University of Delaware

DANC 204 010 Beginning Jazz Dance Technique

M/T/W/R/F 9:45-11:15 AM
Dance Minor Studio 104 E Main St
Summer 2016
Instructor: Kimberly Schroeder
Email: kschroed@udel.edu
Phone: 831-3311

Office Hours: M-F By Appt

Office: 77 E. Main St. #204

Course Description:
This class will study the fundamental technique, various styles and performance of jazz dance.
Class structure will include a physical warm-up, exercises that emphasize strengthening and
stretching, center combinations, locomotor phrases and basic rhythmic patterns. Further, students
will keep a daily class journal, complete written assignments, observe dance on video and write
critical responses. Performance exams will be given to evaluate each students embodiment of the
course material. Previous dance experience is recommended but not required.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, the student will:
become familiar with ones own body and how it confidently moves through space.
incorporate the basics of proper alignment, technique and centering into movement
sequences and detailed routines.
be proficient with the various styles of jazz dance, with a focus toward performance and
quality of movement with a focus on musicality and rhythm.
assess ones own concentration, flexibility, balance, and conditioning through dance and
learn tools for improvement and good health.
confidently experience new artistic practices of dance, specifically in the style of jazz.
utilize self-correction and evaluation as a tool towards improvement of basic skills in
class.
increase ones critical facilities and perceptions through evaluation, discussion, and
observation of dance in addition to a brief overview of jazz dance history.
explore the compositional elements of dance (time, space, energy), through the use of
improvisational and choreographic tasks.

Course Requirements:
1) ATTENDANCE
The material for this course is hands on, practical, and experiential (meaning it must be
experienced and practiced) therefore attendance is mandatory and missed work cannot be
made up.
You are allowed TWO excused or unexcused absences. Use these absences wisely. These
absences might include, but are not limited to: emergencies, illness, traveling for sports or

other teams or clubs, student teaching, oversleeping, job interviews, other class field
trips, etcetera...
IMPORTANT: Any UNEXCUSED absence beyond the allowed two will result in the
reduction of your grade by ONE FULL LETTER GRADE. The SIXTH absence will
result in a failing grade.
Beyond your allowed two absences, the only absences that will be EXCUSED and not
counted against your attendance grade are:
o Serious illness for which you provide written documentation from your doctor;
minor illnesses are not excused - that is why you have two free absences.
UNIVERSITY SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES beyond the two free absences. If
you are a member of a University traveling team and must miss MORE THAN
TWO CLASSES for away games/events, you must provide a schedule IN
ADVANCE of the anticipated absences in order for these absences not to count
against your attendance grade. You are still responsible for the work missed and
all performance tests. Your two free absences are applied toward these absences
first.
o DO NOT use your 2 free absences on performance test days. If you miss a
performance test day, and the absence is NOT excused (from the list above), you
will receive a score of 0 points for that performance test.
There is no extra credit for missed class work or outside assignments.
o

2) TARDINESS
Please arrive on time, ready to work. Being late or leaving early is not permitted.
Habitual tardiness will affect your grade.
If you have conflicts getting to and from another class due to location of classes, please
speak to the instructor to work out a solution on the first day of class.
If you arrive late to class and exercises have begun, you may sit and watch and receive
attendance credit, but you may NOT participate. You are expected to journal your
observations.
IMPORTANT: You will NOT receive attendance credit if you arrive more than 20
minutes late, although you are welcome to sit and watch.
If you decide to observe class because you are not feeling well, you need to arrive before
class starts and inform the instructor. Failure to communicate ahead of time to the
instructor will result in a failing attendance grade for the day.
If you sit and observe for any reason (lateness/not feeling well) DO NOT STUDY FOR
OTHER COURSES or TEXT/USE CELL PHONE. Failure to follow this request will
result in a failing grade for your attendance that day. Please watch the class and journal
what you observe.
Once you have started the class, do NOT sit down during the class unless you need to
stop participating altogether.
3) CLASS PARTICIPATION
Common courtesy is expected at all times.
NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED. Turn them off or switch them to SILENT.
Avoid side conversations during warm-ups, exercises, lectures, or
presentations.
You must arrive to class awake and available, ready to begin on time.

Focus your attention on your work and the work of your classmates.
We learn as much from each other as we do from ourselves.
This work can be very personal, emotional, demanding and
challenging. Each individual will see breakthroughs at his or her own
rate. It is necessary and of the utmost importance that we create an
ensemble environment that is safe and supportive.

4) MATERIALS
There is no textbook for this class. Please acquire a 3 ring binder for
handouts and in class assignments.
Please acquire a one-subject notebook for you to journal and take any
notes. This notebook is to be used only for this class. ALWAYS BRING
YOUR JOURNAL AND BINDER TO CLASS. Please journal a log of general
class exercises and personal corrections and observations regarding
the work. Journals will be submitted on Sakai and graded during the
session.
Bring a pencil/pen to class.
A water bottle is recommended for hydration. No eating or drinking
(other than water) is allowed in the dance studio.
5) ATTIRE
You are required to wear appropriate attire in class. Solid colored leotards and black
tights or jazz pants for women and t-shirts, tank tops, male dance tights or jazz pants for
men are required. Warm-ups may be worn for the first 10 minutes of class and then must
be removed.
You will dance in jazz shoes.
Wearing appropriate attire counts towards your participation grade.
NO DRESSES. NO SKIRTS. NO SHORT SHORTS. NO HATS. NO JEANS. NO
JEWELRY. NO GUM. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Nothing too baggy; we want to be able to observe your body, its shape
and movements.
Hair must be out of your face and off of your neck.
Locker rooms are available. Bring all of your belongings into the studio with you. If you
need to purchase attire and shoes, please do so by Friday, July 15th. The Dressing Room
on Main Street (very close to campus) has everything you need and offers a University of
Delaware student discount.
The nature of this work requires that we work in pairs, small groups,
and in close proximity to each other. Perfumes, colognes or
aftershaves are not to be administered in excess. Similarly, students
are expected to maintain a professional level of hygiene, including
using a deodorant, showering or bathing regularly, and wearing clean
garments.
6) USE OF TOUCH
Due to the physical nature of this training and out of the necessity to
communicate a full understanding of the material, the instructor will
use PHYSICAL TOUCH as a method of correction and instruction.
Students will also be asked to partner in pairs or small groups where

the use of touch is also employed. This method will always be

approached with RESPECT. Please see the instructor with ANY
CONCERNS OR ISSUES you may have on this subject. If you have a
problem with this kind of physical contact, you may want to reconsider
taking this class.
7) GRADING
Grades are based on a point system by the following criteria. Points are
assessed at the subjective, professional judgment of the instructor.
GRADINGSCALE:
A
B
C
D
F

90100%
8089%
7079%
6069%
59%andbelow

Overall Class Participation and Attendance = 70%

30 daily points total 15 points for attendance and 15 points for
participation in class.
Journal, Written Assignments, Movement Exams and Final
Performance = 30%
Examsaregradedonyourpersonalimprovement,technicalproficiency,masteryofstyle
andchoreographyandyourperformancequalitywhileexecutingthematerial.

Pleasefollowthecourseoutline,assignmentsanddiscussiononSakai.

DailyJournalAssignmentsmustinclude:
o Dailylogofactivities=10points
o Inclassnotes=5points
o JournalPromptsgiveninclassoronSakai=5points
o VideoAssignments=5points
o Thoughts,Ideas,Questions=5points

BiographyAssignmentseehandout

SEECOURSECALENDARANDASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS.

8) UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Please refer to the links below for University of Delaware academic
policies, procedures, etc.
http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/11-12/index.html
http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/11-12/code.html

9) COURSE CALENDAR SEE HANDOUT

ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

WITH ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE INSTRUCTOR.
DANC 204 Summer Session 2016
Syllabus and Course Overview Agreement

I, _________________________, have read the syllabus, course overview, calendar and

handouts for DANC 204 Beginning Jazz Dance (Summer 2016). I understand and agree
to follow the course policies and requirements and will do my best to be successful with
the course material for the entire session. I will also do my part to communicate anything,
at my earliest convenience, that might come up during this session that would interfere
with my full participation in the class.

Sign: ________________________________
Print: ________________________________

Date: ______________________