Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy                                                                                      2011 – 2012

 

Syllabus: Jazz 1/2

B Day, 3rd period, Dance Studio

 

Instructor: Ms. Leslie Baker

Phone: (928) 606-1429

lesliep@npgcable.com

lbaker@flagarts.com

 

 

Course Description

Jazz Dance 1/2 is an introduction to and instruction in jazz dance technique at a beginning/intermediate level.  The elementary movement and terminology of jazz dance will be covered as well as basic anatomy, injury prevention and health for dancers.   A study of jazz dance history, important performers and choreographers will also be included.    Students will have opportunities to experience several styles of jazz dance, explore some basic choreography techniques and start developing performance skills.  At least one performing opportunity will be offered per semester and all students must participate. Of primary importance will be the development of the studentÕs physical control, mental discipline and attitude with respect to dance.

 

Objectives

¯   Obtain knowledge of and develop skills in intermediate jazz dance technique.

¯   Develop body awareness and understanding of the body as an instrument of the art of dance that requires respect, maintenance and care.

¯   Develop a willing and positive attitude toward the discipline of dance, toward oneself as a mover, and toward others in the class.

¯   Learn and demonstrate proper dance class etiquette.

¯   Follow the Dance Dress Code as posted in the Dance Studio.

¯   Begin to develop choreography and performance skills.

¯   Demonstrate basic knowledge of jazz dance terminology, anatomy, history, and various styles as presented in class.

 

Course Requirements

  1. Respect, courtesy, and a positive attitude toward teacher, classmates, and yourself.
  2. Class participation and etiquette = 75% of your quarter grade.

Arrive ON TIME, dressed, quiet, in place and ready to dance

A daily class grade will be given.  Ten points will be possible each day. 

Points will be deducted for the following behaviors:

Tardiness; disrespectful attitude toward anyone in class; improper dress: gum, candy, food of any kind in dance studio; excessive talking or disruptive behavior.  Five points will be given for an excused absence.  No points will be given for an unexcused absence.  Put positively, points will not be deducted if you are on time, properly dressed, follow dance studio rules, demonstrate respect, a positive attitude and participate to the best of your ability!

Class attendance is essential.  You must be present to learn in dance class.  Physical class time is vital and really cannot be made up.  Please refer to FALAÕs attendance and tardy policies in your Student Handbook as these will be enforced.  A studentÕs performance privileges may be taken away due to excessive absences. Information on extra credit projects to partially make up daily class points will be provided but total participation is expected and encouraged.  If you are more than 10 minutes late, or at the teacherÕs discretion, you may not be permitted to dance for safety reasons.

  

 3.           Assignments = 25% of your Quarter grade.

There will be one or two units of study per quarter that will have at least one graded project or test each.  Expect additional quizzes and assignments that will be based on class discussion, activities, or videos.

Work must be turned in on the due date for full credit.  You are responsible for missed assignments and tests.  You must turn late assignments in to the teacher directly.  Unexcused late work will be accepted for a maximum of 50% credit. 

 

Basic rules

Please do not leave the dance studio, ever, without asking the teacher.

Bathroom breaks will be limited to five minutes.

Absolutely no gum, food, or drinks other than water in the Dance Studio!!!

Be on time, dressed properly

Bring appropriate dance shoes to each class!

 

Dress Code

The Dance Dress Code is always posted in the Dance Studio.  There are also copies available for you to take home at any time. Basically, you must wear dance clothes that do not hide your body structure or inhibit movement in any way.

 

Injury or Illness

Please bring a note from your parent or doctor if you cannot dance. You must have written permission to sit out of class.  Forgetting dance clothes is not a reason to sit out; you will be provided clothing. If you sit out, you will only receive 5 points for the day but can write notes and observations to add up to two points of attendance credit.

 

Grading

Your Semester grade will be calculated as follows:

75% attendance, 25% assignments

 

Performances

                  Two performances are scheduled for this year:

                  Wednesday, December 7, 2011

                                    Rehearsal begins after school and performance is at 7:00 pm.

                  Thursday, May 31, 2012, Call time is 4:00 pm.

                                    Dress Rehearsal is Wednesday, May 30, 2011 after school.

THESE PERFORMANCES & REHEARSALS ARE MANDATORY & PART OF YOUR GRADE !!!!!!

Please do not schedule any trips, appointments or activities on these days.

There may be other performance opportunities during the school year.  You will be notified of these well in advance of the performance dates. 

                 

 

Grading scale = 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70–79% = C, 60-69%= D, 59% and below = F