Syllabus

Google Classroom Code: 57fiquj

Course Description: The dance program at Leander Middle School consists of units of instruction delivered over the course of three years. The focus of the curriculum is in developing well rounded, technically skilled, and intelligent young dancers and performers.

Dance II – Ballet II, Jazz II, Choreography, Improv, Modern II/Contemporary II, Jazz/Hip Hop, Precision II, Tap II

Dance Program Goals: 

The student will demonstrate:  

• The ability to perceive, perform, appreciate, and respond to dance

• An understanding of dance as an essential aspect of history and human experience

• The ability to create and perform dance

• The ability to make aesthetic judgments in dance

• Self discipline, self confidence, and dedication in dance through a collaborative work environment

Dance II

Students continue to expand their knowledge of the world of dance, including techniques such as: ballet, jazz, modern, precision dance, elements of dance, and choreography. Classes at this level focus on an intermediate level movement in each of the mentioned dance techniques.  Detailed vocabulary, performance skills, choreography, improvisation, dance history, and performance appreciation skills are continued.

Student Expectations: 

1. Dress correctly for class each day (see supply list).

2. Hair pulled back out of the face every day.

3. No jewelry, except for stud earrings.

4. Be on time to class and to the dance floor.

5. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by all classroom rules.

6. No food, gum, or drink in class.

7. If injured in some way, you must present a note from a parent or physician in order to

be excused from participating in class activities. Must be a physician’s note if injury persists

for 3 days or longer.

Dance Class Procedures (IN PERSON):

1. Students need to be in their attendance line by the tardy bell.

2. Students will have 3 minutes to dress out for class.

3. All personal items must be in a bag of some sort - lockers are not provided.

4. Full participation and a positive attitude is required during class time. 

5. At teacher’s dismissal, students will have 3 minutes to change and collect items for their next class. 

Supplies:

• Dance Uniform (Appropriate Athletic clothing and shoes you can dance in. All black clothing is preferred!) No jeans! 

• Tan Jazz Shoes (Tan Jazz shoes are HIGHLY recommended!!)

  •   https://www.discountdance.com/search/tan-jazz-shoes

• School issued laptop or personal device with recording capability

• Dance Journal/Notebook

• Hair ties

Grading System:

• Participation = 50%

• Performance Assessments = 20% 

• Written Tests / Projects = 20% 

• Daily Grades/Homework= 10%

Participation (50%): - Participation is extremely important for students to achieve their full potential. Attendance in class will help the student succeed and stay on schedule. Students will have a weekly grade based on dressing out, being on time, effort, and progress. Each student starts with a 100 at the beginning of the week with each day equaling 20 points. The rubric is as follows:

• Failure to dress out when required  -5 points, per piece

• Failure to participate in a class activity (unexcused) -10 points

• Lack of effort when participating -1 point

• Unprepared with class materials, including hair ties, laptop, etc. -1 point

• Horseplay/off task -1 point

• Chewing gum/having food/drink in the dance room -1 point

• Using a cell phone/electronic device without permission/improperly -1 point

• Tardy to Class or Late Dressing Out -1 point

*Medical verification must be provided in order to be exempted from dressing out/participating, and you will be assigned written work which is to be completed and turned in to the appropriate place by the end of the period.

Performance Assessment (20%) – You will be tested over your execution of dance technique covered during a unit and/or performing a combination in the dance style being covered.

Written Tests / Projects (20%) – You will be tested over material such as vocabulary and history.  Class projects will also be included in this category. All written tests will be open note. 

Absences: It will be the students’ responsibility to ask the teacher for any notes and/or work missed in class and to receive a make-up assignment.  Students will have the opportunity to complete a written assignment to make up for any missed daily grades.

Dressing Out: Every student is required to change clothes for class.  Failure to dress out will result in participation points off for the day. The proper attire is listed in the Dance Class Supply list and in the Dress Out Guidelines. Students may NOT wear their dance attire to other classes.

Communication: The easiest way to reach me during the school day with any questions or concerns is through email. amber.valenzuela@leanderisd.org

Electronic Device Policy - Electronic devices will be used in class on occasion, depending on the given lesson plan for the day. Acceptable electronic devices include:  laptop ONLY. NO CELL PHONES ARE PERMITTED IN DANCE CLASS. Cell phones that are brought to class will be collected and turned in to the main office for the remainder of the school day. Devices are used in Dance class for access to specific pieces of music, to our classroom website, and to Google Classroom. Accessing social media sites and surfing the Internet are not permitted during class. Students may NOT take pictures and/or shoot any video in the dance room WITHOUT PERMISSION from Miss V first.  Devices that are used improperly may cause the student to lose points off of his/her participation grade. Depending on the nature of the situation, students who abuse device policies in class are subject to a discipline referral. 

For this school year, you have the opportunity to study one of the worlds’ most precious and expressive art forms; DANCE!  I look forward to getting to know you. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to talk with me.