McMath Middle School Dance
Ms. Stevener
astevener@dentonisd.org
940-369-3338
Conference Period: 5th Period - 12:15-1:02
Tutorials- by appointment
Class Description
Students will work to develop body and kinesthetic awareness as we build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Students will experience and study various styles of dance (ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, musical theatre, and world dances). Elements of vocabulary, history, choreography, and performance will also be included in this course.
Class Expectations
1. Dress in all black- black athletic/dance pants or shorts(must be mid-thigh length or longer) and McMath dance t-shirt or black t-shirt – NO crop tops or tank tops.
2. Footwear- socks or dance shoes. We have new dance floors and shoes worn outside will not be allowed in class due to potential damage to the floors.
3. No gum, candy, food, or beverages other than water allowed.
4. No large jewelry during class. Hair is out of face. No cell phones or headphones.
5. Be on time, prepared with proper supplies, and follow directions.
6. Be respectful of the teacher, other students, and property.
7. Participate in all class activities - if unable to participate due to illness or injury, student needs to bring a PARENT/DOCTOR NOTE (parents may email or call me).
8. Students will be assigned lockers in the locker room. Students will be given time at the beginning and end of class to dress out.
Materials Needed
$25 dance fee - provides students with a dance shirt and a guest presenter dance workshop- due by Aug 30, cash or check payable to MMS Dance
Appropriate dance attire (see above)-Can start dressing out Tues Aug 13, must have attire by Mon Aug 19 (wear black t-shirt until McMath dance t-shirt arrives)
3 ring 1 inch binder with loose notebook paper designated just for dance (will be kept in the dance room)
Grading Policy
Daily Participation: Students will earn 100 points per week. This will be given for dressing out (students will earn 10 points per day) and participation in all activities (students will earn 10 points per day).
Written and Performance Tests: Students are required to take written exams over vocabulary, dance history, anatomy, and other elements of dance that they learn in class. Students are required to perform dance combinations for evaluations. Students will be graded on skills such as: memory, execution, technique, timing, energy level, and overall performance.
Performances
There will be performance opportunities throughout the school year. Dancers will perform at the fall pep rally in October and we will have an end of the year Dance Showcase on Fri, May 9, 2025 in the evening. Please put the showcase on your calendar, as it will be the dancer’s final for the year and for a grade.
*Note that the dance shirt provided with the dance class fee will be used as the dance student’s costume for performances. I suggest writing the student’s initials on the tag and reinforcing the importance of keeping up with it, as part of their final grade for the end of the year showcase will be wearing the proper attire.
Please reach out to me if there are ever any questions or concerns. Looking forward to a great year in dance class!