FISHER DANCE HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 FISHER DANCE HANDBOOK Wendy Meyer, Dance Instructor Room A115 Period 1- PREP Period 2- Intermediate I 7/8 Period 3- Advanced Dance 7/8 Period 4- Intermediate II 7/8 Period 5- Dance Wheel 6 Period 6- Dance Wheel 6 Welcome to Dance at Fisher Middle School! Dance can feel like a team sport, a piece of art, a language, or a gift. Dance can be fun, and it can be very hard work. Unlike some of your other classes, an individual s effort can directly affect the success of the group, so it is important that you come to class ready to work hard, and play hard. Dance is about collaboration and coordination, so please commit to being kind to others while we learn new choreography and skills. We dance to express, not to impress. The following handbook provides important information for you and your parents regarding classroom expectations, dress code, grading, make-up policies, and more. Please read each section of this handbook carefully because you will be held accountable for knowing the details. The signature page at the end of the handbook needs to be detached, signed by both the parent/guardian and student, and returned to Mrs. Meyer no later than to receive full credit. Depending on the circumstances, late assignments will be collected for at least half credit. Never hesitate to ask questions. I look forward to learning with you! Sincerely, Mrs. Wendy Meyer Dance Instructor 1

2 Class Description FISHER DANCE HANDBOOK In dance, you will study the elements of ballet, hip-hop and jazz style dancing. Seventh and eighth grade dancers will also study contemporary, lyrical, and Broadway movements in detail. To reduce the risk of injury, tumbling is not a primary part of this class. The jazz dance component will expose you to classic jazz technique across the floor and contemporary jazz choreography. The hip-hop component teaches an upbeat, high-energy street-style dance that incorporates some breakdancing elements. Classes consist of a warm-up, center floor work, and traveling progressions, which are all designed to increase flexibility, strength, and technique. Classes will also include learning and creating pieces of choreography to develop performance confidence and expression. Objectives 1. Development of intermediate to advanced motor skills and technical expertise. 2. Development of creative expression. 3. Create, memorize, and perform student choreography. 4. Expand and refine a personal repertoire of dance movement vocabulary. 5. Gain respect for and an understanding of many styles of dance. 6. Gain respect for fellow dancers and choreographers through collaboration. 7. Comprehend the different historical and cultural influences on dance today. 8. Analyze dance moves and choreography in classroom and performance settings. 9. Make connections between dance and a healthy life style. 10. Make new friends! Required Uniform and Dress Code Students have the following options for shoes: jazz shoes, dance paws, half soles (or pirouette shoe), ballet slippers, non-slippery socks, or bare feet. No tennis shoes, slippers or sandals. Appropriate RUNNING SHOES are REQUIRED for students enrolled in dance for PE credit, not elective. Students enrolled in dance for PE credit will participate in monthly fitness tests and mile run assessments. There will be a -2 point deduction for not wearing appropriate footwear during the mile run. Hair must be secured away from the face for the duration of the class. Loose or big jewelry cannot be worn. 2

3 All students in performance dance (periods 2, 3, and 4) are required to wear the Fisher dance uniform-- a separate order form will be sent home with more information. Return cash or a check written out to Fisher Middle School with the uniform order form to Mrs. Meyer no later than. Uniforms must be labeled in PERMANENT MARKER with first initial and last name ONLY. Label your name on ALL items brought into the dressing room, because Mrs. Meyer is not responsible for lost or stolen items brought into the dressing room. Students in performance dance will be given a shared cubby space to store their dance items throughout the school year. Defaced or torn clothes must be repaired or replaced. It is the student's responsibility to launder their uniform weekly. NOTE: Keep all valuables in your backpack in room A115. Students are responsible for lost or stolen items taken into the dressing room. Materials Yearlong students are expected to come prepared with the following items each day: Pen or pencil, portfolio with a VO2 max sheet, BMI index, mile run sheet, fitness sheet, and extra paper for Quick Writes. Wear a clean uniform and bring hair ties for long hair. Grading 100% - 90% A, 89% - 80% B, 79% - 70% C, 69% - 60% D, 59% - 0% F Students earn 10 points daily for participation, behavior and responsibility (5 points on non-block days). Other miscellaneous points/assignments will be added to the final grade, such as performances ( points), monthly mile run assessments (25 points), and skills tests (10-25 points). Possible deductions: missed portfolio assignment: -1 to -2 points food/gum: -2 points and scrape gum after class. loaner clothes or wears hair down: -2 points behavior affects participation, or insubordination: -1 to -6 points missing materials: -1 to -2 points 3

4 Medical Notes If a student cannot participate in dance for any health reason during the school year, he or she must bring a signed and dated note stating the reason and duration for not participating in dance. PARENT NOTES are good for up to one week. They should be given to Mrs. Meyer at the beginning of the class period. A parent note can be used to excuse one mile run, but if the student cannot run for at least two consecutive months, then a doctor note will be requested. An equivalent assignment is required for each day a student cannot physically participate in dance. DOCTOR NOTES must be on file both in the office and with Mrs. Meyer upon the student's return to school. If the student is not able to participate in dance for at least 4 weeks out of a quarter, then they will receive no grade for that quarter. An equivalent assignment is required for each day a student cannot physically participate in dance. Students with ongoing medical limitations (i.e. asthma, etc.) should have a doctor's note on file with Mrs. Meyer and the school nurse. Absences A student DOES NOT have to complete make up work if he or she has an excused or unexcused absence from school, is missing class for a campus-related activity, or has made prior arrangements with Mrs. Meyer and/or the administrative staff. A student DOES need to complete make up work if he or she has missed a state fitness assessment, mile run, or skills test. Please schedule an appointment with Mrs. Meyer to receive your make up work assignment. Performance Costumes and Accessories Periods 2, 3, and 4 (Stay Tuned) Fisher Dance is expected to look uniform and professional at all performances, which means each performer will be required to collect various costume items for each dance routine. Please stay tuned-- more information will be posted on my website as we get closer to the show dates. There are a few fundamental items that each dancer will need for the final performance in May. The sooner you purchase these items, the better. 4

5 Women s black leggings, capri length (required for uniform): Kohl s, Old Navy, Target, Forever21, SJ Dancewear, etc. Women s black, spandex shorts (4 inch inseam): Nike, Sears, Target, Sports Authority, Macy s, SJ Dancewear, etc. Boy s black shorts: Target, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Kohl s, Sports Authority, etc. DANCE COSTUME APPAREL For class uniform and performances. Choose at least one type of shoe: These shoes can be found at Capezio, Bloch, Discount Dance, SJ Dancewear, Payless, or Target. Jazz Shoes, color nude: Half soles (Pirouette shoes), color nude: Bear paws, color nude: Transition tights, color nude: Capezio, Payless, Discount Dance Supply, SJ Dancewear, or Target. In addition to apparel, performers should have their hair pulled back, neatly away from the face. No loose or distracting jewelry is allowed on stage, stud earrings only, and stage make-up will protect the performer from looking washed-out by the stage lights. See the hair and make-up examples on Mrs. Meyer s website underneath the Performances page for more details. We will also have plenty of volunteers willing to help you get ready before the show! 5

6 Expectations and Consequences 1. BE KIND to your fellow classmates, instructors, classroom, and yourself. 2. BE PREPARED to work hard and laugh hard. 3. BE COURAGEOUS and challenge yourself each day. Disruptive behavior will result in the following consequences: 1. Verbal warning 2. Written reflection 3. Parent contact 4. Office referral 5. Class suspension Performances Periods 2, 3, and 4 Performing as a group is an essential part of dance. We practice together, so we want to perform together. Students are expected to participate in all their ensemble s performances throughout the year, and their participation in these performances will be graded. Performance opportunities might include but are not limited to school rallies, the student choreography show in March, the final showcase in May, Paramount s Great America Dance Days in April, and local dance competitions from January to May. If a conflict arises that necessitates a performance absence, parent notification is appreciated a minimum of ten days prior to the performance. Students will be given a make-up assignment to be completed for full credit up to two weeks after the performance. An unexcused absence the day of the performance will result in a zero for the performance grade, and only up to 65% credit for the performance make- up assignment. Absences caused by illnesses or sudden emergencies will be treated as excused absences with the opportunity to be made up for full credit. Performances are worth 10 to 100 points each. To receive full credit, students must arrive on time, be dressed in appropriate costume attire, exhibit respectful concert etiquette both on and off stage, and stay for the duration of the performance. Points will be deducted for each of the following: tardiness, improper attire, inappropriate behavior on or off stage, or leaving early without prior consent. You do not need your cell phone! There is a NO CELL PHONE POLICY during performances. If you are caught on your cellphone during a school event, then your parent or guardian will need to retrieve it from the main office after school. 6

7 Acknowledgment Please detach, sign, and list any physical limitations of which you are aware. No listing indicates NO restrictions. Return this signature page to Mrs. Meyer during class. We have read, discussed and understand the contents in the Fisher Dance Handbook. We have made note of the mandatory performances, and grading policies. Student's Name: Dance Period: Student's Signature: All students are encouraged to have a physical examination because the developmental program at our school is demanding. If there are any limitations and/or disabilities that you are aware of, please identify these below. If you have any questions, please or call Mrs. Meyer. Limitations? Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature of Parent/Guardian: Please check this box if you are interested in volunteering to chaperone dance events. Phone #: Permission to use photos/videos on RJF Dance Website (Circle One): YES NO or ONLY AS PART OF LARGER GROUP Parent Initials: 7