Morton Ranch High School

Morton Ranch High School

Harby Junior High School Dance Department

Dance 1 Course Syllabus

Instructor:Mrs. Tropea

Office- PE Women’s Coaches Office

Phone -

E-mail –

Tutorials: Tuesday and Thursday: 4:05 PM – 4:30PM(must let me know beforehand)

Course Description:

This course is an introductory course that provides the students with an exploration of the basic movement fundamentals: ballet, jazz, tap, world dance, modern, and choreography. Students will be introduced to dance technique and kinesthetic awareness, movement, vocabulary, choreography, creative expression, musicality, and dance history. In addition, students will have the opportunity to perform basic dance skills which will increase their self-confidence, self-discipline, and dance appreciation.

Course Supplies(please refer to handout for prices and sizing information):

Black form fittingpants below the knee(may purchase on your own)

Any color, school appropriate T-shirt (on your own)

Dance Class Tote Bag(small bag of your choice from home)

Tan Turners (can purchase from teacher)

Course Outline:

AnatomyAerobics/FitnessBalletJazz

Dance TechniqueHip-HopLyricalPrecision

ModernTapWorld DanceMusical Theatre

Required Major Projects:Dance Dimensions (Fall); Alvin HS Spring Show; End of Semester/Year Choreography Project

Course Calendar:This class meets everyday during your assigned class period. You will have 8 minutes to change and must be in your role call spot once that 8 minutes is up or points will be deducted for being tardy. You must still be in the dance room no later than the tardy bell.

Roll Call Times (Regular Scheduled Days): 1st Period- 8:48 AM; 2nd Period- 9:44AM; 3rd Period- 10:40AM

Course Expectations:You are expected to dress out everyday.Good attendance and participation is a must in dance class. Dance and motor skills can only improve by continuously training the body. If you give it your best, have a positive attitude, and complete your work on time,you will succeed!

Course Assignments:

Written ExamsCreative ActivitiesMemory Checks

ReportsPerformance ExamsSkill Tests

Article ReportsChoreography ProjectsVocabulary

Course Evaluation:

Grades are to be reported at the end of each reporting period.

The grades are figured by the following percentage scale:

50% - ACTIVE PARTICIPATION/DAILY GRADES(full and active participation of dance and dance concepts during class, this includes being dressed in assigned attire, quizzes, etc.)

50% - MAJOR GRADES (tests, performance exams, memory checks, skill completion, Dance Dimensions Concert, AHS Spring Show, etc.)

The 50% Active Participation Grade is calculated based on 20 points per day.

Active Participation/Daily grade is dependant on the following:

-No Dress: zero

-No Shoes: (-) 5 points

-Hair not pulled back: (-) 5 points

-Jewelry: (-) 5 points

-Refusal to participate: zero

-Gum: (-) 10 points

-Tardy to Roll Call lines: (-) 10 points

-Disrupting class: (-) 5 points

-Disrespect to teacher: (-) 5 points

-Absent: zero (can be made up by completing an article summary)

* At anytime should the teacher feel that you are not reaching your full potential or exhibiting a negative/disrespectful attitude, points will be deducted from your daily grade.

Dressing for Activity Requirements: Dressing out on a daily basis is a requirement of Dance students to enhance motor skill development and for the purposes of hygiene and safety. Dance attire is selected by Mrs. Tropeafor specific reasons. Proper dance attire is required for stretching, leaping, turning, and other movement. If the student has inappropriate attire for dance class or refuses to participate, he/she is not eligible to earn daily points and will receive zero points for that class day. Excessive absences will result in a low nine weeks grade.

The following consequences will apply for not dressing out:

1st – 3rdoffense – warning and no daily points received

4th Offense – Parent Contact

If problem continues, Principal contact and further consequences

Conduct Evaluation:

EOutstanding conduct characteristics

SAverage traits and characteristics of conduct

NConduct traits need improvement

UFor the nine-weeks grading period, the student’s conduct was unacceptable

Dance ClassGuidelines:

  1. Food, drink, and gum must stay out of the Dance Studio (Water is acceptable and encouraged!).
  2. Keep all valuables in a bag.
  3. Hair is to be pulled out of your face (ponytail for long, sides up for short)
  4. Wear appropriate attire everyday.
  5. Electronic Devices should be put away at ALL times!
  6. Touch sound system only when teacher specifies.
  7. Flat/curling irons are not to be used in the Dance room.

Course Rules:

  1. Be on time!
  2. Always give your very best work!
  3. Be respectful to yourself and to others!
  4. Have a POSITIVE attitude!
  5. Have FUN!!

In Case of Injury:

Students will be required to complete a long-term project and/or a written assignment during the class period. A doctor's note must be given to the instructor detailing the nature of the injury and the length of time of inactivity. Depending on the injury, the student will still be required to dress out.

In Case of Absence:

Students must assume the responsibility of learning any material that was taught while they were absent. Follow these steps:

1. Ask a fellow student what you missed.

2. Check your class box for any handouts given on the day you missed.

3. Go to Google Classroom to find an article to do your written assignmentfrom Mrs. Tropeato make up your points.