OVERVIEW

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of dance. Dance styles taught throughout this course may include hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, tap and Broadway, as well as self-choreography. Class size and time will determine how many different dance styles are introduced, but students should expect to learn and perform more than one style.

HOW WILL I BE MARKED?

Rubrics, self-evaluations and journals will be used to evaluate performance.

IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION (50% OF MARK)

Since this class is focused on each student’s growth and development as dancers, every student must be present and participate in class activities to the best of their abilities. Attendance, behavior, preparedness and a positive, supportive attitude are extremely important to achieve class goals. Students are expected to arrive on time ready to dance 5 minutes after the final period bell rings. Failure to attend class, arrive on time, be prepared to dance and participate with a positive, supportive attitude will affect in-class participation marks.

COURSEWORK AND CHOREOGRAPHY (40% OF MARK)

Students will complete coursework online about the histories and backgrounds of certain styles of dance, as well as create self-choreography, alone or in groups, to be filmed for their final performance marks.

JOURNAL (10% OF MARK)

Students will occasionally use journals to reflect on their in-class activities, dance-specific interests and performances.

Expectations

Come Prepared

All students are expected to be ready in full dance gear 5 minutes after the final bell rings for each period. Clothing should allow for a full range of motion, such as sweat pants, track pants or tights. Clean runners are required for Hip Hop, while jazz or ballet shoes are strongly recommended for Jazz, Broadway and Contemporary dance classes. Failure to come prepared and on time will affect in-class participation and may result in extra journal work. As dance class can be very physical, a water bottle is required for each class.

Treat Others With Respect

Churchill Dance is a safe environment where everyone is included, valued and celebrated. Students are expected to adopt a positive attitude towards learning, help each other when they fall behind, and include everyone in classroom activities. Bullying, harassment or exclusionary behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

Ask Consent Before Taking Photos or Videos

In order to support a safe and supportive learning environment, taking or posting pictures and videos of other people in class is prohibited unless you have permission from everyone in the picture/video beforehand. Aside from looking up self-choreography ideas, taking videos of class choreography or playing music, all electronic devices must be put away for the duration of the class. Failure to do so may risk the electronic device being taken away by the teacher.

Attend All Classes

The only way to improve in dance is actively participate in class. This is especially true when we work on group choreography since every single person is needed for a dance to work. Therefore, a detailed note is required to explain all absences, and must be emailed to apronger@vsb.bc.ca. This includes absences from performances/after school rehearsals one month in advance.

Do Your Best

The number one rule in class is to always do your best. Students must communicate any minor medical inconvenience that may limit their ability to participate in class to the teacher, including minor strains, sprains, headaches, soreness, illness, and cramps. If a student is experiencing any of the above, they must still participate to the best of their ability.

If a student needs to be excused from class for more severe medical reasons, they must provide a note from home, preferably from a medical professional, detailing the injury/medical reason, the expected recovery time and any activities that should be avoided.