Youth Performing Arts School Dance Department Handbook 2015-2016 Design by Kimberly Herndon
Table of Contents Dance Department Philosophy..... 3 General Information... 4 Plan of Study. 5 Dance Ensemble. 7 Dance Department Performing Opportunities... 8 Dress Code. 9 Dance Department Faculty Lora Ruttan Ballet, Modern, Chairperson BA, MA Kimberly Lynn Herndon Modern, Contemporary BS, MA Grading.. 10 DuPont Manual Attendance Policy. 11 Illness, Early Dismissal, Observations 12 Sample Ensemble Contract... Appendix A Observation Assignment for Technique Class......Appendix B Observation Assignment for Ensemble Class......Appendix C Theresa Mudd-Kelly Ballet BA, MA Gail Benedict Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater Dance BFA, MFA
Dance Department Philosophy Training managing and other arts management careers. A variety of professionals who service the needs The YPAS dance department is a college of performing artists (physical therapists, for preparatory dance program for the serious example) often have extensive backgrounds in dance student. The program provides rigorous dance. Regardless of whether students intend to technical dance training grounded in classical pursue dance or a related career after high ballet and modern dance. Supplemental school, the study of dance is a wonderful vehicle instruction is also offered in composition, for the development of self-discipline, integrity, improvisation and other dance forms. responsibility, aesthetic awareness, and creative Experience with live performance both as a problem solving. Dance is a creative and performer and an audience member is also an performing art. It challenges us to fully use and integral part of the dance education provided. integrate our physicality, intellect, and emotion. Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues and are strongly encouraged to view live professional dance, drama, opera, etc throughout the year. We Believe We believe it is our role as dance educators to provide guidance to students as they explore Beyond This Program technical and creative work in the field. Our goal is to foster each student s talent. We believe that The pre-professional training offered by YPAS each student is of worth, endowed with human Dance can open the door to a student s interest dignity, and entitled to respect as an individual. in a variety of dance related career possibilities. Dance is an art form, which requires consistent Graduates of performing arts high schools and self-discipline and hard work. The pay-off, the college dance departments have not only gone joy and wonder of dancing, is enormous. As on to professional performing and your faculty, above all, we want to share our choreographic careers, but have pursued dance passion for dance with you. teaching, dance therapy, criticism, dance history, dance photography, notation and reconstructing, technical theatre, stage ~YPAS Dance Faculty 3
General Information Absolutely no gum chewing in any class. This includes lecture classes. Absolutely no food or drink allowed in the studios except for water in a sealed container. Absolutely no lotions, powders, rosins or street shoes are allowed on the marly floors of any studio or stage area. Smoking is not allowed anywhere, anytime on the YPAS/Manual campus. Check the YPAS and Dance Department websites and calendar for updates about schedules, etc. YPAS lockers are free. All dance students should have a locker with a complete set of dance clothes in case you forget them at home. Keep an old pair of ballet slippers in your locker. There is a $100.00 fee that pays for departmental costumes, music, accompanists, Dynabands, guest artists, buses and supplies. The fee is for dance majors only. If you qualify for free and reduced lunch please file the required form with the YPAS bookkeeper. If you are interested in a summer or college dance program, plan early and speak with the dance faculty. Programs that offer scholarships will require financial investment. Please see Mr. Dennis Robinson if you are having problems in an academic course. All YPAS schedule changes should be cleared through the dance faculty before they are taken to Mr. Robinson 4
Plan of Study All Freshmen Required Classes Ballet I Modern I Technique classes are taken during Red 1 and White 1. Required Project Nutrition Required Performances 8th Grade Open House Fall Informance Spring Informance Encouraged Opportunities Attend the Regional H.S. Dane Festival on odd years (ie. 2017, 2019) **All Sophomores Required Classes: Ballet II Modern Dance II Dance Ensemble I Technique classes are taken during Red 3 and White 4. Ensemble class taken during Red 4. Required Project Dance History Required Performances Fall Informance Spring Informance Fall Touring Performances Feb. Dance Concert May Dance Concert Other Announced Performances Participate as a dancer and/or choreographer in student choreography performances. Audition for Dance Concert pieces rehearsed after-school Participate in after-school pointe classes Begin collecting points toward induction into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts Encouraged Opportunities Attend the Regional or National H.S. Dance Festival Participate as dancer and/or choreographer in student choreography performances. Audition for Dance Concert pieces rehearsed afterschool Participate in after-school pointe classes Become a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts **Requirements beginning with the class of 2019 5
Plan of Study Juniors & Seniors with Dance Ensemble Required Classes: Ballet III or IV Modern Dance III or IV Ensemble II or III Technique classes are taken during Red 3 and White 4. Ensemble class taken during Red 4. Required Project Careers in Dance (Jr.) Independent Study (Sr.) Required Performances Fall Informance Spring Informance Fall Touring Performances Feb. Dance Concert May Dance Concert Other Announced performances Encouraged Opportunities Attend the Regional or National H.S. Dance Festival Participate as dancer and/or choreographer in student choreography performances. Audition for Dance Concert pieces rehearsed afterschool Participate in after-school pointe classes Juniors & Seniors without Dance Ensemble Required Classes: Ballet III or IV Modern Dance III or IV Technique classes are taken during Red 3 and White 4. Required Project Careers in Dance (Jr.) Independent Study (Sr.) Required Performances Fall Informance Spring Informance Encouraged Opportunities Attend the Regional or National H.S. Dance Festival Participate as dancer and/or choreographer in student choreography performances. Audition for Dance Concert pieces rehearsed afterschool Participate in after-school pointe classes Hold leadership role the National Honor Society for Dance Arts Hold leadership roles in the National Honor Society //lllll for Dance Arts 6
YPAS Dance Ensemble The Dance Ensemble is a graded, choreography/rehearsal class and serves as the student company for the dance department. Dance faculty audition and cast dance ensemble members for choreographic works that are performed in touring performances, Informances, 8th grade open house, Each One Teach One Dance Mosaic Concert, the annual fully produced main stage Dance Concert and other announced performances throughout the year. Benefits Students in the Dance Ensemble class learn and develop the skills involved in being a member of a performing dance company. Students develop and refine technical and artistic potential, and develop educational outreach skills. The Dance Ensemble class tours throughout Jefferson County to elementary, middle and high schools delivering educational outreach programs, dance core content workshops, and performances. The Dance Ensemble educational outreach program helps the dance major to understand the process of teaching, interacting with other students and investing in the future of dance. Most professional dance companies and college departments survive financially and are funded through grants that implement educational outreach programs with the dancers. Membership All 10th, 11th and 12th grade dance majors are eligible to join the dance ensemble class. Joining requires signing a contract and tech/rehearsal attendance policy (See Appendix A) stating a 1st priority commitment to all Dance Ensemble rehearsals and performances. Currently admittance is by audition for first year members, while membership in subsequent years is earned through continued improvement and adherence to all Dance Ensemble rules and policies. Beginning with the class of 2019, all dance majors will be required to enroll in the Dance Ensemble class during their sophomore year. Junior and senior dance majors are strongly encouraged but not required to continue membership in the Dance Ensemble and may opt in or out at the beginning of each school year. Scheduling Students in the Dance Ensemble class dance from 11:25am-2:10pm on Red days. They will have a technique class during Red 3 and then go directly into choreography and rehearsal Red 4. They will also have a technique class on White days from 1:00-2:10 pm. When the Dance Ensemble is booked for touring performances, those performances are usually scheduled during the White 4 class period. A typical Dance Ensemble field trip will involve leaving school at the start of White 4 (12:50pm) and arriving back to school as late as 4:30pm. Additional rehearsals for the Dance Ensemble are also sometimes scheduled after-school and typically end by 3:30p. 7
Dance Department Performances Informance /8th Grade Open House Informance and 8th grade open house are graded informal public performances. Fall Informance and 8th Grade Open House are typically in October with Spring Informance typically in April or May. Participation is required for all dance majors and all students enrolled in dance major courses. Informances & 8th grade open house are informal presentations of works in progress from each technique class from each grade level, current Dance Ensemble choreography as well as in-process student choreography. There are no lighting cues, costumes, or budget. Please note: All students performing in the Informance are required to stay after school, supervised and fed by the dance faculty. All students are required to stay until the conclusion of the performance. Some students will be required to help strike the marly floor at the end of Informance. Annual Dance Concert The annual Dance Concert in late February includes graded formal matinee and evening performances. It is a curriculum outgrowth of the Dance Ensemble class. Students not enrolled in the Dance Ensemble class may participate in dance concert by auditioning and being cast for dances created after-school, if offered. Being cast and performing in the Dance Concert is a privilege that is achieved through audition and commitment to progress in daily class and rehearsal. Dance Concert is fully produced in the YPAS Main Stage theater with costumes, lighting, and sound. Each One Teach One Dance Mosaic Each One Teach One Dance Mosaic is a graded performance for the Dance Ensemble in the late Spring. It is a collaboration of performances and master classes between YPAS Dance, Lincoln Elementary School Dance and Western Middle School Dance Departments. Dance Mosaic is fully produced in the Lincoln Elementary experimental theater with costumes, lighting and sound. Young Choreographers Showcase The Young Choreographers Showcase is a non-graded public evening performance of student choreography in the YPAS Experimental Theater. The showcase is adjudicated live by local dance professionals who select up to 4 of the highest quality works to be performed in the fully produced YPAS New Works Festival. Student choreographers create and rehearse dances after-school. 8 The showcase includes minimal tech.
Dress Code So that the faculty may do the best possible job of training, observing and generating feedback, we require all students to wear form fitting practice clothes. No distracting colors or hairstyles that may impede sight and ease of movement. No baggy t-shirts or sweaters: all layers must be form fitting. Jewelry (including watches) is potentially dangerous and distracting and should be removed for classes and rehearsals. If you have any questions, please check with your teacher. MALES Tights, leggings or dance pants should be supported with a waist elastic, belt or suspenders. A dance belt must be worn for all dance classes and rehearsals. No loud or distracting colors, patterns or logos on shirts. Hair must be off face and neck. FEMALES No bra tops or bare midriffs. No visible lingerie (i.e. bras and underwear.) No trunks, shorts, or boxer shorts. No bangs or tendrils. For Ballet Classes and Rehearsals Black or white leotard, tight fitting tank top or tied t-shirt Gray or black tights or fitted dance pant White or black ballet slippers (canvas or leather) For Ballet Classes and Rehearsals Conservative black leotard Pink tights Ballet slippers (canvas or leather) Hair tightly & neatly secured against head in a bun with hair net. For Modern Classes and Rehearsals Conservative color leotard, tight fitting tank top or tied t-shirt Black tights, opaque leggings, or fitted dance pant Barefoot (unless medical reason prevents it) For Modern Classes and Rehearsals Conservative styled leotard Black tights or solid black opaque leggings Hair tightly and neatly secured completely off face and neck. Barefoot (unless medical reason prevents it) Dress Room Policy: Students are given 5 minutes at the beginning and end of classes to dress. Dressing or undressing in any open studio or hallway is not permitted for Dance Department majors and elective classes. The following are the only approved locations for dressing. For ladies: 205 office, 205 dressing room, Annex dressing rooms. For gentlemen: boy s restrooms. Note: During productions the 205 dressing may be occupied. In this event, ladies should use the girl s restroom for dressing. 9
Grading The dance department is committed to providing you with excellent training and helping you to become the best possible dancer you can be. Dance Department grading reflects a philosophy that the most important part of reaching that goal is: your discipline, your persistence and knowing how to take class to get results. Even more than natural talent, making the effort day in and day out is what makes or breaks the chances of aspiring dancers. The truth is that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your training and the work involved in becoming the best dancer you can be. Teachers can provide the information but they cannot make you progress as a dancer only you can do that. Making the effort day in and day out Daily Assessment All dance faculty record a daily assessment score for student proficiency in technique and rehearsals. The daily assessment is the most important component of a dance major s grade. The daily assessment is reflective of the learned behaviors that are essential for success at the high school, college/conservatory and professional levels. Modeling these behaviors in daily classes and rehearsals will be of great value when seeking employment. Daily assessment criteria and point values vary from teacher to teacher (see syllabi) and may include but are not limited to: dress code, attitude, effort, participation and skill mastery. Performance Assessments Performances are a graded component of all dance majors grade. Performances are summative assessments produced as an outgrowth of technique classes and rehearsals. Class Projects Each dance major is required to complete a graded long-term class project each school year. The projects are opportunities for students to do self-guided in-depth research in one of four areas including: Nutrition (9th), Dance History (10 th ), Careers (11 th ) and an Independent Study (12th). Successful completion of the class project each year is one of the required criteria for completion of the YPAS dance major. Project scores are recorded throughout the school year by the project advisor (Mudd 9th/ 11th, Ruttan 10th and Herndon 12th) and calculated into both ballet and modern technique grades. See project advisor and course syllabi for more details. Additional Assignments Additional graded assignments are course specific (see syllabi) and may include reviews of live performances, journaling, etc 10
DuPont Manual Attendance Policy The YPAS Dance Department adheres to the Manual attendance policy which states the following: Much of the success of DuPont Manual High School comes from the emphasis on daily attendance. Attendance is perhaps the most critical factor in student achievement in school. The following attendance policies are designed to encourage students to be in school every day they are able and emphasize the importance of parent or guardian communication with the school concerning student absences. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for college and career readiness. To preserve a safe environment, a legal guardian (or person(s) listed on enrollment card) is required to sign out a student. Picture identification is required for the person signing out the student. Students may not sign themselves out (all grades 9 12). Students will not be released by phone or fax as they are too difficult to authenticate. Absences Written notification must be received in order for the absence to be excused. Absence notes are to be turned in to the attendance office immediately upon your students return to school. Failure to present an acceptable note warrants an unexcused absence. The student has THREE (3) CONSECUTIVE DAYS to produce a valid absence note. After ten (10) parent notes of absenteeism and for each occurrence thereafter, a medical statement is required. Students who are absent will be excused for the following with valid documentation: 1. Illness 2. Death in the family 3. Medical or dental appointments 4. Personal legal matters 5. Religious events 6. Educational Enrichment 7. Other exceptional reasons as pre approved by the principal, provided a written request is made at least five (5) school days in advance Students absent for any reason other than those reasons listed as excused absences will be considered as unexcused. Unexcused absences also include the following: Absences prior to and following vacation, and holidays and official school professional-development days, for reasons other than illness or death in the family Missed Class Work and Instruction For excused absences and tardies, it is the students responsibility to request all work that can be made up. Students will have the number of calendar days absent plus one (1) day to make up any work missed. For unexcused absences and tardies, missed work cannot be made up. Students are still responsible for the content covered during the absence. Using the excuses car trouble, traffic, or no parking, constitutes an unexcused tardy, since students have elected to provide their own transportation 11
Illness, Early Dismissals & Observations Early Dismissals Students who are in school are expected to participate fully in dance class. A student who becomes ill during the school day and is unable to take dance class must report to the dance class teacher, get permission to report to the office and request an early dismissal. If you are unable to secure an early dismissal you are to remain in your scheduled dance class and complete an observation assignment (See Appendix B/C). Upon your return to dance class you must present the completed observation day assignment signed by your parent and a note from your parent or doctor excusing your non-participation for that day. See your teacher for specific observation guidelines.for health and safety reasons, dance majors should not participate in blood drives before or during technique classes or rehearsals. Students will not be granted an excused absence or observation day for dance class or rehearsal for illness as a result of giving blood. In the past, students still wishing to give blood have been able to make special arrangements to give afterschool and after rehearsals. Observations Students are allowed only one observation day from each class per six-week grading period. This includes after-school rehearsals for students enrolled in the Dance Ensemble class. Students must complete an observation assignment in lieu of the daily assessment in order to be excused. Observations beyond one will be treated as a long-term illness or injury and must be supported by official documentation. Long term Illness, Injury or Chronic Conditions A student who has been designated as having a long term illness, injury or chronic condition, and has presented official documentation from medical or legal personnel, will be carefully reviewed by the faculty and administration for continuation in the dance program. Alternate work may be given. 12
Appendix A-Dance Ensemble Sample Contract Student will give all YPAS performances and rehearsals a 1st priority commitment. Student will attend and participate fully in the following REQUIRED rehearsals and performances: Fourth (4th) block Dance Ensemble Class Dance Ensemble Touring performances Annual MainStage Dance Concert 8th Grade Open House Informance Dance and Dreams Girl Scout Show Each One Teach One Dance Mosaic Concert Season GALA (as needed) Student will adhere to the following attendance policy: Absences from regular rehearsals (including those after-school) fall under the Dupont Manual Attendance Policy. Note that in order to maintain the integrity of a performance piece, and at the sole discretion of the choreographer, understudies or alternate dancers may be temporarily or permanently cast in place of absent students and/or choreography may be modified. Absence from full-runs, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances will only be allowed for documented serious illness or injury that is under a physician s care and serious emergencies such as needing to go to the hospital or attend funeral services. Absences for any other reason will negatively affect performance grade and may cause a student to be taken out of the performance at the sole discretion of the choreographer. I understand and agree to abide by the Dance Ensemble contract as stated. X (Student) X (Parent)
Appendix B-Observation Assignment for Technique Class If you are taking an observation day complete the following assignment unless otherwise instructed by your teacher: Tell your teacher that you will be sitting out, well before class starts. Waiting until right before class starts is not appreciated. Secondly position yourself in the studio where your presence will be of minimal distraction to dancing students, for example in a corner or at the back of the room. Watch the class carefully; take notes for each of the following questions. You must actively take notes throughout the entire class. Take your notes home and type your responses in complete sentences and paragraph form. One or two sentences for each question is NOT enough. Put your name and the date of your observation day in the upper left hand corner of each paper. Format: Times 12pt font, 1 margins, doublespaced, stapled. Should be approx. 2 ½ -4pages. Observation papers are due the NEXT CLASS PERIOD WITH A PARENT SIGNATURE. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. A. Why are you sitting out? Is this rest being prescribed by a medical professional? What steps are you taking to recover from your illness or injury and return to dancing? B. 1. Describe in detail four different exercises or combinations from the class you watched. 2.Describe the feedback or instructional comments given by the teacher for each exercise and 3. Describe how the feedback applies to your own unique body or technique. C. Select one student to watch for an entire combination. In what ways is the student successful for that combination? In what ways can this student improve? What have you learned from watching this student? D. Are there any students in the class who are inspiring you? Why, specifically? E. What do you notice about the relationship between the music and the movement? How are individual dancers responding to the music? Give two different and specific examples. F. Select a combination or combination(s). Pretend you re a dance teacher. Describe at least 2 images you would have used to help your students do the combination correctly different from the ones that may have been mentioned in the class. G. How would you describe the professionalism of the students/teacher/musician? H. How is observing this class a valuable part of your dance education? Overall what would you say you learned from observing this class? Adapted from Ki[y Daniels, M.A., Cornish College of the Arts in Sea[le, Washington (as cited in Oliver, 2010) Oliver, W. (2010). Wri^ng About Dance. Champaign, IL: Human Kine^cs
Appendix C-Observation Assignment for Dance Ensemble Class STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED ONE (1) OBSERVATION DAY IN THE ENSEMBLE CLASS PER SIX WEEKS PERIOD If you are taking an observa^on day complete the following assignment unless otherwise instructed by your teacher: Tell your teacher that you will be si`ng out, well before the ensemble class starts. Wai^ng un^l right before rehearsal starts is not appreciated. Be available to take notes for the rehearsal director if needed. Watch the rehearsal carefully. You must ac^vely take notes throughout the en^re rehearsal. Take your notes home and type your responses in complete sentences and paragraph form. One or two sentences are NOT enough. Put your name and the date of your observa^on day in the upper lea hand corner of each paper. Format: Times 12pt font, 1 margins, double- spaced, stapled. Should be approx. 2 ½ - 4pages. Observa^on papers are due the NEXT CLASS PERIOD WITH A PARENT SIGNAUTURE. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. 1. Write down all new choreography that is given and any choreography that has been changed. Be as specific and descriptive as possible. Ex. Starting on count 2, Sydney enters from stage right does a lame duck to the right and melts to the floor. Eight counts later Alyssa does a stag leap over Sydney and runs upstage right to meet Brenda. 2. Write down all corrections given by the choreographer/instructor. Be specific as to the nature of the correction and to whom the correction applies. 3. The next rehearsal you should be ready to perform all choreography fully, including any new or changed choreography and implement any new corrections given.