LariKa Clark

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High School Dance Department

2020-2021

I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and have dedicated my life to helping students improve their their dance technique and performance qualities. I received my Master's Degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University in 2011; my Bachelor's Degree in Dance and Theater from California State University, Long Beach in 2006, and a Master's of Science in Educational Administration along with an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Fullerton in May 2020.

I have over 20 years of dance experience. I spent several years working as a professional dancer in the entertainment industry. I enjoyed choreographing concert tours for artists like Destiny's Child, Usher, Brittney Spears, and Brandy. I also have extensive experience teaching children of all ages and am regularly a guest Master Instructor and Choreographer at High Schools in the Los Angeles County and the state of Arizona.

I have been teaching dance at the high school level for 12 years, my experience includes choreographing, and directing productions, choreography for dance team competitions, and teaching the fundamentals of Dance in a variety of styles (Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, African). This year, I will be adding cultural dances into the curriculum and will focus on celebrating diversity through the art of dance.

As my Teaching career progressed I wanted to find ways to help all students which led me to move into Administration. As the Assistant Principal of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion I will strive to build and sustain a diverse and equitable community for all students. It is my goal to expose students, faculty, and staff to a wide range of ideas, experiences, and cultures. Together, we will examine and challenge preconceptions, and explore different ways of thinking. It is important to enhance the learning experience and reflect the school's educational mission of providing students with an individualized education for the 21st century student.

Announcements

Back To School Night-2020-21 School Year....

Dear Parents,

I am happy to welcome you to the 2020-21 school year! I am looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure your child can achieve their highest potential. I recognize that in order to be successful in school, your child will need support from both the home and school. A strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that I will do my very best to carry out my responsibilities. With that being said, please attend our Back To School Night Event on zoom. The details are down below:

When: September 9th & 10th

Where: Zoom

Both evenings will provide parents the same opportunities to hear updates on the HS program from Dr. Weir and Mr. Herrera from 6:00 to 6:15 pm, watch short video introductions to every class from 6:15 to 6:45 pm, and then participate in live question-and-answer sessions with each teacher from 6:45 to 7:15 pm.

I encourage you all to view my class presentation and syllabi prior to the event on this link.

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IMPORTANT: 2020-2021 Auditions Results

Thank you all for your hard work. You all are very talented and I look forward to working with you next year. Please do not be discouraged if you were not put into a class level that you audition for, just keep working hard. Please click on the link below to view the results. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to email me at lclark@newwestcharter.org

Dance Department Audition Results

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How to Prepare for your Auditions

HS Dance Team Requirements

HS Dance Program Requirements

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DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS……...

Beginning Dance (Dance 1)
Students in this class will learn the fundamental techniques and vocabulary in many styles of dance. These styles include: ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, African, and hip hop. The students will also explore basic choreography concepts and performance techniques.

Intermediate Dance (Dance 2)

Students in this class will learn the fundamental techniques and vocabulary in many styles of dance. Intermediate dancers will have the opportunity to learn and apply beginning to intermediate level dance techniques in the following genres: jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, ballet, and African. At this level students will receive opportunities to perform during our Fall and Spring performance Concert.

Dance Team (Advance Dance)

This course will explore various styles of dance and body movement. The curriculum will include, but is not limited to the following: history of dance, dance technique, dance production, and choreography. The students will reach these goals by learning various genres of dance including: modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and participating in various dance performances.

Dance Content- will include attendance and a written critique of live performances, application of dance vocabulary, in-class performances, and written evaluations of dance history and culture. All students will also explore topics pertinent to dance such as body image, anatomy, and kinesiology, injury prevention, careers, and more!

Grading Policy

Full participation is required on a daily basis. 15 points per day will be given for participation, behavior, and dressing out. STUDENTS DO NOT RECEIVE PARTICIPATION POINTS IF THEY ARE NOT PROPERLY DRESSED FOR CLASS! Your grade will be based on the following:

40%- Participation and Effort

25%- Skill (Movement Exams, choreography projects, etc)

15%- Concert (Attendance at rehearsals and concerts)

15%- Written (Weekly Journals, Notes and Class Work)

10%- Tests and Quizzes (several written test will be given on vocabulary, anatomy, and history)

10%- Concert Critique ( one written paper per semester is required)