2015-2016 Youth Performing Arts School - YPAS DANCE


Youth Performing Arts School
Dance
Department
Handbook
2015-2016
Design by Kimberly Herndon
Table of Contents
Dance Department Faculty
Dance Department Philosophy ……….………………………………………..…….. 3
General Information.............................................................................................. 4
Plan of Study ………………………………….……………………………………… 5
Lora Ruttan
Ballet, Modern, Chairperson
BA, MA
Dance Ensemble …………………………………………………………………….… 7
Dance Department Performing Opportunities .................................................... 8
Dress Code ……………………………………………………………………………. 9 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
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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
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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)
• Participate as a dancer and/or choreographer in
student choreography performances.
**All Sophomores
All Freshmen
Plan of Study
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
Encouraged Opportunities
• Attend the Regional or National H.S. Dance Festival
• Audition for Dance Concert pieces rehearsed
after-school
• Participate as dancer and/or choreographer in
student choreography performances.
• Participate in after-school pointe classes
• Begin collecting points toward induction into the
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
• 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
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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
• Hold leadership roles in the National Honor Society
for Dance Arts
//lllll
Juniors & Seniors without Dance Ensemble
Juniors & Seniors with Dance Ensemble
Plan of Study
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
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.
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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.
The showcase includes minimal tech.
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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.
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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 (10th), Careers (11th)
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:
Students who are absent will be excused for the
following with valid documentation:
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.
1. Illness
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.
7. Other exceptional reasons as pre approved by the
principal, provided a written request is made at least
five (5) school days in advance
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.
2. Death in the family
3. Medical or dental appointments
4. Personal legal matters
5. Religious events
6. Educational Enrichment
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
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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.
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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.