Dance

This course is an introduction to dance styles and techniques including beginning ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern and ethnic. Students who have dance training are coached individually on development and advancement of technique. The daily warm-up activities emphasize ballet technique, flexibility and strength. Students need to do the following:

1. Wear appropriate dance attire daily.

2. Actively participate in a physically demanding dance class every day.

3. Demonstrate socially appropriate behavior at all times.

4. Cooperate and compromise with peers.

5. Participate in the required final exam during the end of the year dance concert.

          This includes after school and weekend rehearsals, no exemptions.

6. Cooperatively choreograph and perform original student works for the midterm exam.

7. Be self-directed.

Advanced techniques and choreography class for dancers with more training.  Emphasis is on refining techniques and solo and group performances. In addition to Dance I requirements, students taking Dance II:

1. Master more complex dance techniques.

2. Demonstrate significant progress in strength and flexibility.

3. Model appropriate dance class and theater safety.

4. Model appropriate dance class and theater etiquette.

5. Take leadership roles in choreography of May Dance Concert.

6. Take leadership roles in production (technical, costumes, brochures and communications) of May Dance Concert.

7. Perform solos if assigned by the instructor.

8. Attend pre-arranged homework rehearsals outside of class time.

Honors Dance III uses a modern dance-based approach and follows Dance II. Honors Dance III emphasizes the study of dance as a creative and expressive art form. Students demonstrate a commitment to personal fitness and to attaining an intermediate level of technical skill and performing with greater fluency, precision and articulation. Students are instructed in prevention of common dance-related injuries and are encouraged to reassess their own healthy food and life choices. Students combine the use of improvisation, dance elements, choreographic principles and technical/theatrical elements to explore the creation of meaningful dance compositions. Students are encouraged to communicate personal feelings, thoughts, ideas and concepts through the skillful use of dance movement and to present their choreography to selected audiences. Through the use of aesthetic criteria, students analyze and evaluate in a constructive manner the impact of their own choreography and the work of others. Students explore integration through the creation of interdisciplinary projects and continue their study of dance through cultural and historical viewpoints with an emphasis on the development of dance from the Renaissance through Romantic periods and make cross-curricular connections related to these historical periods.  Students maintain a portfolio which contains written and/or visual examples of their work.

Honors Dance IV uses a modern dance-based approach and follows Honors Dance III. Honors Dance IV provides students with the opportunity to develop an advanced level of dance technique and refine their skills as both choreographer and performer. Students apply their creative and technical knowledge and skills through a variety of production and performance opportunities. Using expanded aesthetic criteria students analyze, synthesize and evaluate their own choreography as well as works of others.  Students strive to clearly express ideas as they examine the creative process of integrating movement with choreographic intent. The development of dance during the 20th Century and into the contemporary era is a major focus of Honors Dance IV.  Students are directed to make cross-curricular connections related to the 20th century period.   Studies include the purposes of dance, dance genres and styles, artistic conflicts and resolutions, innovations, social issues, technological applications, and significant contributors. Students learn to assess personal health and fitness, develop and achieve personal dance goals, and integrate knowledge and skills with a variety of other content areas. Students maintain a video portfolio which contains written and/or visual examples of their work.