Dance Tech I/II
Teacher: Ms. Nancy Petro ()
N810- 4th Period
Conference Time: 5th Period (10:17-12:15 on Purple Day)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to acquire knowledge and skill in two or more styles of dance. Acquisition of technique will be stressed. The content will include, but is not limited to the following:
Quarter 1 / Quarter 2 / Quarter 3 / Quarter 4
Strengthening and Conditioning
• Anatomy and Kinesiology
• Conditioning techniques
( Pilates, Yoga, Theraband)
Jazz Dance
• African Dance
• Musical Theater/Theatrical Jazz Technique, Style and
Terminology
• Cultural Context
Class Choreography / Modern Dance
• Intro to Modern Dance Technique, Style, and Terminology
• Cultural Context
Introduction to Composition
• Intro to movement elements and concepts
• Cultural Context / Ethnic Dance (e.g. African, Irish, Salsa, Folk)
• Intro to Ethnic Dance Techniques and styles
• Cultural Context
Tap Dance
• Tap Technique
• Cultural Context
Class Choreography / Composition/Choreography
• Review Movement Elements
• Introduce Choreographic Tools (ABA, Rondo, Canon,
Retrograde, Stacking)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the terminology in at least two dance styles.
2. Understand and demonstrate techniques of at least two dance styles.
3. Exhibit an improved repertoire of dance techniques.
4. Choreograph dance composition sequences in at least two dance styles.
5. Understand the physical fitness value derived from participation in dance.
6. Exhibit an improved or maintained level of health-related components of physical fitness.
7. Exhibit greater understanding of dance as a participant and as an observer.
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
County Grading Scale
A - Excellent90 - 100%4 quality points
B - Good80 - 89%3 quality points
C – Fair70 - 79%2 quality points
D - Passing60 - 69%1 quality point
F - Failing0 - 59%0 quality points
I - Incomplete0%0 quality points
Teacher Grading Procedure
The Lee County grading scale will be used. All student work will be taken into consideration, including class preparation and participation, artistic growth, dance notebooks, tests, quizzes, performance/rehearsal participation and class assignments.
Daily class work - 30%
Tests and quizzes - 20%
Individual projects 20% (This includes your notebook & journal)
Group work - 20%
Center Performance Review - 10%
*SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS: (provided by student)
Department notebook (3 ring binder) as described in the Dance Department Guidelines. Journal and colored pencils.
Pencils or pens, and college rule notebook paper.
Dance attire:
Female dancers are required to wear tights, leotards, and have black jazz shoes and tap shoes (which can be ordered through the department) available for classes, whether they are dancing or not. The color and style of the tights and leotards will be at the discretion of each dancer. No patterns or neon colors. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Women
Dance Tech Class - Black leotard (camisole), convertible-footed tan tights, and black jazz shoes.
Male dancers are encouraged to wear a leotard or unitard, footless tights, a dance belt, and proper shoes, whether they are dancing or not. Men may substitute a white t-shirt and black sweat pants. The color and style of dancewear should be black, grey, navy, or white. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Men
White t-shirt black sweat pants, dance belt, and black jazz shoes.
SPECIAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Students will be required to complete all assignments on the Dance Tech I/II Website,
Students without access to the Internet will be provided with materials.
2. Students must participate in the October concert (10/22), February ballet performance (2/24-2/26), and the Spring Dance Concert (5/19 & 5/20). Selected students will also be asked to perform on the (9/30, 12/9, 12/16) dance concerts.
3. Before the Winter concert and the Ballet concert there will be three required and graded after school rehearsals from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Commitment to the additional concerts will also require after school rehearsals if a student is selected or invited to be in an after school dance work. Two weeks notice will be given for performance rehearsals.
4. Any students with 5 or more absences per semester will be prohibited from attending fieldtrips or other activities that impact school attendance. High (4 or more) absences may cause a student to be withdrawn from rehearsals and performances due to the group nature of work.
Dance Department Guidelines 2010-11Welcome to the Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts Dance Division. We are very excited to bring you an education opportunity in dance and the arts that is comprehensive, exciting, and challenging. The Dance Department at CLHSCA offers an intensive program for students interested in preparing for furthering their studies and careers in dance and other fields. Areas for study within the department include a variety of techniques: ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and ethnic forms; dance history, choreography, repertory, kinesiology, dance critique and administration.
The goals of the Dance Department are to:- Develop the skills that will be competitive in higher education and career opportunities.
- Increase knowledge of education career opportunities.
- Offer a diverse curriculum that will foster strengths in many areas of dance and academic studies.
- Foster discipline, cooperation, self-esteem, and a desire to work to full potential.
- Develop critical and creative thinking, resource management, and communication skills.
- Increase knowledge of current world dance and arts issues.
- Expose students to professional teachers, performers, and choreographers.
- Provide the skills necessary to be success in high school and beyond.
Class Expectations
Students must be in the dance building at the time of the tardy bell. Students have five minutes to change and be in the classroom. Students are considered tardy if they fail to be ready at this time. Students who have dance during first period are expected to come to school dressed and ready to begin class at 7:15 A.M. There will be five minutes allowed at the end of the period for changing back into clothing that meets the dress code stated in the Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts Student Handbook.
Students are required to participate fully in classes. Students who are ill or injured and cannot physically participate in class are required to bring a note from their parents/guardians excusing them from physical participation (alternate work will be given). Such written notes must be received prior to the class in order to receive an alternate assignment and credit for classwork. If an injury or illness exceeds two days, a doctor's note is required. In cases of injury or illness exceeding two weeks, the student, parent/guardian, and dance faculty will meet in order to develop an individual education plan that addresses academic and rehabilitation needs. Students on extended excuses must have a doctor's release to return to full physical activity. Students who are absent are required to make up written assignments to replace their participation grade for the missed time period. Students with four or more days of absences (two or more within one dance class) in a semester may be prohibited from attending fieldtrips, participating in performances or other events that require a loss of academic time.
Students needing to speak with school counselors, administrators, teachers, make phone calls or go to their lockers will be prohibited from using class time for these purposes. If an emergency occurs, the student must first report to the teacher and then be excused to follow-up on the matter.
Students are encouraged to keep a dance notebook in a hardbound, three-ring notebook. The notebook should be divided into the following sections: 1) Department Handouts (including: Permission Forms, communication memos, itineraries, rehearsal schedules, Department Handbook, Course Summaries,etc.) 2) Classmate info list 3) Reading/Writing Porfolio 4) Separate sections as directed by the teacher, for each dance class taken. Students need to decorate the cover to reflect their individual personality.
Dress Code
The attire for dance class aids the instructor in seeing the lines of the body and facilitates correction. The attire for dance class provides maximum movement, a disciplined professional appearance, and the maintenance of an even muscle temperature. For these reasons the dress code will be a part of the evaluation process. Dancers, whether participating in class or observing, will be required to dress in dance attire for full credit. Failing to follow the dress code will result in the loss of some performance roles, placement in a lower level class and participation grades. Dress code includes hair (unless very short) in a secure bun, braid, or ponytail that must remain in place for the full class to receive credit. Borrowing dance clothes from other students is prohibited, please see the instructor for assistance.
Dance attire:
Female dancers are required to wear tights and leotards for classes, whether they are dancing or not. Ballet students may only have a black camisole leotard and pink, tan, or black tights. Level 4 dancers have a required dress code for both ballet and choreography/repertory. Ballet requires the black leotard with the attached skirt and shoes; choreo/rep requires the black halter leotard and black capri pants. Order forms for these items are available in the dance department. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The professional dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Women
Dance Tech Class - Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed tan tights, and black jazz shoes. Ethnic Dance Class – Loose fitting “workout” clothing in dress code.
Ballet Class – Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Level 4 dancers are to wear the required leotard and pink tights and ballet shoes.
Repertory Class- Black camisole leotard, convertible-footed black tights, and black jazz shoes. Level 4 dancers are to wear the required leotard and black capris.
Male dancers are encouraged to wear a leotard or unitard, footless tights or jazz pants, a dance belt, and proper shoes, whether they are dancing or not. Men may substitute a white t-shirt and black sweat pants. The color and style of dancewear should be black, gray, navy, or white. Additionally, each dancer will be required to wear "professional dress wear" for performances, lecture demonstrations, exams, and dress days. The dress days are the first class of the month, performance test days, and exams.
Professional Dress-Men
White t-shirt black pants, dance belt, and black jazz shoes/black ballet shoes.
*Although the school provides the materials and supplies for basic instructional activities, the optional supply items on this list will allow your child to have an enhanced educational program. We appreciate your commitment to the education of your child, and with your donation we can provide a great program for the students here at CypressLakeHighSchoolCenter for the Arts.
Grading and Evaluations
An evaluation will be conducted at the end of each semester to determine the student's status in the department for the following semester. The evaluation is a compilation of student work including performance skills, class skills, physical development, attendance, and lab hour completion. The results of the evaluation will be the basis for placing a student on artistic probation.
Performing is a very special learning experience for the development of the young artist. Performance affords the opportunity for the student to put into practical application the skills learned in class. Dance majors at CLHSCA have a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their talents through performance. Specific performance expectations are described in the course code summaries for dance classes.
Students are selected for choreography through auditions and observations. If selected, students must be willing to commit to a rehearsal schedule and have parental consent. If the student fails to fulfill his/her part of the rehearsal schedule the student may be dismissed from the dance work. A student may only be excused from a rehearsal schedule if it is an emergency situation or with prior approval of the choreographer. All absences require written explanation from a parent or guardian. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the rehearsal schedule and inform parents or guardians of changes. Students are required to participate fully in all CLCA dance concerts in one or more of the following areas: 1) performer, 2) backstage staff, 3) technical crew, 4) usher, 5) front of house manager, and 6) publicity.
During the week of the ballet all rehearsals will run from 2:30 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. This is the only after school commitment that is mandatory. Most of the other after school rehearsals are held until 3:30 P.M. and are optional. There are three“class” performance weeks in the school year and the dates are noted on the course summaries at the beginning of the year. There are performance opportunities monthly.
Students are graded based on the criteria detailed in their course summaries, these areas include class preparation, class participation, artistic growth, notebooks/journals, tests, quizzes, projects, adherence to the dress code, and performance work.
Final exams may be performance-oriented and written. Class performance projects can also be used as the final exam for classes. The exams are used to evaluate the student's personal growth both mentally and physically.
Technology will be infused into the curriculum with many assignments requiring access to the internet. If the student does not have computer and/or internet access the parent may send a note to school and a modified assignment will be given. Ballet classes will utilize the Blackboard Online Class System for all assignments and links to homework/classwork assignments and resources. The website is All other dance classes will utilize If a student is absent they are to check the website for assignments.
Students who have achieved a high level of achievement in the department may be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Ms. Petro will have application forms and the officers of the society will assist students in filling out the form and seeing if they are eligible. Check the hallway bulletin boards for meeting updates and events.
Outside Dance Commitments
Study and performance with private dance schools is recommended and encouraged by the staff of Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. Consideration of the responsibilities to CLHSCA by the students should be reviewed prior to such commitments. CLHSCA performance and rehearsal schedules for the three performance weeks must have top priority. We will work with students so that they can participate fully in all activities.
Extracurricular Activities
The CLHSCA dance program is rigorous and demanding. Parents/guardians are asked to help students plan their work schedules and other activities in order to maintain optimum health and minimal stress. Activities like sports, cheerleading, math club, etc. should be integrated into the student calendar carefully in order to offer fun and relaxation, rather than to over burden. Dancers who choose to participate in any extracurricular activities need to communicate to all parties any scheduling conflicts and important dates so that solutions may be worked out. Every effort possible will be made to give students the freedom to take advantage of the many opportunities at CLHSCA.
Beyond the hard work of the dance department….we like to have fun. Check the hallway bulletin boards or FACEBOOK to note the upcoming “fun” events. Events include movie outings, afterschool parties, service opportunities, big sister/big brothers, etc. If you have a suggestion make sure that you share it with Ashley Forrester, Chelsea Green, Hannah Luckow, Nicole Willis, Raven Day, and Hannah Martin.
Conference and Communication
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to have an understanding of the arts and academic education their student is receiving. The conference time for faculty will be listed on the course summaries. Parents may call and leave an evening phone number for a conference call after hours. The Dance Department would like to be of assistance to students who have problems in any of their classes.
Performances will feature student work and will be held each semester to help families follow student progress. Students will bring home notes in regards to these events. Parents are highly encouraged to observe their student in action with their peers.