JOHN F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
DANCE 2 R TRACK
HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO DANCE 2! GET READY TO MOVE!!
Mrs. Perosi
DANCE 2 R TRACK
Description and Expectations
This course is designed for the student who has prior formal dance training /minimum 5 years and currently taking dance outside of school or who have taken Dance I S or R Track and have been approved for placement in Dance 2. The student must be professional, disciplined, focused and possess a strong work ethic. The student must be committed to their technical and artistic development. Students will participate in Intermediate/Advanced Level movement classes in Ballet Technique, Modern Technique (Free-Form Based and Advanced Beginner Level Horton Technique), Jazz Technique, Contemporary, Movement Improvisation and Choreography, Theatre Dance, and Audition Skills. All technique classes will include Intermediate/Advanced barre work, center work, movement combinations, across the floor work and repertoire that address specific skills and technique. The students will continue to work on consistent application of correct body placement, balance, falls, leaps, and turns. Students will create their own choreography by using the elements of dance and a choreography rubric. Students will work on learning choreography as a class, as well. The students will study Dance History by researching world dance, the reasons why people dance, and dance pioneers. The students will identify, translate, define, and demonstrate terminology, dance technique steps, and movement phrases or movement combinations. Students will make use of written self and peer critiques as well as explore writing about different aspects of Dance through journal entries. The class will also write critiques about professional dance company’s work.
There will be times where you 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 significant 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. *Differentiated Instruction will be used-understand it, respect it, and don’t question it.
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 2 R Track Handbook Document and Expectations and Guidelines Document. (Submit to Mrs. Perosi by September 12th - This is your first assignment! )
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 www.discountdance.com
Dance Distributors www.dancedistributors.com
All About Dance www.allaboutdance.com
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 September 12th !
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.
2. “DO NOW”- As soon as we arrive to the auditorium- it is your responsibility to spread yourselves out and do the “Do Now” Warm Up for that week. (Led by Company Manager). If it is a Ballet Day- you will assist with taking the barres out and lining them up after Do Now Warm Up.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. No cell phones!! No earbuds! They will be immediately confiscated and you will be written up. No warnings- this is your warning.
6. ABSOLUTELY no talking permitted during dance class unless called upon!!
7. 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.
8. 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:
9. TEAMWORK IS A MUST!!! Encourage your classmates and make a conscious effort to work and grow together.
10. Please bring any concerns, problems, and issues to my attention immediately. I always have an open door policy!! I want you to feel comfortable and safe in my classroom.
11. Assignment and Projects 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Do not touch teacher’s cart, or music. Treat the cart like a teacher’s desk.
15. 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
· Discussions about Dance History/Origin of different techniques
· On line Journal Entries
· Movement Compositions/Choreography Projects and Peer Critiques
· Video Movement Critiques
· Technique Class-Technique, Skills, and Movement Combinations
· Company Manager Duties
· Performance Assessments
BALLET VOCABULARY
Each Ballet Technique Class you will be given new Ballet Vocabulary on the white board. Upon entering class you are responsible for reading them and understanding their definition and practical application.
JOURNAL ENTRIES
Occasionally you will be asked to document thoughts, struggles, and experiences with a particular concept or project in dance. 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. This will be done via entrance/exit cards or on line discussion page on Google Classroom.
MOVEMENT COMPOSITIONS/CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECTS AND PEER CRITIQUES
A large part of Dance 2 is the creative process. You will be revisiting tools and resources given in Dance I and new choreographic devices to create several movement studies and complete works. 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.
VIDEO MOVEMENT CRITIQUES
In class we will watch professional dance companies, youtube clips, television clips etc. We will do this and evaluate the choreography and critique it as well as identify choreographic devices and tools used. This process will assist you in your own development of movement studies and compositions.
TECHNIQUE CLASS
You will participate in the following different technique classes- Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Body Conditioning. You will be taught skill based exercises and movement combinations and dances that you will be tested on .
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.
· You will create Do Now Warm Up and teach to the class.
· 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.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS
Performances Assessments will consist of exercises, movement combinations , dances that were taught to you in technique class. You will also perform movement studies and choreography projects that you created within your groups.
DANCE 2 R TRACK grading system
Final Grade for Each Marking Period Encompasses These Areas:
Minor Assessments (Daily)
Daily Participation Grade (50% Professionalism/Ettiquette/Participation/Effort
(50% Ability/Skill Level/Technique)
Company Manager Duty
Journal Reflections on Google Classroom or Entrance/Exit Card
5 Major Assessments per MP(Will be announced)
Performance Assessments ( Practical Assessments on Skills/Technique 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.