SYLLABUS

Liz Dorris

ldorris@bcswan.net

910.756.6880

Course Objectives:

• To develop and maintain a positive self-image.

• To learn different origins and histories of dances.

• To gain understanding and develop an appreciation of dance through reflection on dances of various styles experienced as a participant and audience.

• To provide enjoyment and understanding of health-related fitness.

• To create dances to express personal ideas and feelings.

• To have fun while learning a lifetime activity.

Grading System

**30% Formative

• Present, prompt, and dressed in appropriate dancewear

• Actively participate daily

• A positive attitude

• Warm-up routines, exercise, locomotor, center work, etc.

• Weekly written reflections; daily bell ringer

**70% Summative

• Choreography projects

• Dance combinations, across the floor, and performance

Performance Date

The recital will be; $5 per ticket (dancers do not pay, as they will be performing). The recital at the end of the semester will serve as your final exam for dance class and will be held at BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The recital will be held at BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium. If you do not perform, you will get a zero on the exam. *Each dance will have a “costume” that each dancer is responsible for acquiring. I will have more information when we get closer to the recital date.

Absences and Illness 

Medical Excuses- To be excused from physical activities due to medical reasons, you must provide:

A note from the physician, and there will be an in-class written assignment to make up for your participation.

Non-dress policy - If a student chooses not to dress properly, the student will lose 5 participation points per day, which cannot be made up. 

Non-dance policy- If a student chooses not to dance on a particular day and does not have a doctor's note, they will lose 20 points for the participation week. You will be asked to fill out a Class Observation Worksheet. Turning in the worksheet, completed, will allow you to gain 10 points back.

Going to the restroom – Go before you come to class. However, if there is an emergency, ask FIRST; you will not be allowed to take anything with you to the restroom.

Dance Goals 

• First and most important, love the body you have.

• Make sure your body is warm and prepared before going into any activity.

• Increase one’s flexibility, strength, and control throughout the body by learning various techniques, styles, and characteristics of dance forms.

• When choreographing, use choreographic devices, principles, and processes to communicate perceptions, images, motifs, symbolisms, and thoughts.

• To be encouraged to express and share personal creativity throughout the semester.

• Compose creative and expressive statements through the art of performance.

• Develop skills by using improvisation.

Class Expectations & Etiquette:

• Respect yourself, this class, and your peers. Be a living example.

• Learn to follow directions. When asked to do something… just do it. Immediately, without whining.

• For health and safety, no gum chewing is allowed while dancing.    

• Make sure your phone is turned off while in dance class, and do not charge it without permission.

• No food or beverages are allowed in the dance studio. Water bottles only. WE DON’T WANT ANTS!

• Do not use profanity. Please and thank you!

• If you move or borrow something, please put it back.

• Be positive, constructive, supportive, patient, and honest at all times.

• Always carry and present yourself with integrity, pride, and dignity.

• Avoid coming to class with a negative attitude.

• Never give up or get lazy…physically or mentally! Try your best at all times!