Welcome to Coach Clark's Page
High School Dance Department 
2017-2018

Biography

I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and have dedicated my life to helping students improve their physical fitness through dance and physical education. I received my M.A. in Physical Education from Arizona State University in 2011; and my B.A. in Dance from California State University, Los Angeles in 2006.

I have over 10 years of teaching experience; as well as professional industry experience choreographing concert tours for artists like Destiny's Child, Usher, 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 over 10 years, my experience includes directing productions, choreographing dances for 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.

 I look forward to an exciting 2017-2018 school year!


Dance Announcements

 Dance Concert "Move Your Body"
Saturday, May 19th, 2018 @ 3pm
Santa Monica High School-Barnum Hall
600 Olympic Blvd
LA, CA 90405
*Park at the civic center across the street
*Tickets: Pre-sale $10  At the door $15

Concert Mandatory Rehearsals

Will be announced at a later time.



Student Choreography Results



African Dance Unit Video

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. 5 points per day will be given for participation 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)


Materials/Attire

    • DRESS POLICY (Updated Information)


      Students have 2 options

      Option 1: New West PE/Dance Apparel

      Students are allowed to wear ANY New West PE/Dance apparel to class This includes mesh shorts, sweats (not recommended), girls pe shirt, unisex pe shirt, yoga pants, leggings, dance shirt and tank top, capri pants, and capri sweats. 

      Option 2: Personal Clothing

      Students are allowed to wear solid black clothing. This includes: shorts, leggings, dance pants, tights, leotards, tank tops etc...

      • HAIR: Bun or pony tail only. Short hair can be pulled back with a headband or pinned.
      • Students must change back into their New West uniform after class (Monday-Wednesday)
      • Students are allowed to wear their New West PE/dance apparel all day on thursdays and fridays. If students wear their solid black clothing they must change back into their uniform on thursdays and fridays. 
      •  Absolutely no jeans or jeggings of any kind
    • Materials
      •  3 Ring binder folder with dividers for Journals/reflections, class work, tests and notes (It is extremely important to keep up with all completed class work). Please bring to class every Thursday, unless specified a different day by Coach Clark.

Class Rules

  1. Attendance, promptness, and active participation on a daily basis. Each day you should work to your limits and consider every exercise a performance.
  2. No street shoes, food, gum, or drink allowed in the dance studio. 
  3. Be respectful of all instructors, dancers, and guests.
  4. All school, and class policies will be enforced.
  5. Be open to any styles of dance presented and be able to work with any student in class.
  6. Come dressed out and prepared to work every day.
  7. NEVER USE THE WORD CAN'T!
       

Wish List/Supply List

  1. ITunes Gift Card for downloading music
  2. One class set (20) of stretch bands
  3. Storage Cabinet for Dance Costumes
  4. Ballet Barres

Expectations

HAVE FUN AND TRY YOUR BEST! REMEMBER PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! 


Contact Me
 Rm. 215 

Contents

  1. 1 Biography
  2. 2 Dance Announcements
  3. 3 Concert Mandatory Rehearsals
  4. 4 Will be announced at a later time.Student Choreography ResultsSTUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY RESULTS
  5. 5 African Dance Unit Video
  6. 6 DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS……...
    1. 6.1 Beginning Dance (Dance 1)
    2. 6.2 Intermediate Dance (Dance 2)
    3. 6.3 Dance Team (Advance Dance)
  7. 7 Grading Policy
  8. 8 Materials/Attire
  9. 9 DRESS POLICY (Updated Information)
  10. 10 Class Rules
  11. 11 Attendance, promptness, and active participation on a daily basis. Each day you should work to your limits and consider every exercise a performance. No street shoes, food, gum, or drink allowed in the dance studio.  Be respectful of all instructors, dancers, and guests. All school, and class policies will be enforced. Be open to any styles of dance presented and be able to work with any student in class. Come dressed out and prepared to work every day. NEVER USE THE WORD CAN'T!        
  12. 12 Wish List/Supply List
  13. 13 Expectations