Technique Class

2011/2012

Ms Faith Mottershead

fmottershead@csdnc.org

Objectives:

• To develop proprioception and accurate alignment for safe and proper execution of various dance techniques.

• To increase physical strength, flexibility, and stamina through classical ballet, modern dance, pilates, yoga, jazz and other dance styles

• To develop a sense of movement quality and artistry in dance

• To develop a personal voice and authentic movement through dance and choreographic skills

• To develop inter and intra-personal skills through improvisation techniques

• To build trust and community through weight taking and giving, and collaboration

• To increase confidence and professional dance skills through peer and public performances

• To learn how dance has evolved through basic dance history

• To define ballet and modern dance vocabulary through vocal and written means

• To develop dance interpretation skills, to perceive and choreograph literal and abstract meaning

• To work individually and in groups on choreography or movement studies

Unit Structure:

Most units are divided into four weeks. The first week of a month will focus on classical ballet technique. In the second week student will learn contemporary and modern followed by a week of review which may include a movement study or other assessment. The final week of every unit will vary based on student interest which may include: African, Capoeira, Jazz,Ballroom, Improvisation techniques etc.

Dress Code:

• Ballet: tights (black or pink), leotard (black, thin strap), and ballet shoes are required. Ballet shorts/skirts are optional. Hair should be in a bun or pulled neatly away from face.

• Modern: options include leotard and tights; leotard with leggings or dance pants; fitted active wear (pants should not be longer than ankle length). Hair should be in a pony tail (or bun if preferred).

• Please bring ballet shoes to the first week of class! Appropriate dance wear should be worn by Wednesday or Thursday of the first week of school.

Location and Time:

Classes will be held in the auxiliary gym during 3rd period (usually 10:05-10:55)

Tips to Consider:

• Keep a separate dance bag in your locker that includes deodorant, hair products (bobby pins, bands, hairspray...), and your dance shoes and all necessary dance wear.

• Fix your hair for dance before coming to school

• Wear clothing on dance days that are easy to change in and out of

• Layer your dance clothes under your outfit on dance days

• Prepare your bags (books, dance, lunch) the night before school or get up early to be sure you remember the sequence you will need them

Assessments

(40%)Weekly Grades - Each category below is worth 5 points except effort and attitude which is worth 10 points. There are a possible 30 points for each day, 60 for each week.

G = Gum

J = Jewelry

d = Dressed out (hair/clothing etc)

t = Tardy

/ = Effort or Attitude

Developing strong and accurate muscle memory is determined by the quality of effort a student invests in every class. This is why effort and attitude are weighed more heavily. If a student is injured, sick or under emotional strain or stress in a such a way that will effect his or her effort in class, he or she should inform Ms Faith or Ms Knox before class begins.

(30%)Movement Studies:

There may be movement studies due during the year. These will be clearly defined. Dancers will be given ample time to work on these during class, although some of these might require rehearsal outside of class. Movement Studies require students to create and perform content in class as individuals and/or in groups.

(15%)Quizzes:

Occasionally students will be quizzed on vocabulary and/or history. Students will know ahead of time when a quiz will be given and the content will have been covered in class sufficiently.

(15%)Technique Evaluations:

Students may be videotaped and evaluated on their personal progress. Student will also use this video to evaluate themselves. There will be a technique evaluation form used by both the teacher and student for this assessment.

Teachers reserve the right to add new or change existing assessments. This will not happen without student's prior knowledge.