DANCE COURSE SYLLABUS * CARDETTES

INSTRUCTOR & CARDETTE
DIRECTOR: MS. L. MORENO
COURSE: DANCE for
CARDETTES
HHS DANCE DEPT.
DANCE COURSE SYLLABUS * CARDETTES
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Dance is a study in developing the right brain. Students will develop creative
& perceptual thinking and kinesthetic movement abilities to be used in daily
life that promote an understanding of themselves and others. By mastering
movement principles, students develop self – discipline, stronger
communication, creative thought, and healthy bodies that move expressively,
efficiently, and safely through space with controlled energy. Students will
recognize dance as a vehicle for viewing, understanding, and appreciating
cultural and historical context. This will increase the student’s awareness of
their own and others’ heritage and traditions, thus, facilitating participation in
Everything in the universe has
rhythm. Everything dances.
 Maya Angelou
a diverse society. Evaluating and analyzing dance, decision making skills,
discipline, and critical thinking will also be skills learned. The curriculum will
be based on the standards laid out by the TEA Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills for the Fine Arts. This is a two semester course.
GOALS:
 Develop an awareness of the body’s movement
 Demonstrate a strong performance ability
 Apply body science & fitness principles to dance
 Appreciate and make informed observations of dance
 Develop knowledge & skills of dance culture/ history
 Learn something new & strengthen your right brain
 Develop an understanding of choreographic process and various dance styles/forms
 Build on your dance studies/ knowledge to more advanced skills
“The most important lesson for a
LOCATION: CARDETTE STUDIO
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 427 – 3600 ext. 1067
INSTRUCTOR: MS. L. MORENO
dancer to learn is that his/her
instrument will only perform equal to
the effort they put into developing it.”

AUTHUR MITCHELL, DANCE
THEATRE OF HARLEM
EXPECTATIONS
In the words of W. H. Auden: Dance till the stars come
down from the rafters. Dance, Dance, Dance till you drop.
“Dance is for
everybody.
Be Constructive Not Destructive: Follow the Thumper
Rule. This is very important because we are all learning and we
do not want to hinder anyone’s learning process.
Follow All School / District/ Cardette Policies: Remember
you have a constitution you must follow.
Be Prepared: Make sure you have all that is needed for
I believe that the dance
came from the people and
that it should always be
delivered back to the
class. This includes, but is not limited to, your dress out clothes.
people.”
Everyone is expected to dress out each day.
 Alvin Ailey
Be Willing: You are always expected to participate. You
should always display a willingness to learn and work with
others. We learn when we try things we have never done. Don’t
be afraid to volunteer and try.
Class is Always Rated PG! Let’s make good choices and be
classy. Behave with common courtesy. No Profanity.
Be Neat: Nothing should grow legs or wings! No food, drink
SUPPLIES
Tools to Facilitate Learning
[other than water], and no gum in the studio. Clean up after
yourself. Remember the studio is a shared space.
A Positive Attitude
Be Responsible: This is your educational experience and you
determine what you get out of it. Be curious. Don’t leave
without permission. Keep up with your work.
Willingness to disconnect from electronic
devices
A Folder for Important Documents
Water and performance supplies [poms,
accessories, etc.]
Dance wear – must wear required attire for
the day [as per your schedule or event]
Your Attitude Reflects
Your Outcome
including having your hair up and your
cover ups.
Dance shoes – tennis shoes, jazz shoes,
other dance shoes, but no hard soles.
DANCE DEPT.
DANCE for CARDETTES
REQUIREMENTS
Dress Out Time  You will have 7 mins from
the bell to dress out and report to the center of the
floor for attendance. If you are not there you will be
counted tardy which will cause a grade point
reduction. All restroom visits should be taken in
between class. Restroom breaks will be allowed
during class, but students must ask for permission
and only one person may be out at a time. It is
advisable to label your things especially items left
in the dressing space. Students are responsible for
their belongings. For safety reasons all items not in
Grading
the dressing room must be lined up against the back
Evaluation is key to growing and
strengthening your abilities.
wall; the wall without mirrors.
 DAILY PARTICIPATION 75%
.
Participation  Dance is expected in dance class.
If you are physically unable to take part due to
illness you will be allowed to sit out for one day
with Ms. Moreno’s permission. After this a note
Items like but not limited to…

Participation in warm up 20pts a day

Active participation in class activities

Rehearsals/Critiques
 WRITINGS
will be required each day you sit out. Continuous

Reflections
‘sitting out’ requires a doctor’s note. Alternative

Research
assignments will need to be completed to make up
 DRESSING OUT

Wearing proper dance attire 20pts a day
for the grades missed when not participating.
*Cell phones or other electronics are
not to be used during ‘dance’ time.
 TESTS, PROJECTS, & PERFORMANCES 25%

Community Service

Performances and event participation
Make up work and Extra Credit  Will be taken/given within reason. If a dancer is absent they must
request their make-up work. If a performance is missed the dancer must make arrangements to perform with
the instructor upon return to class. Time restrictions will be placed on make-up and extra credit; if the
deadline is not met the work will not be taken. No more than 2 extra credits will be given in a grading period.
At the teacher’s discretion extra points for effort may be applied at any time.
Signature Page
Please return by Friday 
Guardian Section:
I, ________________________, have read the
course syllabus and understand the requirements
and expectations. I will aid my child and the HHS
dance department in having a successful
experience. I understand this course has a dress
code and that participation and performance are a
vital part of the course. I understand how the
course will be graded. I understand that lost items
in the studio are not the responsibility of the
school. Finally, I understand that this is a
‘physical’ course that requires my child to dance.
“It takes an
athlete to dance,
but an artist to
be a dancer.”
 Shanna
LaFleur
Please provide an email that you may be contacted
at –
Student Section:
Guardian’s Signature 
Date _______________
I, ________________________, have read
the course syllabus and agree to follow the
course expectations and requirements. I
understand I will be dancing, I will need to
dress out, I will be expected to work with
others, and I will have performances. I
know that if I need help I need to ask the
teacher. I understand that my grade is my
responsibility. I agree to be positive and to
be willing to learn even when that means I
have to try new things.
Student’s Signature
Date _________________
*We will be piloting some online platforms.
If you need assistance locating resources
please let me know.
RETURN BY _____________
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
LATE WORK POLICY: All assignments must
be turned in by the due date. If an assignment
is turned in…
 one day late = 10 point deduction
 two days late = 20 point deduction
 three days late = 30 point deduction
“Discipline is the
bridge between
goals and
accomplishment.”
After, three days the assignment will be given
a zero.
.
 Jim Rohn
RETESTING POLICY: Students will be
allowed to retake a test one time if the
following requirements are met…
 More than 25% of the class failed the test;
A MESSAGE FROM ME TO YOU
all students will be allowed to retest if this
condition is met.
 An individual student will be given the
opportunity to retest on only ONE test during
the grading period. The student may choose
which test they would like to retest on.
 Exams such as the Semester Exam or
Quarter Exam or Mid – Course exam or Final
will be excluded from the retake provision,
regardless of the pass/fail rate of the
test/assignment.
Retest must be taken within a week from
the time the test grade has been received
by the student.
I truly want you to be successful and learn. I want to
pass on my wisdom and open a space in your mind to
allow creativity and artistry to breathe. Great minds
understand that your brain is its most powerful when
it works from both the left and right side. I am here
to be a guide and leader for you. But please know
that I can only help you be successful if you invest in
your own learning. If you have questions; ask. If you
need help; speak up. If you want to explore an idea
further; do it. As you grow into your adulthood your
education is your responsibility. Take all the wisdom
and lessons being offered to you. Knowledge is one
of the few things that cannot be taken from you and
it is in knowledge that we find our path.
Work with me and I will do all I can to help you on
your journey down your path to a bright tomorrow.
CARDETTES
SIMPLY THE BEST
“When I dance, I
cannot judge, I
Keep in mind we are always seeking to be the best so these
are important ideas to internalize:
cannot hate, I
cannot separate

Cardettes are held to a higher standard in all things.

myself from life. I
Cardette class is an academic class. We will be
can only be joyful
following the standards laid out by TEA. We have
to adhere to the TEKS. There will be class
assignments.

Volunteer. It is ok for you to offer to help.

We will always have a lot to do.

You must do everything to promote a good working
and whole, that is
why I dance.”
 Hans Bos
relationship with your team.

We must always represent the organization with
grace & class both in and out of the classroom.

Always let your ‘awesomeness’ shine bright! Make
good choices 

We must always uphold the standard of what it
means to be a Cardette.

Cardettes is both an honor and a privilege.
POINTE YOUR TOES,
CHIN UP & SMILE 
MS. MORENO
DANCE for CARDETTES
ARTISTRY ON DISPLAY
TALENT CENTER STAGE
DANCE IS A PERFORMANCE ART SO WE WILL PERFORM.
In addition to your class performances/games/events, all dance classes will participate in a ‘recital’ in the spring.
Dance is not just about moving around. It is also an art form that begs for an audience. We will share your talents.
“To dance is to be out of yourself, larger, more powerful, more beautiful.
This is power, it is glory on Earth and it is yours for the taking.” – Agnes de Mille
“… perform memorized movement sequences with rhythmical accuracy…” from TEA Fine Arts TEKS
“CREATIVITY, ENCOURAGED THROUGH THE STUDY OF THE FINE ARTS, IS ESSENTIAL TO
NURTURE AND DEVELOP THE WHOLE CHILD.” From TEA Fine Arts TEKS
DANCE AREAS WE SEEK TO FOCUS ON THROUGHOUT THE YEAR…
PROPER FITNESS & CARE
HEALTH & NUTRITION
AEROBICS & MOTOR SKILLS
CULTURAL & SOCIAL DANCE
There is a tryout
to be on the
Cardette team
and in the class.
HISTORY
CHOREOGRAPHY
JAZZ
DANCE & MEDIA
BALLET
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
MODERN/CONTEMPORARY
AND MORE…
Dance is bigger than the physical body.
When you extend your arm, it doesn't
stop at the end of your fingers,
because you're dancing bigger than
that; you're dancing spirit.
 Judith Jamison
PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR BINDER AS A REFERENCE