Grade 11 Dance Majors
In this dance course you will study two types of dance: Jazz and Modern. It is mandatory to take
the grade eleven Ballet credit along with this course.
Evaluation and Assessment
unit 1: Jazz
unit 2: Modern
unit 3: Jazz
unit 4: Modern
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Written Exam
Culminating Activity
Production rehearsals and performance
Creative Exam
(60%)
(10%)
(20%)
(10%)
Within each unit you will study technique, theory, composition and presentational aspects of
dance and dance training.
Knowledge/ Understanding:
You will study the various styles of dance within the 2 dance types. You will investigate a variety
of ways to warm up the body, supplementary training for the dancer, history of dance through
dance companies, anatomy and injury prevention as well as extend your dance vocabulary. You
will continue your appreciation of the etiquette and traditions of dance/theatre both in training and
performance situations..
Application/Creation/Technique: You will continue to learn more difficult technique, body
positions/movements, increase your spatial awareness and dimensions (direction, level, focus,
patterns, facings), investigate dimensions of time (tempo, rhythm), energy, and study the
relationships of dancers to others, props and music. You will look at and put into practice free and
recall improvisation, form and structure, body action, space, shape, time, energy and
relationships. You will use other stimuli in the creation of original movement and choreography.
Composition and improvisation will include both teacher and student directed work.
Thinking/Inquiry/Analysis: You will develop an awareness of your own ideas and feelings in
dance and develop critical skills. You will develop criteria to evaluate dance presentations , refine
your reflection and evaluation of skills and presentations (self, artists, peers, professionals). You
will analyze dance as well as its many functions.
Communication: You will work on your ability to communicate verbally and non verbally in a
variety of situations for a variety of audiences (written, dance, art, verbal presentations, etc)
This area covers basic presentation skills in daily work and performance, ability to respect
traditions of dance as an art form (on time, dress code, commitment, discipline, classroom
etiquette and rehearsal skills,
Dress Code
Dance is a physical activity but it is also a fine art where body mechanics and structure
are a matter of health and safety. This is not your first year in dance so you should know
what to expect. At this level appropriate dancewear is expected for each and every class.
NO BAGGY CLOTHES. Injuries can occur over a long period if postures and lines are
not visible. I do not have X-ray vision. A towel, hair elastics, clips, band aids and water
are also suggested for your dance bag.
The dress code / uniform colour is black. This will help when it comes to costumes for
the year-end performance and you will look like you belong to the professional program
and standards we expect in this course. Footwear is also required. You will have only 5
minutes to change at the beginning and at the end of each class. You must change for
class otherwise you will not be permitted to dance. You will therefore loose strength and
overtime marks.
Tie up loose hair, wear a sports bra if you need one, take off all jewelry and gum will not
be tolerated in the studio.
Modern:
Black body suits, leotards, form fitting black tops, black footless tights, shorts,
pants or leggings. You must have bare feet for modern dance. If you have open sores, blisters
or athletes foot you must tape your feet before going bare foot. Hair must be off your face and
tied back.
Jazz: Dancewear is freer in Jazz. Black jazz pants, leggings, tights or shorts, black leotards,
body suits, form fitting tops, jazz shoes, jazz boots, or foot thongs are required for this dance
type. No white soled shoes are allowed in the studio. Hair must be off your face and tied back.
Males: Males wear black dance pants, shorts, black or white T-shirt, an athletic supporter, black
ballet slippers, shorts or leggings for ballet, bare feet for modern and dance shoes for jazz (as the
above).
These requirements are a matter of safety for your body and for the safety of others.
They are a part of a long tradition in dance and should be respected.
The uniform is also part of the total presentation marks awarded in dance.
Our Goals in Dance
to receive training in different types of dance (modern, jazz,)
to experience the creative and compositional aspects of dance
to learn how to care for your body - the dancer’s instrument
to gain confidence through taking part in daily classroom presentation, performance and
final productions
to instill a sense of responsibility and discipline through daily practice both as an individual and
as a team player.
to work on literacy through sharpening writing and research skills
to integrate and relate dance to other disciplines (music, art, drama, literature, history, social
issues, science, etc.)
Course Expectations
You must:
be in attendance and on time
change into the required dance attire and wear proper footwear for each class
remove all jewelry and gum
co-operate and respect the people and environment around you
bring a binder, paper and pen to each class
complete assignments/homework on time as assigned and ON TIME!
attend extra rehearsals as required for performances and productions
attend at least one live professional performance and complete a dance review
help with costumes and set designs as required throughout the year
work at a high level of concentration in order to achieve higher levels of technique
attend extra rehearsals and practices after school in May
Homework
personal warm up
essays and reports -
1st term essay (supplemental training for dancers)
2nd term essay (a dance company of your choice)
present to the class a supplemental training for the dancer (Jan)
critiques and performance review – review at least 1 professional performances
submit self evaluations of technique and reflections for unit
submit a personal post performance reflection
practice stretching and strength training, practice steps, compositions, routines for technique tests,
exams and performances
study theory for tests and exams
show preparation – extra rehearsals and practices after school
prepare costumes, makeup, props, sets, scene work, etc.