DANCE THEORY ONE

Goose Creek High School

Mrs. Busch

School Email:

Welcome to dance at Goose Creek High School for the 2015-2016 school year!

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will introduce students to the history of dance from ancient dance to the early twentieth century. Students will gain a working understanding of this history of dance,rituals, customs, important events, historical figures and dance icons from this time period. Students will also develop an understanding of anatomy/kinesiology, proper nutrition and healthful living,dancer’s self-image, stage etiquette, and cultural norms in dance. We will use this theory to help reinforce students dance technique, choreographic skills, and overall understanding of dance.

CLASS GOALS: Students will need to:

  • Meet high expectations that are communicated throughout the school year
  • Demonstrate a level of consistency in processing, analyzing, and responding to sensory information through language and skills unique to dance
  • Develop an understanding and recollection of a variety of dance styles and technique for these styles
  • Use different types of technology to complement our dance studies
  • Learn and recall famous dance figures in the dance community
  • Work collaboratively with their peers to encourage active learning while talking about the course concepts

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

  • Be Good Mannered: Absolutely no food, drink, or gum, other than water, is allowed in the dance space at any time, use kind words to all peers and adults, and clean up after yourself after every class
  • Be Appropriate: Do not use profanity in the classroom, all student conversations should remain professional in nature, and all dance moves should remain school appropriate
  • Be Tidy: Have all assignments completed on time, use restrooms before class, bring water to class, and bring proper attire and materials to every class
  • Be On Task: When the class bell rings, all students should be in the classroom, dressed and prepared to learn, participate in class by dancing, answering questions, and rehearsing, follow all directions promptly and accurately, and all mobile devices should be put away at all times
  • Be Respectful: Avoid disruptive behavior, leave other people’s belongings alone, be polite to peers and the instructor at all times, use school property carefully
  • Be Supportive:Work cooperatively with all group members and peers, be a leader when it is appropriate, always value others opinions, ideas, and concerns

DISIPLINARY POLICIES:

Consequences for students will be issued in the event of misbehavior, disrespect,and/or violation of class/school rules.

1st Offense / Verbal Warning
2nd Offense / After School Detention and Teacher Conference
3rd Offense / After School Detention and Parent Notification
4th Offense / Referral to Office and Parent Conference
*Detentions will be held after school or during the student’s lunch. These will be scheduled at the teacher’s earliest convenience. Students who do not serve a detention will receive an additional attention and parents will be notified. Failure to serve the second detention will result in ISS (in school suspension).

GRADING POLICIES:

The grading system in this class will be based on a running total of cumulative points per quarter. Students will earn points on participation, activities, assignments, quizzes, attendance, and written and skills tests. Points will be based on the quality and completion of your work.

*In this class students will be required to write proficiently. They will be assigned to write reflections, daily notes, worksheets, and research papers. This class is designed to help students understand dance from a non-kinesthetic (no movement) approach. These assignments will be mandatory and a large portion of student’s grades.

Nine-Week Grading Scale:

100 - 93%=A

92 - 85 %=B

84 - 77 %=C

76 - 70 %=D

Below 70%=F

Nine-Week Grading Areas/Points for Dance:

Daily Grades: 40% of quarterly grade

Classwork/Quizzes 20% of quarterly grade

Participation 20% of quarterly grade

Tests/Projects: 40% of quarterly grade

Tests/Assessments 20% of quarterly grade

Projects 20% of quarterly grade

Homework 20% or quarterly grade

Homework 20% of quarterly grade

(These assignments are mandatory and will affect quarter and semester grades)

*****LOSS OF DAILY POINTS WILL OCCUR FOR THE FOLLOWING:

  • LITTLE-NO EFFORT-10 pts.
  • PARTICIPATION -10 pts.
  • DISRESPECT/TALKING:-10 pts.
  • CELL PHONES IN CLASS-10 pts.
  • UNEXCUSED TARDY TO CLASS-10 pts.

Make-up and Late Work:

Make-up work and make-up tests will ONLY be accepted if the work is made up within 10 days of the absence. It is the student’s responsibility to get all make-up work from the instructor. Should any prolonged illness and/or extenuating circumstances arise, please see the teacher immediately upon return. Make-up work not completed within this time frame will result in a zero.

Absences:

The Dance Department will follow the Goose Creek High School attendance policy. All medical, legal, or handwritten excuses must be turned into Ms. Susan Pulley (LA office). A student may be denied credit if he/ she has accumulated 6 absences in 90- day class.

Tardies:

Tardies are unacceptable in this class. Students must be in class on time. All students should be in the classroom prepared to learn once the bell rings. Any students who are not will be asked to receive a late pass or will be marked tardy. Students with consecutive tardies will be disciplined using the school’s tardy policy.

***************DRESS CODE FOR DANCE CLASS***************

The dance program at Berkeley Center for the Arts is working to set a strong foundation. We must maintain standards and high expectations for all students who desire to be part of the BCA Dance Program. For this course, students will be required to follow the Goose Creek High School dress code policy. Students do not need to dress out for Theory classes.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Students will use these materials throughout the year during this course. Any items that are lost or damaged should be replaced as soon as possible.

All students will be required to have:
-One inch, three ring notebook with loose leaf paper
-Standard Notecards
-Writing Utensils
-Standard Composition Notebook

*On occasion students will need to dress out for this class as well. Students will be notified in advance when this will need to occur.

Syllabus Contract:

We have read and agreed to the class rules and policies listed above. We understand that these policies will be enforced throughout the school year. We also understand that thepurpose of these guidelines is to follow them with pride in order to have successful performance in class.

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Student Name PrintedClass Period

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Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Name Printed Parent Email Address

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Parent Phone NumberBest Time of Day to be Reached

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Parent/Guardian Signature Date