Prerequisite: completion of at least one semester of Dance Technique with a “B” or better grade average, an overall “C” or better GPA, completion of an application form, and permission of the instructor pre-registration.
The Instructional Dance Internship is a one-semester course in which the student intern will assist with dance instruction. The student must have completed one semester in Dance Technique as well as demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of skill development in dance. The student must demonstrate responsibility as well as organization and leadership skills. In addition, the student will lead warm-ups and across-the-floor combinations, will demonstrate or model various dance moves, assist in choreography, create a two-week lesson and teach the class.
Prerequisites: Enrollment by audition and recommendation of Instructor prior to registration. Recommended but not required: Dance Technique I and/or Dance Technique II Repertory Dance Ensemble is a one-year co-curricular course designed for the advanced level student who wishes to perform and produce dance. Students in this class will study choreographers by analyzing previous masterpieces, rehearse for upcoming performances, work with guest choreographers, and continue to evaluate and master their own dance technique as well as those of the group. Together we will build an ensemble and work toward performance opportunities. Repertory Dance Ensemble will perform and rehearse outside of the scheduled school day. Adherence to the strictest rehearsal and performance standards will be required to maintain membership in this group.
DANCE TECHNIQUE I - 1/2 Credit All Classes Prerequisite: None Dance Technique I is a one-semester course for the dance enthusiast who wishes to acquire the skills and techniques of dance. This class will focus on improving and developing skills of dance while building confidence both on the stage and on the dance floor. Movements, terminology related to dance, strength, flexibility, rhythm, and coordination are some of the essential skills emphasized in this class. Students will study jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet, and choreograph in groups. Students may attend field trips and study with a guest teacher. This is a performance-based course: all students are expected to dress appropriately and to participate daily.
DANCE TECHNIQUE II – 1/2 Credit All Classes Prerequisite: Dance Technique I or Instructor‟s Permission Dance Technique II is a one-semester course designed for the student who wishes to continue studying dance or for the intermediate/advanced level student who has previous experience with dance, choreography and performing. Students will master double pirouettes, axial movements (i.e. barrel jumps, stag jumps), tour jetes and set individual goals for improvement. This class focuses on creating a harmonious dancer who is a well-rounded and overall becoming a stronger mover. Students may work with guest teachers and attend live performances to broaden the learning experience. Evaluation and critique of self and others will be covered. This is a performance-based course: all students are expected to dress appropriately and to participate daily. This class may be combined with Dance Technique III.
DANCE TECHNIQUE III – 1/2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: Dance Technique II This course will allow and encourage students to continue in the mastery of dance techniques and performance skills. Students will be responsible for critiquing their own technique through self video recordings, create and teach a class combinations to the class. Students may work with guest teachers and attend live performances to broaden the learning experience. Evaluation and critique of self and others will be covered. This is a performance-based class; all students are expected to dress appropriately and to participate daily. Dance Technique III may be combined with Dance Technique II. Dance Technique IV and V are available as Independent Study with Instructor's approval.
CHOREOGRAPHY I - 1/2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: Dance Technique I or Instructor‟s permission Choreography I is a one semester course in which students will learn the processes used for choreographing and analyzing dance productions. Students will identify and understand the organizational principles used in making a dance and will begin to explore their own personal movement style while strengthening their own dancing. Students will choreograph both individually and with others as they learn to respond, rehearse, and refine movement by using methods of evaluation. Students will study both student and professional choreographers.
CHOREOGRAPHY II - 1/2 Credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: Choreography I Choreography II is a one semester course in which students will continue to examine the processes used for choreographing a dance. Musical visualization, silence vs. sound, environmental happenings, counter balance, and improvisation will be emphasized throughout the semester. The student learns the choreographic processes and examines new ways of nurturing their craft. This course may be combined with other choreography levels. This class is designed for the highly motivated and talented student who wishes to choreograph.
CHOREOGRAPHY III (Honors) – 1/2 Credit Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: Choreography II Choreography III (Honors) is a one semester course in which students will learn how to use multimedia, poetry, narratives/fairytales, life experiences, and the six primary theater tools (costumes, sound, lights, props, scenery and make-up) to choreograph a dance. All Choreography III students are required to choreograph on a moving group such as the Orchesis Dance Company or Repertory Dance Ensemble as a final project. Please note that one does not have to be an Orchesis or RDE member to choreograph on the company. This course may be combined with other choreography levels. This course is designed for the highly motivated and talented student who wishes to choreograph. Students must have the expertise to be able to work independently, evaluate a dancer's abilities, analyze the emotive component of dance, and translate those characteristics into physical movement. Throughout the course students will explore his/her choreography style. Choreography IV and V are available as Independent Study with Instructor's approval.