BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Department of Dance
Student Syllabus and Contract for Dance 498R-1
BYU Theatre Ballet
Instructor: Shani Robison
BYU Phone: 801-422-4748
Office: 273Q RB
Office Hours: 1-3 pm, TTH
12-3 pm, W
E-mail: shani_robison@byu.edu
1. Catalog Course Description:
This course is the apex of the ballet performance opportunities at the university and can satisfy
university core requirements in general education electives as well as fulfill performance
requirements in the B.A. program of the Dance Department. It also contributes to the broad education
of the BYU student by balancing learning and the development of the total person in spiritual,
intellectual, physical, aesthetic, artistic, and emotional areas. This is a performance course offered to
the most advanced ballet dancers who are accepted through audition to perform in BYU Theatre
Ballet fulfilling performance company requirements for the dance major.
2. Prerequisite(s):
Prerequisites for BYU Theatre Ballet: audition and concurrent enrollment in Dance 490R, and 494R
(fall semester) or 495R (winter semester). Dance 494R or 495R are required courses the first year of
company membership and are optional, but encouraged, after that.
D 494R may be required for returning company members depending on repertoire being learned for
that performance/tour season.
3. Course Alignment with University and Program Mission and Aims:
The classroom objectives and expectations align with the AIMS of a BYU education in the following
ways:
1. Strengthen students spiritually as they are exposed to wholesome LDS standards in
choreography, musical choices, costuming, and movement choices. Through spiritually and
artistically uplifting performing experiences, students have the opportunity to experience the joy
of moving with expression to music and are reminded of God’s divine power in creating the
physical body.
2. Enlarge the students intellectually through the rigorous mental and physical training required
as they learn original and traditional classical and contemporary ballet works.
3. Build character through learning a greater degree of self mastery from the
performance of the ballet discipline as well as through participation in touring, instructing youth
workshops, and choreographic mentoring.
4. Encourage lifelong learning and service through Ballet Club membership,
participation in master classes and teaching Ballet Club help sessions. Service is also encouraged
through committee assignments determined at the beginning of the semester in the following
positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, History Committee,
Costume Committee, Health Committee, Social Committee, Public Relations, and Ballet Club
Representative(s).
4. Required Course Materials:
There is not a required text for this course. Students must provide their own modest dance wear
(according to the attire guidelines), supplies, and pointe shoes throughout the year, with the exception
of one or more pair(s) of performance pointe shoes provided fall or winter semester.
5. Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
Each student will:
1. Expand his/her classical and contemporary performance repertoire through rehearsals and
performances, thereby improving his/her performance and choreographic skills.
2. Prepare him/herself for professional work as a dancer, choreographer, or instructor
through varied and substantial stage and classroom experiences.
3. Prepare for the rigors and rewards of a touring experience and then tour to local and
distant audiences admirably representing the church and university.
4. Educate audiences through lecture demonstrations and special performances.
5. Instruct at workshops as a service on tour to give children a rewarding artistic experience.
6. Have the opportunity to choreograph a student work and have it mentored and possibly
performed at an on campus performance/showing.
7. Challenge his/her mind, body, and spirit through rigorous technical and artistic
requirements to further develop as a performing artist.
6. Learning Activities/Course Requirements:
1. Registration for credit and full and regular participation in Dance 490R, and Dance 494R
(Fall) or 495R (Winter).
2. Regular participation in rehearsal applying the newly learned ballet choreography with
adequate repetition and coaching to achieve the proper artistic and technical aesthetics.
3. Touring locally for lecture demonstrations and beyond for mid-semester tours.
4. Participating in performances each semester in a variety of theatres and in several
different types of performances.
5. Personal interviews with artistic director to gain insights into personal strengths and
weaknesses.
6. Student choreography auditions with possible performance of selected pieces if the
opportunity is presented.
7. Participation in master classes from well-known national and international artists, when
scheduled during the regular technique class time.
8. Participation in the Regional Dance America Festival—Pacific Region which typically occurs
during spring term.
9. Continual service as required by committee assignments, teaching one Ballet Club Help
Session Fall and Winter semesters, and promotional service at the PR Booth for 2+ hours the
week before Ballet in Concert.
7. Assessment Procedures:
Satisfactory completion by established deadlines of the following prerequisites results in eligibility
for a passing grade:
1. Completion and submission of the contract commitment form that is found at the end of the
syllabus.
2. Completion and submission of the provided personal publicity sheet and condensed
autobiography for promotional purposes.
3. Payment of dues the second week of fall semester ($100 company member fee taken out of
individual student accounts). Additional dues of $200.00 will be taken out of individual student
accounts winter semester to pay for half of each student’s RDA registration fee.
4. Completion and submission of the training room clearance form to have access to that facility
as well as photo and video release form.
5. Completion and submission of the tour release and approval forms for regional and midsemester tours, as needed.
6. Completion of the Excused Absence Form if required by other academic professors so that
academic assignments can be completed prior to tour or lecture demonstration performances.
Grading Formula
1. After satisfactorily completing the basic requirements and prerequisites in #6 and #7, the
specifics listed in the following two sections are applied to each student to determine a final
grade.
2. Students are graded on results produced in rehearsals and performances from their
natural and acquired talent plus honest hard work. The following factors are considered
equally:
a. How well students make corrections.
b. How quickly students learn choreography.
c. The energy level at which students rehearse.
d. The attitude with which the students rehearse, perform, and interact with other company
members and directors.
e. How dependable students are in assigned responsibilities.
f. How dependable students are going the second mile with understudying and
support work.
g. How well students honor traditional rules of professional ballet rehearsing
including etiquette, respect, and discipline.
h. Success on stage, tour, and other performances in assigned roles.
3. Students are also graded on participation. The following factors are considered equally:
a. Each student must participate in ALL rehearsals, company warm-ups and performances. If
any are missed, the grade will be affected.
b. Promptness is expected. Students who are tardy at any rehearsals, warm-ups or
performances will find it reflected in the grade.
4. Completion of the on-line Student Ratings of Instruction as available through myBYU. This
is a very important process to the improvement of both teachers and courses. Please release your
name as you complete this evaluation so that you can receive proper credit. When doing so, your
evaluation will remain completely anonymous. If this is not completed, the final grade will
drop by 1/3.
The above grading criteria are measured against the established criteria standard below with
unsatisfactory completion of any of the above listed things affecting the grade one third of a grade for
each unsatisfactory mark:
95 - 100% A (Mastery) 74 - 76% C
90 - 94% A70 - 73% C87 - 89% B+
67 - 69% D+
84 - 86% B
64 - 66% D
80 - 83% B60 - 63% D- (Passing)
77 - 79% C+
8. Course Policies
1. GPA of at least a 2.5 must be maintained to continue company membership and performance
eligibility with an expected goal toward a 3.0 overall GPA.
2. Theatre Ballet scholarship recipients must abide by the scholarship policies as outlined by the
university. "To claim a fall/winter scholarship, you must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours
per semester unless you contract in advance to do otherwise. To provide you a measure of
flexibility in scheduling courses and meeting other obligations, we allow you to contract with the
Scholarship Office to complete 28 credit hours during fall and winter semesters instead of 14
credit hours each semester. However, you may not enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours during
either semester. Contract forms are available in the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB. "
http://saas.byu.edu/depts/scholarships/faq/policies.aspx
3. If an injury occurs, it is policy that the student must complete therapy and treatment as
prescribed, report frequently to the director, and continue to contribute to the success of the
company by being helpful and assisting in rehearsals, and performance support work if necessary.
9. University Policies
Preventing Sexual Harassment:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any
participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is
intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. BYU's policy against sexual
harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you
encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, contact the Equal
Employment Office at 422-5895 or visit the website at http://www.byu.edu/hr/eeo/info.html
.
Students with Disabilities:
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere
that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability
that may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Equal
Employment Office at 422-5895 or visit the website at http://www.byu.edu/hr/eeo/info.html.
Church Educational System Honor Code:
Brigham Young University exists to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with
the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That
atmosphere is created and preserved through commitment to conduct that reflects those
ideals and principles. Observance of such standards is a condition of employment and
admission. Those individuals who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
are also expected to maintain the same standards of conduct, except church attendance. If you have
any concerns, please contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2848. For more information on the
following related topics, visit the Honor Code office website at
http://www.byu.edu/honorcode/honor_code.htm
o Be honest
o Live a chaste and virtuous life
o Obey the law and all campus policies
o Use clean language
o Respect others
o Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
o Observe Dress and Grooming Standards
o Participate regularly in church services
o Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the BYU Honor Code
o Academic Honesty
o Dress and Grooming Standards
Brigham Young University
College of Fine Arts and Communications
Department of Dance
Theatre Ballet Membership Acceptance and Contract Commitment
Fall 2014 – May 13, 2015
Mission Statement
The mission of Theatre Ballet is to foster love and appreciation for ballet, recognizing it as an
artistic means of expression and communication. Striving for unequivocal excellence,
Theatre Ballet seeks to be a gospel oriented catalyst for students to achieve their highest
potential. We aspire to serve, educate, and edify audiences through uplifting performances,
outreach programs, and teaching opportunities.
Time Commitment
This agreement will be in force upon signing and will remain in effect from August 26, 2014
through Winter Semester 2015, and through the completion of the Regional Dance
America—Pacific Region Festival, May 11-13, 2015 in Sacramento, CA.
Dance 490R, Dance 494R (Fall), Dance 495R (Winter), Dance 498R-1 are required for all
company members to take for credit throughout the year. Rehearsal times begin the day after
company auditions and continue throughout the week before school starts, which includes the
Saturday and Monday holiday before school begins this year due to a guest choreographer.
Typical rehearsals are MWF as indicated in the university course schedule, however,
additional rehearsals on different days and at different times may be required due to guest
choreographers, adjudications, performances, or extra rehearsals.
I have read and agree to abide by the Theatre Ballet syllabus and the requirements contained
therein. I commit to work with a supportive attitude to build the company morale and uphold
the Mission Statement. I commit to make an unencumbered commitment from August 26,
2014 through the completion of the 2015 RDA Pacific Region Festival.
Signature:
Please PRINT:
Name:
BYU ID#:
Local Address:
Local Phone Number: (______) _______________
Permanent Phone Number: (______) ____________
Permanent Address:
Technique Shoe Brand and Size:
Tights Brand & Size (men only):
Pointe Shoes Name, Brand, and Size if not Freed:
Freed Shoes Name, Brand, and Size:
Year in School:
Major: