Introduction to Dance Syllabus
Welcome to Introduction to Dance! This class is designed for students with little or no dance training. You may be taking this class to get in shape, increase flexibility and coordination, earn an arts credit, or just have fun. Whatever the reason, you are sure to obtain your goal with hard work and dedication. Below you will find the expectations for this course. Please be sure to speak with me if you have concerns or questions about any portion. I look forward to a wonderful semester.
Here is the weekly schedule for class. You will be given ten minutes at the beginning of class and ten minutes at the end to change. Some weeks may be altered due to holidays and in-school functions, but every effort will be made to keep to the schedule. Be sure to remember what dance form we will cover each day so that you know what shoes and clothes to wear.
MONDAY: Ballet
TUESDAY: Jazz/Hip-hop
WEDNESDAY: Tap
THURSDAY: Modern/Contemporary
FRIDAY: Variety Day (Irish, step, Gymnastics, etc.)
Below are the grading categories for this course. All assignments will adhere to the FCPS grading policy: A= 90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=0-59%
PARTICIPATION/ABSENCES:
You will be given up to ten participation points each day of class. If you are attentive, hard working, and ask intelligent questions, you will earn a 10. Your active participation in all class activities is required. “I can’t = I won’t”. Laziness and excessive talking will not be tolerated and your participation grade will suffer if I have to ask you to pay attention or work with passion. Also, you will be expected to have proper dress each day. Appropriate shoes and dance clothes must be worn. Anyone with long hair must wear it up. If you are not properly dressed, you will not dance. Instead, you will write an essay.
Absences will also affect your participation grade. You will not receive a participation grade for the day you are absent. If your absence is legal, you may make-up your participation grade by writing a one page “reflection” about the first day you are back in class. So, for instance, if you miss class on Tuesday and are back on Wednesday, you will write a reflection about your day in class on Wednesday. You can include the activities we did, how you feel you are progressing, what challenges you faced, what goals you have for the semester, and what you need to work on. In order to receive full credit, this reflection must be turned in within a week of your absence. Excessive absences make it difficult to set a piece for the recital and may cause you to be taken out of a dance.
PERFORMANCE
This includes in-class presentations as well as any public performances. You are required to participate in the recital at the end of the semester. You will be given this date on the first day of class. Be sure to take off work, etc. to assure you are there.
QUIZZES/TESTS
Throughout the semester, you will have several terminology and dance history tests. Be sure to use your notes to study for these.
CLASSWORK
You may be asked to write a reflection, do SAT prep work, answer questions about a dance video, or critique your work and others.
PROJECTS
You will complete a dance styles research project which you will present to the class. You may also work on beginning choreography in small groups.
NO FOOD ALLOWED….THIS INCLUDES GUM!!!!!!!! Not only is it poor etiquette, it is also dangerous to chew gum while dancing. Chewing gum will result in a lower participation grade for that day. Also, it is school policy that food may only be eaten in the cafeteria. Do not bring food into the classroom or onto the stage.
During the first week of the semester, you will receive a dance locker. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you secure your belongings with a lock. Many students use the dance area and unsecured items could easily be stolen or misplaced.
Please be sure to ask if you ever have any questions or concerns. I look forward to a wonderful semester of dance!
Fondly,
Mrs. Weigelt
240-236-7713