sure that shorts are not shorter than finger tip length. On Ballet Days- you may dress in proper ballet attire- pink tights, black leotard, ballet slippers and hair bun. You may also wear ballet skirt of your choice. (*this is NOT mandatory but most certainly encouraged and welcomed for the more serious dancer)

COVER UPS: Students who choose to wear leotard and tights to class are required to wear a cover up garment when they are transitioning from the locker room to the auditorium. Students are not permitted to walk through the hallways in their dance attire only. Students may wear a bathing suit cover up, sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts etc. while they are walking through the hall. Once they get to the auditorium they must remove all cover up garments.

*SPECIAL NOTE: I realize that dancewear can be somewhat costly and difficult to find, therefore I have listed the following resources for you:

Gigi’s Dancewear- 375 Jacques Avenue, Rahway. (732)-340-9301. Ask about discounts and promotions. I have some 20% off coupons- please see me.

Discount Dance Supply

Dance Distributors

All About Dance

ACADEMIC SUPPLY LIST

1 - I Subject Notebook (Must be left in classroom)

1 Folder for handouts (or pocket in your notebook)

Pens and Pencils

**Important Note- If you have any problems or concerns regarding the Dress Code Requirements and Supply List, please bring it to Mrs. Perosi’s attention immediately.

All supplies and proper dress code are expected in class no later than Wednesday, February 4th !

CLASSROOM RULES

READ CAREFULLY!

  1. Students must be in the locker room by the time the bell rings. If you are late to the locker room you must have a hall pass. You must change immediately and meet Mrs. Perosi outside of the locker room only when the whistle is blown. The class will move as a cohort to the auditorium. DO NOT STOP AT VENDING MACHINE! You will receive a 0 for the day. You will not travel in small scattered groups. WE MOVE TOGETHER=) Once you enter the auditorium go directly to the stage and get in Do Now Places. Lateness to the stage will affect your daily grade. (- 10 Points if you are late without a pass or late to the stage) Use the stairs to get on the stage. NO running in the auditorium or climbing on the seats. This is disrespectful behavior and you will be written up. 2 Lates= Written Up.
  1. “DO NOW”- As soon as we arrive to the auditorium- it is your responsibility to spread yourselves out in the space and stretch.(You may use stretches taught in prior classes) You will take a few personal moments of time to get your body ready for the class while the Company Manager takes attendance . If it is a Ballet Day- you will assist with taking the barres out and lining them up.
  1. Students must abide by the provided dress code for dance class. Failure to do so will affect your daily grade. If you forget your dance clothes/gym clothes you will be deemed unprepared and receive a “0” for the day. (suggestion- always keep an extra set of clothes in your locker!) Two Unprepared- Call Home and Interim.
  1. No gum chewing, no food or drink permitted in the auditorium or on the dance floor/stage. (Water only)- Bring bottled water- there will be no water fountain breaks.
  1. No cell phones!! No earbuds! They will be immediately confiscated and you will be written up. No warnings- this is your warning.
  1. ABSOLUTELY no talking permitted during dance class unless called upon!!
  1. Rehearsing of any other combinations or choreography during class time is not permitted. You are only to be working on what is presented to you in that class.
  1. Leave your “DIVA” attitude at home!!!!!! Respect your peers while they are working. I will not tolerate condescending remarks or looks of any kind!!

CLASSROOM RULES CONTINUED:

  1. TEAMWORK IS A MUST!!! Encourage your classmates and make a conscious effort to work and grow together.
  1. Please bring any concerns, problems, and issues to our attention immediately. I always have an open door policy!! I want you to feel comfortable and safe in my classroom.
  1. Homework assignments are due on time! Five points will be deducted for every day your assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted after 3 days of tardiness.
  1. Injuries and Illness. If you are injured- you must have a note from the doctor stating what your injury is and how long you are to refrain from physical activity. You must have a “return to physical activity” date indicated on your note. You will complete an observation assignment for every day that you are not physically participating in dance class. The observation assignment will serve as your daily participation grade. If you are sick or came to school sick and are unable to participate in dance class you will be sent to the nurse. You may not sit and observe class while you are sick.
  1. Leave the workspace and locker room in better shape than when you entered! You must be conscious of your workspace, your teachers, and your fellow classmates. Failure to do so will affect your daily participation grade.
  1. Do not touch teacher’s cart, or music. Treat the cart like a teacher’s desk.
  1. Last but not least—Students must display a positive professional attitude at all times in and out of the dance room. Applause is encouraged at the end of each dance class to display appreciation for your teacher, your peers and your progress!

GENERAL CLASS WORK

The following assignments are done on a regular basis. All students are required to complete assignments to the expectations described and by the due dates provided by your teacher.

  • Ballet Vocabulary Sheets
  • Learning About Dance and Appreciating Dance Assignments
  • Journal Entries
  • Movement Compositions and Peer Critiques
  • Dance History Presentations
  • Company Manager Duties
  • Quizzes and Tests

BALLET VOCABULARY SHEETS AND DEFINITIONS

Each Ballet Technique Class you will be given a list of new Ballet Vocabulary on the white board. Upon entering class you are responsible for documenting the definitions in the Ballet Vocabulary section of your notebook

LEARNING ABOUT DANCE AND APPRECIATING DANCE ASSIGNMENTS

Occasionally throughout the semester you will be given reading and written assignments in the Appreciating Dance text book or handouts from the Learning About Dance text book. These assignments support concepts, theories, and history in dance. It is important for you to take these assignments seriously as they will help you to understand and appreciate dance as an art form.

JOURNAL ENTRIES

At the end of each unit you will be required to write a reflection on your experiences with the unit. You will be given journal writing tips to assist you. They can also be found on my website. These are your moments to share with me your struggles, achievements, thing you have learned, would like to learn etc. Your experiences are valuable and a significant part of your learning process and development as a student. Time to reflect on them and learn from them will enhance your growth and give you perspective on how to approach new experiences. Please be honest during these times of reflection because although you are graded on them, their sole purpose is to make you a conscientious student and individual.

MOVEMENT COMPOSITIONS AND PEER CRITIQUES

As part of your experience in dance class you will learn how to create original movement. You will be given tools and resources on how to do this (so do not “freak out”) I am here to help you=) You will be given a significant amount of class time to complete your movement compositions. You will be expected to participate in showcasing your compositions and peer critiquing. You will be assisted in this process.

DANCE HISTORY PRESENTATIONS

Students will be required to do research and create one Dance History Power Point Presentation based on the Social or Ethnic Dance of their choice.

COMPANY MANAGER

Each week, a student will be assigned the title of “Company Manager”. As Company Manager, you are the assistant to the teacher. You are required to perform the following responsibilities:

  • Take attendance in the prompt book and inform the instructor of any absences.
  • Outline the class activities on the “Company Manager Daily Sheet” located in the prompt book.
  • Review class(es) missed and provide all handouts and homework assignments to students returning from absences.
  • Assist the teacher in collecting assignments.
  • Make class announcements when necessary.
  • Help to maintain appearance of classroom.
  • Assist the teacher as necessary.
  • The Company Manager must be fully aware of all daily lessons, assignments, reminders, and future events during his or her week. The Company Manager is expected to be ready, willing, and able to assist the teacher in all aspects of the classroom. If for some reason you have a conflict with the week that you have been assigned, please bring it to our attention immediately. Try to avoid absences the week that you are Company Manager.

QUIZZES AND TESTS

Each marking period students will be assessed on their cognitive understanding of the material through written quizzes and tests. In addition, they will be assessed on their practical application of the material through performance based quizzes and tests. All quizzes and tests will be announced. Students will also be given study guides, notes, and rehearsal time in preparation for all formal assessments.

DANCE I s/R TRACK grading system

Final Grade for Each Marking Period Encompasses These Areas:

Minor Assessments (Daily)

Daily Participation Grade (100% Professionalism/Ettiquette/Participation/Effort)

Academic Work -Written Assignments/Homework Assignments

Written Quizzes

5 Major Assessments per MP(Will be announced)

Academic Work- Projects, Presentations,- DH Presentation, Peer Critiques, Written Tests

Performance Grade ( Practical Assessments and Original Movement Compositions)

Expectations for Grading

Daily Participation: This grade is a combination of participation and technical proficiency. Participation is based on preparation, class discussion, class exercises, and in-class demonstration of performance skills, knowledge, and understanding. I am looking for positive attitudes, peer support, and the ability to take direction and apply corrections consistently. Technical proficiency is based on execution of skills effectively and artistic growth. The Daily Participation grade is based upon a 0 to 100 scale.

Academic Work: This grade will be based on academic work given in class. This may include written work, quizzes, tests, homework, journals and presentations.

Performance: This grade is based on application of skills and techniques performed during practical assessments and movement composition sharing. Such aspects as professionalism attitude, respect, peer support, preparation and focus will also be considered.

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be offered throughout the marking period. Please take advantage of these opportunities. No “extra credit” will be created upon request.

Make up/Late Work Policy

All students are expected to complete and turn in work on time.

Make-up Work: Make up work is defined as any assignments or tests students need to complete due to an excused absence. It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher or Company Manager for missed assignments. The teacher will then provide a due date for all make-up work.

Late Work: Late work is defined as any work completed and turned in after a designated due date. The exception to the rule is if you have an excused absence for the date that an assignment is due. The day that you return to school is the date that you must hand in your missed assignment. It is up to you to hand in your assignment upon returning to school. I have a three strikes you’re out policy. You have 3 days to hand in any late assignments. I will not accept assignments after three days late. 5 points will be taken off for each day the assignment is late.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

In order to provide a well rounded experience, you will encounter basic Ballet Technique, Modern Technique, Jazz Technique, and Body Maintenance throughout the first marking period.

THE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE CLASS!!

A weekly schedule is posted on my website in order to inform students of the requirements for the upcoming week. The weekly schedule is what students are to ultimately follow. Student should check the website on Sunday night for the weekly schedule. Students are expected to be prepared for class and know what is on the schedule. Bottom line “Check the STINKING Website!”