Advanced Dance & Performance Ensemble

Advanced Dance (7th Period) & Performance Ensemble (8th Period) are designed to provide daily technical and performance training in a variety of styles, including ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, and theatrical dance. Students cross-train in Pilates and conditioning/stretch classes. Students will develop technique, composition skills, and performance skills through choreography. These classes must be taken concurrently and require participation in our dance productions. Therefore, rehearsals are mandatory to prepare for these shows. Students will complete performance critiques, goal tracking logs, and choreography projects. Students will study dance history and dance in world cultures. Students will also complete a year-long college/career portfolio. Students must attend at least two live performances per semester to complete written critiques.

The students in advanced dance achieve a high level of skill development at a faster pace in multiple dance genres, including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre. Students also have weekly conditioning classes in Pilates and yoga. This course is designed to prepare the high school dancer for further study in classical as well as contemporary dance at the college, conservatory, or university level. Students develop composition skills as well as cultural and historical appreciation of dance through choreography projects and performances. Students in advanced dance are required to participate in the fall and spring dance productions. Therefore, after-school and weekend rehearsals will be necessary to prepare for the shows.

Theatrical Dance Performance Ensemble (7th period) builds upon the coursework and technique of Advanced Dance. Performance Ensemble will include rehearsals with multiple professional guest choreographers, conditioning classes in Pilates or yoga, student choreography projects, auditions and performance participation for multiple productions throughout the year. Students will be required to attend after-school rehearsals as well as some weekend rehearsals. Students will complete a yearlong portfolio project of research assignments related to career pathways in dance and the arts, performance critiques, and dance teaching methods.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs)

There are four main California Arts Standards for Dance: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. We will address all of them at an advanced level in this class.

• Students consistently demonstrate mastery of technical and artistic performance skills in a variety of dance styles. (Performing—Anchor            Standard 5A: Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation, Advanced Level)

• Students apply comprehensive knowledge of classical as well as contemporary dance vocabulary in movement and in descriptive analysis. (Responding—Anchor Standard 9A: Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work, Advanced) 

• Students work independently and collaboratively to apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills. (Performing—Anchor Standard 4A: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation, Advanced)

• Students create and communicate artistic statements through improvisation, composition, and performance of multiple dances in a variety of genres. (Creating—Anchor Standard 2A: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work, Advanced)

• Students develop SMART goals for dance/fitness, nutrition, and self-care, measuring their progress and reflecting on their goals. (Performing—Anchor Standard 5B, Advanced)

• Students apply dance science principles in cross-training and conditioning classes to enhance performance, reduce injury, and improve well-being and health. (Performing—Anchor Standard 5B, Advanced)

• Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic qualities. (Responding—Anchor Standard 9: Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work–Advanced) 

•  Students analyze and make connections between dance, history, culture and other subject areas. They also explore careers in and related to dance. (Connecting—Anchor Standard 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding–Advanced)

• Students demonstrate development in SEL competencies in self and social awareness, self management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making in rehearsal and daily activities. District Performing Arts Essential Learning Outcome #5)

• Students create a professional college/career-preparatory portfolio (Connecting—Anchor Standard 10B: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art, Advanced)Students apply knowledge of dance vocabulary in movement and in descriptive analysis.

Courtney Wadman: cwadman@njuhsd.com 

530.273.4431 x2103

Grade Levels: 9-12

2 Semesters - Repetition for Credit: 3

Prerequisites

Must be concurrently enrolled in Advanced Dance; acceptance by audition only