Dance
General Course Description
The Dance program is open to students in grades 6 through 12 and is designed to enable each student to discover his/her own capacity for ideas, thoughts and feelings, while using a working knowledge of dance technique and vocabulary. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of pesonal discipline and the responsibility required in learning dance technique, performance and choreography. Fitness for life is stressed.
Students will use and enhance their speaking and writing abilities when learning about current dance topics, dance history, careers in dance, and basic nutrition. The study of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology is included in the dance program.
The class includes film and video study, guest artists, field trips, performance and research projects. The development of creative freedom and self-confidence is nurtured within the individual student. As the student gains experience, knowledge and confidence, he/she will take more responsibility for learning, teaching, assisting others and choreography. Specific areas are repeated from year to year due to the need for continued reinforcement of basic technique.
Program Goals
• The student is able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the creative process.
• The student recognizes dance as an art form and is able to demonstrate many types of dance including modern, ballet, character, jazz and ethnic.
• The student develops strong basic technique.
• The student develops correct body alignment and placement.
• The student is able to demonstrate the choreographic process using elements of dance composition.
• The student is exposed to curriculum differentiation in technique development as well as choreographic expectations. The student follows planned variable pacing.
• The student is partially evaluated on individual growth and progress.
• The student participates in performance in a variety of settings, thereby gaining educational experience and dance performance composure with school, community and concert audiences.
• The student is able to demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• The student achieves a high level of body fitness.
• The student recognizes the interrelationship between dance and other art forms.
• The student is knowledgeable of current events and trends in dance.
• The student is knowledgeable of career opportunities in the field of dance.
• The student is knowledgeable of dance history.
• The student is able to analyze and evaluate dance performance.
• The student is able to demonstrate knowledge of effective teaching techniques using material learned and/or created.
• The student is able to interact creatively and productively with others in the community.
• The student understands the interdisciplinary relationship of the arts and academic areas.
