Jazz 437
Instructor: Laurienne Singer
Campus Phone (323-953-4000 ext.2865)
WELCOME TO AN INTRODUCTION TO JAZZ. The class is designed to give you a
basic introduction to the techniques in Jazz; to help you gain flexibility, dexterity and
strength. We will explore basic vocabulary like jazz walks, turns, elevations, extensions,
and contractions. We will work on alignment, positions, port de bras, plies and releves,
pas de bourrees, and possibly some leaps and falls. By the end of the semester you
should know what these moves are and be able to execute them, and perform the dance
we create. We will explore combinations and ultimately put a dance together. We will do
this as a group or individually. You will also gain some knowledge of the history of this
dance form.
Our grade will be based on your attendance, effort, and cooperation in working in a group
and your willingness to participate and give yourself the opportunity to explore the
movement and genre. There may be some improvisational aspects in this class, let
yourself play and explore movement.
If you are not here, you can’t do it. So unless you are ill, try not to miss classes, because
the material is accumulative. If we are working on a dance, or you are working with
others on a dance, you need to be here and responsible for that commitment. If our dance
is good enough, we can do it in the concert. However, that is dependent on the
instructors’ approval. It is not mandatory that you be in the concert, however if you
commit yourself to dancing in it, it is imperative that you follow through with rehearsals
and performance.
It has to do with being a good team player. Usually the final is doing the dance that was
composed for and with the class. There is also a written final, based on the knowledge
and experience you have acquired during the semester.
So being here on time, staying until the end, participating fully and with a positive
approach, getting along in a friendly manner with each other, learning the vocabulary, the
combinations, the dance, allowing yourself and others the freedom to improvise, free of
judgment and negativity are all a part of the way that you participate and the effort you
display in committing yourself to the class.
Arrive on time; roll will be taken 10 minutes after the hour. Come ready to dance in
workout clothes, no jeans. If you wear shorts, make sure they are tight around the legs in
case we do inversions or open swings. Make sure you are clean, no gum, bring water in
non-breakable containers, no food or glass in the classroom due to ants. See to it that cell
phones are turned off. Try not to be absent more than 2 times. One is grace, if you are
absent more you need to make-up the class, 4 absences is failing. It is difficult to makeup the class if you have missed too much of the course. If you decide to leave the class, it
is your responsibility to withdraw. If your name appears on the final roll, and you have
not been present, you will receive an “F”. However, if you commit yourself to starting
and finishing the class, you will be graded on individual endeavor. If you have an
unforeseeable reason that you must be absent, talk with the instructor on how you can
make it up, and if it can be made up. Three tardys equal 1 absence, try not to be late. If
you are late, make sure you warm-up sufficiently to avoid injury. If you are late, it is your
responsibility to make sure I record that you have arrived.
Recap: 1) Arrive on time, ready to dance
2) Dressed appropriately
3) Come with a positive attitude
4) Plan to stay until the end of class
5) Participate fully in class
6) Be capable of performing combinations and movement presented
7) If dance is created, participate and learn it
8) Perform dance or combinations correctly
9) Complete course, possibly presenting your own jazz dance or
combination (if you did not dance in the concert and if some members of the class
did.)
10) If chosen to dance in the concert, commit yourself to be present for all
rehearsals and performances including Tech.
11) Be a responsible member of the class, maintaining a healthy attitude and
taking care of yourself and being mindful and respectful of yourself and others in
the class.
12) All members of the class are expected to be present for the final. There
will be a written paper as well as a practical presentation of the material learned.
The instructor reserves the right to decide if a Dance is ready for concert.
Students with verified disability, who may need reasonable accommodations for this
class, are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Office of Special Services
(CH 109, 323-953-4000X2270) as soon as possible. All information will remain
confidential.
Important! Drop Date Information
The deadline to drop without a “W” is the last day of Week 2 (of the semester), which is Sunday,
September 9th for Fall 2012. If you must drop a course, drop before the specified deadline for
dropping a class without a grade of "W." Dropping after Week 2 will result in a “W” on your
transcript. Effective July 1, 2012 students will only have 3 attempts to pass a class. If a student
gets a "W" or grade of "D", "F", “I”, or "NP" in a class, that will count as an attempt. A student’s
past record of course attempts district wide will also be considered. Therefore, before the end of
Week 2 you should carefully consider if you can reasonably manage this course with the other
factors in your life (e.g. work, family, course load). If you think you will not be able to complete
this course with a C or better, drop by Sunday, September 9th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to talk to me.
You may also see a counselor in the Counseling
Center in AD 108
If you need help paying for books and other college expenses,
call the Financial Aid Office at
(323) 953-4000 extension 2010,
or see them at Student Services Village room 117
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/stusvcs/finaid/