DANCE MAGNET ENSEMBLE
This course combines a study of dance theory, history, and choreography with physical training in proper technique. Activities are designed to provide training in life skills and to enhance the students’ physical well being. Classes are structured to increase the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the art of dance, to enhance their dance/choreography skills, and to improve their physical well-being and cooperative interaction. Ballet tests will be administered at regular intervals. DME is a performance class. All students are required to perform, dress out in proper dance attire, and attend rehearsals as scheduled. Some rehearsals will be held in addition to class time.
A. Students will learn to appreciate dance as an art form.
B. Students will learn health and body awareness as well as good nutrition habits.
C. Students will learn dance history with emphasis upon the lives and careers of famous dancers and choreographers.
D. Students will learn self motivation, self discipline, and confidence.
E. Students will participate in exercises designed to increase stamina, strength, and flexibility.
F. Students will learn and use correct dance, health, and fitness terminology.
G. Students will participate in combinations designed to develop and improve technique in all dance techniques and in fitness.
H. Students will keep written dance journals-Handouts, choreography ideas, Lighting design strength exercises, and healthy diet.
I. Students will learn self expression through improvised choreography.
J. Students will put together and present a formal performance to showcase what they have learned.
A. First Semester
1. Participate in daily exercises designed not only to improve flexibility, physical control, and stamina, but also to learn basic techniques/terminology.
2. Participate in weekly ballet tests—dress for these tests will be: for girls--tan or pink tights with black leotard and black ballet skirt and for boy-- black tank top with black jazz pants or shorts—ballet shoes or sandal soles.
3. Workshops with Phillip Otto from Huntsville Ballet Company and other local artists.
4. Research—dancers, choreographers, companies, and famous ballets and other works using internet and virtual library. Also collaborate with English Teachers and research poems to use as “music” for a dance piece.
5. Study basic nutrition.
6. Keep up to date dance journals—choreography ideas, combinations, costuming and lighting ideas. Also in the journal, dancers will keep a nutrition journal. (must have a composition notebook)
7. Student choreographic projects will begin. Everyone will choreograph one piece for DME fall concert (Ignite the Fire). Only seniors have solos. This is a major grade. Students are expected to cut their own music. Deadlines will be given for aspects of the choreographic project—failure to meet deadline will result in your piece being cut from the concert.
8. Two mandatory performances first semester: 1-Ignite the Fire-The DME showcase scheduled for Thursday, December 10 and again on Friday, December 11 (This is the first year that we will do two evenings in the first semester!!!!
B. Second Semester
1.Traveling to Birmingham for The Alabama Dance Festival—the dates look to be January 29-31, 2016. Definite dates and times—TBA.2. Work on choreography for the spring showcase (First Thursday and Friday in May 2016)3. Continue with basic technique/exercise classes
4. Continue with Ballet Tests.
5. Continue with various guest artists—possibly setting pieces on DME Students
6. Continue with research
7. Possible workshop with Nan Giordano—Chicago Dance company!!!! Master classes and an audition to be in her piece plus an audition for a scholarship to a summer intensive in Chicago!! Dates and times-TBA
8. Mandatory performances for DME for second Semester: Panoply (last full weekend of April). Grissom spring dance concert: (If it is approved and if it is not the same weekend as DME. **DME Dance Concert: First Thursday and Friday in May (2016) (#2, #4, #9)
9. End of the year classroom recital. Students will have the chance to choreograph a second piece for an in-class concert—invitations will be sent to teachers and parents. Possibly in the Black Box.
More performances may be added throughout the year.
Method of Evaluation Student grades will be derived from the results of performance, journals, written and performance exams, and choreography projects. Students will also receive grades in daily class participation—100 points per week. Such elements as attendance, participation, proper dance attire, energy, attitude and effort—in class and rehearsals will be factored in as well as basic skill. A 20 point deduction will be received for not dressing out or participating. Cell phones will not be tolerated in class/rehearsals. Your cell phone must be locked in your locker unless it is needed for the choreography projects. Violation will result in Points taken away from participation grade. Students are expected to lock the phone up in their dance locker. A progress report will be sent home at 9 week midpoint.
All rehearsals, performances, and in class tests are counted as test grades.
Skills to Be Taught
D. Physical fitness (strength, flexibility, endurance)
F. Dance History
G. Cooperative movement-partner and group work
Classroom Expectations (Rules and Procedures)
For students to understand and learn the course material and achieve success in this class,
A. Students will report to class on time and be prepared to work. DME starts at 8:00-You must be in the locker room getting dressed and ready to work. Points will be deducted from class participation for tardiness. Dance Interns will have the job of keeping everyone on task.
B. Students will wear appropriate dance attire to class. Mondays-Thursdays--Black Jazz pants, leggings, or shorts with a Black leotard, tank top, or crop top—ballet test days—pink or tan tights, with black leotard and black ballet skirt with ballet shoes. We are the Huntsville City Schools premiere dance ensemble—DRESS THE PART. On Fridays you may wear any color you choose. Points will be taken off for not changing out of your school clothes!!!
C. Students will not chew gum.
D. Students will not have a pass out of class—This is Dance Magnet time, not running other errands or making up tests (unless you missed a class for a DME performance).
E. All back packs, dance bags, computer bags, purses, and cell phones will be locked up in your DME locker!! We need the dance space to dance—be neat and clear the floors!! You must bring a combination lock the first week of school. Combinations need to be given to me in case of forgetfulness.
F. Students will respect the rights of others to learn and the right of the instructor to teach. In class you are to focus on Magnet—not Cheerleading, Dance Team, Dance Studio, or etc.
***The week of All DME concerts will require rehearsals on stage outside class time and will involve the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of performance week. A more detailed schedule will be given closer to time. All pieces must be finished by the requited deadlines or your piece will not be in the concert.
***It is the responsibility of the student to keep abreast of daily assignments and to make up all work missed during an excused absence. If a student misses choreography due to an absence then it is up to the student to learn the piece. If a student skips DME class then that student will be taken out of the piece.