Class Syllabus 

Hartsville Middle School Dance Program Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Dennis James Breedlove

Email: dennis.breedlove@Darlington.k12.sc.us

Dance Studio Office Phone: 843-857-3060

Course Description Magnet Dance Program  

The magnet dance program is a yearlong performing arts program that students have the privilege of remaining a part of during one’s three years of middle school. The magnet dance program will provide the student with the fundamentals necessary for the undertaking of dance in the following levels and skill sets. Beginners, intermediate, & advanced dance. This course will develop student’s appreciation in areas of dance as an art form and lifetime activity. This course is designed to familiarize students with dance technique, dance history, and dance vocabulary, along with other forms of dance from around the world. 

Course Description General Ed-Dance Program

This course will grant the students the opportunity to learn, to explore, dance in all its traditional forms, students will learn the humanities of dance from its culture, society, and disciplines of one’s life and development as a dancer. Students can take general ed dance during the three years of one’s middle school educational growth. What are the building blocks of dance, and why are we called, selected to dance or to become a dancer. This course will develop student’s appreciation in areas of dance as an art form and lifetime activity. This course is designed to familiarize students with dance technique, dance history, and dance vocabulary, along with other forms of dance from around the world.

Course Objectives

·      To develop and maintain a positive self-image.

·      To learn different origins and history of dances.

·      To gain understanding and develop appreciation of dance through refection on dances of various styles experienced as participation and audience.

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

·      To have fun while learning a lifetime activity. 

Class Procedures Students must report to their designated area before the tardy bell rings.

•       Proper dance attire shall be worn each class meeting.

All female students must have the following for class.

•       Stretch pants, Yoga pants, jazz pants,

•       No short pants of any kind during dance

All male students must have the following for class.

Joggers, sweatpants or a loose fitted pants that one can warm-up in for class. No short pants of any kind during dance. Personal belongings are to be secured in student’s backpack. The dance program is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Each student will have five minutes (from the start of class) to dress for class and report to the classroom. Students will follow rules and guidelines of the Darlington County School District and Hartsville Middle School of the Arts, as well as Mr. Dennis James Breedlove, Teacher of Dance Education. Students, it is a must that you follow some form of daily hygiene. Please keep in mind you will be dancing every day or every other day. It would be respectful of you to always maintain personal hygiene practices.

Magnet Dance Program Students you are dancing every day in class. It is very important that you wash your dance clothing’s every day and have the noted hygiene items with you.

STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO SPRAY ANYTHING IN THE CLASSROOM… STEP-OUT INTO THE HALLWAY AWAY FROM ALL DOORS WAINT 5 SECONDS AND THEN ENTER BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM.

General Ed Dance Program Students you are dancing two days out of the week so please make sure you are ready to dance and practices good personal hygiene also. Dance days are Tuesdays & Thursdays.   

School Emergency Procedures

• Code Yellow: Lock doors stay in classroom until all clear is called.

• Code Red: Clear the building all students, teachers and staff must clear the building and meet a location noted by the teacher and the administration.

• Code Green: State that all is clear and or all is a counted for and are safe.

Dance Practical & Expectations

Students will try new movements, accept critiques, and rehearse material learned in class. Students are responsible for missed information and instructions – because of the nature of this course; absences are detrimental to the overall outcome of the student’s abilities to perform for upcoming concerts. Students will turn in any written assignments on time.  Students will follow classroom rules and school policies. Students will participate in class activities – unless an approved documentation of inability to do participate is presented to the instructor. (see Participation vs. Non-Participation below).  Students are encouraged to always put forth their best effort. If a student is unable to participate due to illness or injury, a DOCTOR’S NOTE stating the following is required. If the student did not go to the doctor and is not feeling well a note from a parent and or legal guardian must be given to the class instructor at the start of class.                                                                            

1. The reason for non-activity

2. How long the student is incapacitated

3. Specific activities the student is restricted from performing.

Classroom Responsibilities

Dress to be safe. Place jewelry in book bag.                                                                                                  

Food, drinks, and gum are prohibited. 

Proper Dress code always.

Be on time.

Required Materials & Supplies Classroom Essentials

Student Signed iPad

Spiral handwriting notebook                                                                                                                                                                                       Pens/Pencils                                                                                                                                                                                                                       A Box of Tissues/Germ X

Approved and appropriate dance attire

Hair ties 

Participation vs. Non-participation

Attentive to instructor

Not dressed appropriately for class                                                                                                                                                                                Not engaged in all or any activities                                                                                                                                                                             Inattentive to your Instructor/Dance teacher                                                                                                                                                                   Do not distracts other students from instructional activities                  

Because of the subject matter, it is impossible for a student to do well unless he/she participates, and he/she cannot fully participate unless he/she is dressed properly. A dancer must learn to adhere to strict guidelines to achieve the highest goals. However, if non-participation does occur, consequences will be strictly enforced. Each time a dancer fails dress out he/she will receive a “0” for the day. On the 1st occurrence of a non-dress within a semester, a parent phone call will be made informing you that your child has received a point deduction, and that the next occurrence will result in a discipline referral. For a student to be excused from participation, a verified doctor’s note will be required. A note from home requesting the student to "not participate" will not excuse the student from dress for class or participate in the warm-up exercises with the class.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Grading Procedures HMS Dance Program

Weekly Preparation: Grade 20 points X’s 5 = 100 possible points earn weekly

Dressed appropriately, arrival to class on time and in designated seat                                                                                                                         Positively, enthusiastically, and correct participation. Point deduction will be as follows.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Class Performance Daily Participation Class Warm Points

Assessments Points:  Writing Reflections & Dance Comp-work Teacher/Student lead work

Mastery Level Live Performances:  

Semester Performances/Special Events

Failure to Participate Daily  0-points                                                                                                                                                                

Inappropriate Dress Daily   0-points                                                                                                                                                                         

Late Assignments Daily      5-points                                                                                                                       

Chewing Gum Daily     0 points 

this is a liability and student could possibly choke or bit tongue or other parts of the mouth. Dance shoes are appropriate for class students must have on dance shoes or socks if students are comfortable student is allowed to dance bare feet. Streets shoes are a liability on the dance floor this could result in an injury.                                                                                                                                                                     

Excessive Jewelry Daily 0 points                                                                                                                                                                        

Parent and or Doctors note EX                                                

Hair must be out of face   5-point deduction                                                                                                             

Participation/Appropriate Attire 20 points 

Skill Test/ Written Tests/Dance Performance Assignments & Assessments   10pts                                                                                               

Alternative Assignment Winter/Spring Artist Tribute/Presentation report 0 to 60 points                                 

Teacher Redirection of student results in a                                                                 5 points deduction

Unit information class lecture video viewing & Textbooks Discovering Dance 

Dance History Unit & Writing reflections The History of Modern Dance the Pioneers of Modern Dance

Loie Fuller

Isadora Duncan

Ruth St. Dennis

Ted Shawn

The First Generation of Modern Dance

Martha Graham

Mary Wigman

Hanay Holm

Doris Humphrey

Charles Weidman

Agnes de Mille

Lester Horton

The Second Generation of Modern Dance

Erick Hawkins

Merce Cunningham

Jose` Limon`

Katherine Dunham

Peral Primus

Alvin Ailey

Anna Halprin

Yvone Rainer

Twyla Tharp

Modern Dance Today

Mark Morris

Ohad Naharin

Shen Wei  

Black History Month

Spotlight Writing reflections

The Elements of Dance

Dance Design Creating Standard 1 

Research

Apply

Create

Present

Reflect

Health of a  Dancer                                                                                                                                                                                                      Anatomy/Kinesiology of Dance                                                                                                                                                                                  Movement Qualities                                                                                                                                                                                                     Forms of Dance                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ballet                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Modern                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Jazz                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Improvisation Study                                                                                                                                                                                                     Folklore

History                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Choreography/Concert

Hartsville Middle School Dance Program Daily Student Participation Grading Rubric Sheet

Name _____________________    Week ____________  Period _____

Daily Participation Grade Rubric 

20 points per day x 5 days per week= 100 points possible for daily participation which falls under class performance. 

Monday - Friday

Participation (5 points) earn or deducted

Appropriate Dress (10 points) earned or deducted

Chewing gum or eating (3 points) deducted  

Excessive Jewelry (2 points) deducted

Total points possible per day 20pts 

Weekly a 100pts per week if the student is following all rules and guideline set forth from the teacher. 

*Student please note, for every redirection given per class period 5 points of your daily score is being deducted.

Behavior notes/Redirections: __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Total points earned per week: _______________  

Teacher Evaluation Assessment Evaluation Sheet & Peer to Peer Assessment Evaluation

Student Name: ______________________                                       Date: _______________

Magnet Dance & General Ed Dance                                            Grade: ______________

Skill in performance                                            1      2      3      4      5

Resultant rhythm clearly demonstrated:                 1      2      3      4      5

Followed established ground rules:                     1      2      3      4      5

Effective ending:                                                      1      2      3      4      5

Original in approach:                                          1      2      3      4      5

General impression of presentation:                    1      2      3      4      5

This evaluation sheet is adaptable for any dance styles, unit lesson, and student to student positive critique. Peer to peer critiquing and evaluation is in supporting ongoing development and having the ability and understanding in supporting other young dancers.  This teacher made evaluation sheet supports district standards in the following for student learning. Assessment, Class Performance, and Mastery.

Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Improvisation Study, Ethnic Dance/Folk Dance,

*Student please note, for every redirection given per class period 5 points of your daily score is being deducted.

Behavior notes/Redirections: _________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ 

Student Portfolio Assignment

Students are working on their dance portfolio packets. This assignment is part of the in-class dance presentation assignment. Students are to write their autobiography written in the 3rd person, along with a student resume detailing one's educational history and course training throughout their studies at Hartsville Middle School. Students should list in resume format academic courses per grade any participation in extracurricular activities outside of school. The overall outline of student portfolio (assignment) should include the following:

·   Cover page: heading

·   The Biography of ______________________Students full name at bottom page

·   Center photo of student that is age appropriate and approved by Mr. Breedlove

·   Student's full name below

·   Second page: Student resume in resume format

·   Center student's full name

·   Fictional home address

·   Fictional cell phone & home number

·   Fictional email address

·   Professional objective

·   Professional quote

·   Educational history

*All portfolio packets will be presented in class, students it is up to you in making sure all spellings marks, grammar, corrections other than myself. You can ask your ELA teachers for support in reviewing your assignment. However, they are not required. I recommend that you review the final packet with your parents. 

This is your heading and introduction.

Artist Tribute:

Artist Name:

Work/Style of Dance

Student Name:

Grade:

Class period: 

*Students please note that this assignment is only given if you are not physically, actively, not taking part in dance class assignment. The best grade you can get from this assignment no matter how it will be done and presented is a 60. 

Assignment: Create a 1-2-page introduction / information resource of a significant dance artist and exemplar work.

Selected Artist

Selected Exemplar work, selecting 30-60 seconds of movement material

Share why is this artist and choreographic work meaningful and compelling to you?

Include on your Artist Information sheet

Include:          Images / Pictures

-Headshot of the artist

-A dance shot of the artist

-Image(s) from the choreographic work

_____________Factual and informative facts that are relevant and that you want your learners to know about your featured artist and the selected dance work.

-Research your artist and the dance work using primary and secondary resources.

-Gather what is interesting to you with your learners in mind.

-Curate from your research to select what will be relevant to your learners.

Possible Considerations:

ARTIST – what information provides insight about the shaping and expression of this artist?

-Personal History and Background

-Formative Influences

-Location in within dance lineage (key teachers, mentors, protégés, and students)

-Creative / Artistic Philosophy

-Creative approaches, methods or strategies

HISTORICAL, SOCIAL CONTEXT - significant context relative to exemplar work

-Cultural

-Social

-Economic

-Political

DANCE CHARACTERISTICS & HALLMARKS

-Dance genre, technique, or style

-Information to introduce / contextualize selected exemplar work

ARTISTIC COLLABORATORS & CONTEMPORARIES

- Key collaborators (if applicable to the featured work)

Hartsville Middle School Dance Program Dance Project Artist Tribute Scoring Rubric

Introduction total possible points earned.

3-5 points

1–2-page Introduction

Information resource of a significant dance artist and exemplar work

Site your source, documenting the website in which you gather your information on noted artist.

Copies of these documents, hardcopy of these documents must also be turned in.

Selected Artist possible points earned.

3-5 points

Selecting 30-60 seconds of movement material from noted artist, body of work history.

Please make sure that the work you present is age apparat for class.

Share why this artist and his/her choreographic work is meaningful and compelling to you.

Include on your Artist Information sheet age apparat photos of artist,

Headshot of the artist, a dance shot of the artist and images from the choreographic works.

Information such as facts that are relevant and that you, you’re your fellow class members to know. Possible points earned.

3-5 points

Research your artist and the dance work. Using primary and secondary resources.

Gather what is interesting to you with your learners in mind.

Curate from you research to select what will be relevant to your learners.

Possible Considerations possible points earned.

3-5 points

Artist  What information provides insight about the shaping and expression of the artist

Personal history and background, formative influences. Location in within dance lineage (key teachers, mentors, protégé’s, students)

Creative/Artic Philosophy, Creative approaches, methods or strategies.

Historical, Social context relative to exemplar work. Possible points earned.

3-5 points

Significant context relative to exemplar work.

-Cultural

-Social

-Economic

-Political

Dance Characteristics & Hallmarks

-Dance genre, teaching, or style.

-Information to introduce/contextualize selected exemplar work. 

Artistic Collaborators & Contemporaries Possible points earned.

3-5 points

-Key collaborators (if applicable to the featured work)

Presentation Possible points earned.

10-20 points

Q & A  Section form students to presenter. 

50 points possible points earned for overall project.

Dance clothing options:

Magnet Dance Students (only) 

Discount Dance Supply 1-800-328-7107 

Female Dancer  Theatricals Adult Scoop Tank Leotard Color Black

Adult size:     Bust            Waist               Hips              Girth

PA               30”-32”       22”-24”       32”-34”       52”-54”

SA               32”-34”       24”-26”       34”-36”       55”-58”

MA              35”-37”       27”-29”       37”-39”       59”-62”

LA               38”-40”       30”-32”       40”-42”       63”-65”

XLA            39”-41”       31”-33”       41”-43”       65”-67”

1X               41”-43”       33”-35”       43”-45”       66”-68”

2X               44”-46”       36”-38”       46”-48”       67”-69”

This information is shown as a guide only and not a guarantee. Actual fitting may vary.

• Theatricals Adult Convertible Tights  Theatricals Adult Gore Insert Jazz Boot Black   Color Black Theatricals Adult V-Front Jazz Pant               Male Dancer/Performer  Black Jazz Pants/Sweat pants wide leg at bottom  Theatricals Adult Gore Insert Jazz Boot Color Black  White or Black Compression Shirt Men’s Compression shorts black Parents please see the information for the boys on the Hanes Eco Smart sweatpants.

*Magnet Dance Program first dance concert is November now waiting conformation on pending dates. Objective this year is to have a program A & B concert.

*General Education Dance Program will have in class performances only…more information will be shared in the coming months.

Make-up Policy:

Students are responsible for assignments and movement material missed during absences. (excused or unexcused)                                               Students are responsible for checking with the teacher regarding missed work on the day they return to class. All make-up work is due the following class period. If you are absent from class, you have five (5) days to make-up/submit and missing assignments.

• DANCE CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE & CODE OF ETHICS CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT OUTLINE                                          RULES, CONSEQUENCES, AND PROCEDURES

Classroom Procedures

Class meets in auditorium for morning announcements roll-call attendance in the electronic grade-book. Students then get dress for dance class.  Students enter the theater/auditorium dance space fully dressed and ready to work. Once Students are on stage in per-warm-up I then enter the following points for the day in the following categories.

Class Rules My Posted rules are as follows

Food, drink, and gum prohibited.                                                                                                                                                                                Dress to be safe. (Place all jewelry in book bag.)                                                                                                                                                        Dancer’s dress sharp and always ready for a part, so always do your part and dress for the role.                                                                    Dancers are neat, dancers are clean, dancers are sweet but never are we mean.   

Student Consequences for each consequences student is losing 5points from total daily points  of 20 eared per-day.                   

Nonverbal warning                                                                                                                                                                                                    Written warning                                                                                                                                                                                                       Teacher Student Conference Grade level and or Grade level team leader conference with student.   

*Students please make a mental note that the Teacher Mr. Breedlove, always reserves the right to use the consequence that fits the behavior, which has taken place at any given time. Major offense will lead to an immediate office referral.

10 Simple Rules for Dance Class Etiquette

1.      Always arrive on time. If you can’t avoid being late, make eye contact with the teacher prior to entering class and wait for their permission to enter.  When possible, notify your instructor if you will be late or absent.  After class, be sure to apologize for your late arrival.

2.      Be prepared for class: Avoid In & Outs. Students should arrive early to use the restroom or do it at the very beginning of class. Remember everything you need for class prior to heading into the studio.  Unless it’s an emergency, which can happen, avoid disrupting class to use the restroom. Dancers going in and out can be distracting to your peers, as well as for the instructor. You may also miss something important if you are not in class.

3.      Be quiet and listen while your dance teacher is giving instructions. That means no talking when your teacher is talking. Try to listen for the answer yourself, before interrupting class with a question that has already been asked and answered.

4.      Pay attention at all times and stand like a dancer always. You should always present yourself with good posture and show that that you are ready to learn. Dancers shouldn’t sit down in class (unless instructed to do so) or hang on the barre.  

5.      Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Your dance teachers are there to help you become a better dancer!  Be sure to ask for clarification when necessary. Ask questions by raising your hand and waiting for the teacher to call on you. This will help when you are confused to improve and progress as a dancer.

6.      Demonstrate good spatial awareness. Be aware of your body as you are moving through the movements. This includes giving the instructor space and not crowding other students.   

7.      Be courteous and respectful. At the end of class, applaud and thank the instructor. Show them your appreciation for the planning and preparation that went into class.

8.      Stay for the entire class. It’s always best to stay for the entire duration of the class, but if you must leave early, talk to the teacher beforehand and make your exit as quickly and discreetly as possible.

9.      Try your best. Give 110% always. If you realize you are in a dance class that’s above your skill level, never walk out of a class or sit down in frustration!  Hang in there and try your best!  No one will fault you for that. Practice makes PROGRESS!

10. Parents make sure you allow the dancer teacher to do their job! If you have a question or comment, feel free to talk to the teacher after class (not during). Viewing windows are for viewing and not communicating with your child during class.  If your child is being disruptive, allow the teacher to make behavior corrections first. We will always come get you if need be.

 CLASSROOM MANAGEEMTN OUTLINE

I. INSTRUCTIONAL TIME (first 20 minutes of class)

• Enter the classroom with an open mind welcoming the students into the circle of is dance.

• Participate in the days’ activities or lectures.

• Use respectful communication & allow the student’s to be heard.

• Work cooperatively during class work.

II. REHEARSAL TIME (next 50 minutes of class)

• Student’s per-warm body while teacher enters daily points for class participation.

• Students engaged in class warm-up lead by teacher.

• Use respectful communication to share ideas with class.

• Student’s hand in class homework before taking the stage/dance floor.

• All side conversations must end once instructor has taken the stage/dance floor.

REHEARSAL INFRACTIONS BREAK DOWN (5 minutes of class)

Students are given 60 points daily for a total of 100 points each week for their participation grade and may lose points based on the following:

• Forgotten dance clothing non participation 0

• Not participating-0

• Unprepared-0

• Poor participation/lack of physical concentration-0 (If a student is not giving 100% in a warm-up and or during class the teacher has the right to sit that student out for the day for the student is placing them self in harm’s way of physically inuring them self’s as well as the other dancers around them.)

III. GUIDED PRACTICE (last 15 minutes of class)                                                                                                        

• Reviewing of the dance combination in smaller groups/building blocks for longer lesson planning Student Corporation creating a working and creative unit. 

• Review dance combination as individual performers this assessment allows me to see what background training my students have along with the level of confidence to perform in front of the class this form of assessment allows me to see the performance level in my students and the class. Students will wait your turn to be helped by teacher.                                                                                               

*This is how my class operates on a normal day. When other non-instructional activities happen such as fire drills, pep rallies, assemblies and or emergencies occur the students will take all directions from the teacher. Along with if, my classes being move out of the theater/auditorium for rental space along with other fine-art classes and or other events during the school year sometimes I am aware of these changes and other times I am not.