Dance Class Syllabus

Instructors: K. LaDay and J. Watson

SYLLABUS AND CLASSROOM POLICIES

We would like to welcome you to this dance class where you will be learning the
fundamentals of different dance types! We will be doing many fun activities this
year and hope that you will enjoy and learn from them. It is our goal to provide all
with a dance-enriched experience. There will be three major dance exams and a
final. You will be learning the vocabulary and fundamentals of jazz, lyrical, and hiphop. For your information, we are providing a simple form of the Class Rules,
Expectations, and Grading Policy. Please familiarize yourself with the packet
provided to know all that is expected of you in this class. Also note that both you
and a parent will need to sign the attached form to indicate understanding of the
provided information.
Class Rules

Be
Be
Be
Be
Be

Present
Prompt
Prepared
Productive
Polite

We will provide every effort to help you achieve an outstanding grade, but you must
understand the importance of your role in obtaining that grade. Please see the
Student Handbook for the schools policy regarding all make-up work when an
absence occurs. Looking forward to a great year!
OBJECTIVES:
1. To learn self-discipline, self-confidence and dedication through dance using the
body as an expressive instrument. (including but not limited to consistent energy,
concentration and preparedness, productive work habits, willingness and ability to
apply and retain corrections, sustained technical progress, ability to adapt, positive
contributions to atmosphere in class), display a neat classical appearance)
2.To work on strong technical development as a dancer (including but not limited to
placement/alignment, strength, flexibility, use of arms/enablement awareness of
line/use of legs, use of feet, connectedness of upper & lower body, physical
stamina, elevation/ballon)
3. To develop kinesthetic awareness.
4. To develop an understanding of these historical techniques through movement,
lectures, video, readings, and performing.
5. To develop a lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop vocabulary with proper spelling.
6. To understand proper conditioning and stretching principles.
7. To understand proper health and nutrition and body awareness.

8. To understand basic anatomy and gain the ability to apply such knowledge to
class activities.
9. To be able to find rhythm of music, understand basic time signatures and musical
applications to dance.
10.To improve artistic and expressive nature, memorization, and execution as a
performer (including but not limited to musicality, special clarity, clarity of
movement, projection, performance, expressiveness, ability to pick-up
combinations)
11. To get in introduction to production for dance.
12. To look at future options in dance or its application and impact in daily lives.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR A DANCE CLASS:
Dancers show respect for themselves by:
1. Being prompt for class.
2. Be dressed correctly on time for class each day and participate fully.
3. Bring journal and writing utensil to class each day and complete assignments in
class.
4. Be responsible for knowing and obeying all rules and regulations.
5. Be responsible for personal belongings.
6. Learn movements, vocab, and journal assignments missed in class due to ANY
absences.
Dancers show respect for the teacher and others by:
1. Being ready in order to begin class on time.
2. Listening respectfully and attentively to the instructor. Quiet in class
3. Listening and learning from corrections offered to other students.
4. Waiting quietly when others are having turns.
5. Being prepared when it is your turn.
6. Asking before leaving the room for any reason or stepping out of participation.
Dancers show respect for the facilities by:
1. Not chewing gum in the class.
2. No food or drink, except for water.
3. Depositing trash in baskets.
4. Locking personal items dressing room.
5. Using the ballet barre properly.
6. Keeping hands and bodies away from the mirrors.

7. Not touching the stereo equipment.

8. Photos/video, equipment remain property of the dance department.

GRADING POLICY:
33% Exams/Projects/Performances
This grade is based on movement combinations and dances learned, unit tests, and
projects.
33% Written work
This grade is based on journals and handouts assigned.
34% Daily Grade
This grade is based on dressing out and participation.
A Daily Grade is recorded every time a student attends class and a weekly average
is posted for grades.
According to our grading procedures, a student will not pass the class unless they
dress out and participate each day.
15% of semester grade will be the written Final Exam (District policy)
Dresses Out Participates Grade
Yes Yes 100
No Yes 50
No No 0
Grade varies for hair, jewelry,gum and clothing violations
CLASS PROCEDURES:
1. Come straight to the locker room to change in CORRECT ATTIRE, hair back, no
gum, jewelry off.
2. Bring any medical/parent notes, late assignments to teacher
3. Be in the studio in attendance spots no later than five minutes after the tardy
bell.
attending the audition, you will not advance to the next level of dance.

Please read given materials and sign below. Give parents all informational handouts
and sign below.

I have received, read and understand the class syllabus (includes grading policy)
and journal explanations. I am

Student
Name______________________________________________________________________________
Student
Signature_________________________________________________________Date_____________
Class/Block______________________________________

Return to NEXT class for full assignment credit.

Parent
Name_______________________________________________________________________________

Parent
Signature___________________________________________________________Date___________
__

CLASS SUPPLIES APPRECIATED: Hair ties, bobby pins, Kleenex, notebooks, pens,
pencils, computer paper, bandaids, hand sanitizer (alcohol free), music, dancewear
(new or used)