COURSE DESCRIPTION

Instruction in the fundamental techniques and concepts associated with the concert form of modern dance. May be repeated for credit once.

Course fee $50.00 Student accidental insurance fee $1.00

Skill(s) E Course Type T

COURSE RATIONALE

The department offers students an opportunity to investigate the dance field and supports them in finding their own niche therein. Recognizing each individual’s unique life experience and cultural background, the program encourages students to express themselves through the technical study, creation and performance of dance. Students gain technical skills, and serve as company members, while enjoying the benefits of working alongside professional choreographers, performers, and designers.

PREREQUISITES

None

SECTION LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Recognize and exhibit dance class etiquette such as spatial awareness, active listening, personal responsibility, commitment to the practice, and respect for the larger community of dance.

2. Demonstrate vocabulary related to modern dance both kinesthetically and verbally.

3. Evaluate improvement in biomechanics related to alignment, traveling, coordination, flexibility, and strength/stamina in modern dance disciplines.

4. Exhibit increased facility in movement phrasing, rhythmic accuracy, and execution of learned movement (picking up material quickly).

5. Articulate an understanding of the legacy of modern dance as relevant to contemporary practices.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 
1. Consistent attendance, dedicated class participation and self-motivation, the topics and technique learned in every class accumulate over time. Attendance in very important.

2. Openness to feedback, risk taking, and personal growth.

3. Bring a journal and writing utensil to every class meeting and make regular entries as outlined below.

4. Attend a professional modern/contemporary dance performance and write an observation report as outlined below.

5. Wear comfortable non-restrictive clothing that allows the body to be seen clearly.

6. Participate in Open Showing, a free, informal demonstration.

In order to advance to Intermediate Modern Dance, a student must achieve, the above listed Student Learning Outcomes at an intermediate level. Level placement and progression is based on assessment by a Dance Studio Faculty Committee. Refer to the Modern Technique Level Placement Rubric in the Dance Student Handbook. Any questions about level placement should be directed to the instructor.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This class is practice (participation) oriented.  Movement is presented by means of demonstration and description.  Practice and repetition are the primary modes of learning and are followed by feedback, clarification, and more detailed analysis. Exercises will progress from the simple to the more complex during the semester. Therefore, movement material will become more complicated and demanding, integrated and refined.  Activities consist of the following:
 
• Warm-up movement combinations designed to increase strength and flexibility, increase body awareness, re-pattern movement habits and prepare the student to move more fully.

• Movement combinations designed to improve coordination, musicality, muscle control and an emotive sense. During this section of the class the student will be presented with ideas and principles of movement as well as a wide range of movement qualities. This section includes the detailed study of movement combinations.

• Closing exercises designed to bring closure to the session and to attend to our body’s particular needs after the work done in class.

• Observation. As dance technicians, students are expected to attend a professional modern/contemporary dance performance event and write an observation paper as outlined below.

• Reflection. Students are expected to journal after every class meeting. The purpose of the journal is outlined below.

JOURNALING ASSIGNMENT: write a college-level, one-page paper about any of the above subjects that we covered in class. Include personal insight and observation of your own body’s experiences. Keep the content of your paper to class material and in-class experiences. Typed 12 pt. font, normal margins.  5 points each

Journal #1 due Feb 8th 2024 (email)

Journal #2 due April 11th 2024 (email)

Final Dance paper May 8th (email)

WRITTEN PERFORMANCE OBSERVATION

This paper should be a minimum of 450 words (2 type-written pages, double-spaced) and must be handed in within one week after the performance with your ticket stub and program attached.

Begin your paper with an introduction that includes the name of the performance ensemble or company, the location, the date, and the title of the dance (or dances) to be discussed (Note: dance titles should be underlined or italicized).

You may choose to write primarily about one or two dances in the program. Please focus on connecting the relationship of what you observe in the performance to your experience in modern class. You may choose to focus on any aspects of modern dance technique (breathing, movement, efficiency, alignment, use of head-tail connection, limbs, gravity, connectedness). In your discussion, please use specific examples and detailed descriptions of the movement as much as possible.

Again, please try to zero in on things you observe which seem particularly relevant to your learning in this class at this time. Explain the connection of your observations to your own dancing. This is an opportunity to help the instructor understand how you are thinking about your dancing.

Finally, please proofread your paper and correct grammatical, spelling, punctuation and typographical errors before you hand in the final copy. Think of the paper as a performance, in which you want your ideas to be received clearly and without distraction!

Important Dates to remember- count towards a make-up for missed classes

Choreographers showcase May 2024

Dance Film Night

Open house May 2024

EVALUATION & GRADING

Attendance 70%

Journal Papers each 5%

Final Paper  20%-

Grading Rubric

100-92 A

•    Demonstrates professionalism in the studio, applies corrections and strives for excellence, develops creative and critical thinking as it relates to modern dance, supportive of other students, shows consistent effort in developing technique, has good to excellent written assignments, shows an ability to perform movement phrases

91-81 B

•    Demonstrates professionalism in the studio, applies corrections, develops creative and critical thinking as it relates to modern dance, supportive of other students, shows some effort in developing technique, has good written assignments, shows an ability to perform movement phrases

80- 71 C

•    Applies corrections, develops some creative and critical thinking as it relates to modern dance, disengage from fellow students, shows some effort in developing technique, has missed written assignments, excessive tardiness or absences, shows some ability to perform phrases

70-60 D

•    Demonstrates low interest in the class, excessive tardiness or absences

59-below F

•    Has not attended class and has not completed assignments

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Weeks 1-4

• Introduction to taking a formal performance-based modern dance class
• body conditioning- strength, flexibility, alignment, body organizations
• learning short movement combinations across the floor
• applying corrections

Weeks 5-9

• introduction to floor work
• body conditioning- strength, flexibility, alignment, body organizations
• movement expression, relationships, spatial awareness
• building upon movement to create longer movement phrases
• journal #1 due
• ungraded mid-term- peer feedback
• applying corrections and inquiry

Weeks 10-14

• body conditioning- strength, flexibility, alignment, body organizations
• movement expression, relationships, spatial awareness
• building upon movement to create longer movement phrases
• development of movement techniques including improvisation and generating original movement
• work on open house choreography
• journal #2

Week 15-16

• body conditioning- strength, flexibility, alignment, body organizations
• movement expression, relationships, spatial awareness
• building upon movement to create longer movement phrases
• development of movement techniques including improvisation and generating original movement
• work on open house choreography
• final dance paper is due
• perform in acc’s dance department’s open house

There are no required. readings for this course, there may be video

POLICIES

Withdrawal Policy

“It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is [insert date here].  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”
 

Incompletes

“An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

 ACC Dance Department Policies 

Participation 

Dance class is participatory. The dance studio is the laboratory for learning. If you are unable to fully participate in every class meeting, please obtain an official note from the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office so we can work to best accommodate your needs, or consider dropping the class. 

Attendance 

Tardiness 

Be on time and plan to stay for the entire class session. This course is a participation course that requires students to be present for warm-ups, movement combinations, evaluations, discussions, and all other class activities. Two points will be deducted from your final grade due to late arrival or leaving class early.  15 minutes of missed class due to late arrival or leaving class early is considered an absence and Three points will be deducted. 

Absence

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Three points will be deducted from your final grade for each unexcused absence. Missing more than 15 minutes of class is considered an absence.

The instructor may withdraw students who accumulate three unexcused absences from the course. Being withdrawn from class for excessive absences may affect a student’s financial aid status.  It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the financial aid office. 

Observations

Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings.  

One and a half points will be deducted from a student’s final grade for 

the in-class observation. If a student is physically unable to participate in 

the course, this class observation assignment can be submitted for partial

credit. 

Expectations for All Students  

Credit and Continuing Education (CE) students are treated equally in dance courses. There is no difference in instruction and expectations for all enrolled students. Full participation is expected from all students, including participation in studio work, performances, oral, and written assignments.

Professional Behavior 

Professional Conduct

Approach each class with the intent to improve your dance technique and dance artistry. The course grade will reflect individual commitment and focus, ability, attitude, and progress. Unprofessional conduct that undermines the integrity of the course material, other class participants, or the instructor, will not be tolerated. A student conducting themselves in an unprofessional manner may be asked to leave. If the behavior continues, the professor reserves the right to withdraw the student. If there is a conduct issue with a fellow student, speak with the professor immediately.

Professional Communication 

When communicating with a professor, the content of your communication should only include relevant information or questions about the course. More thorough discussions about the course or personal matters affecting your ability to complete the course, require an office-hour meeting.

Physical Touch Disclaimer

The use of physical touch is a routine and beneficial teaching practice in dance classes and rehearsals. If you have specific concerns regarding the use of touch in the classroom, please inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester, in writing.  You have the right to refuse the use of touch. 

Dance Class Attire

Students are required to wear clothing that safely facilitates all varieties of movement. This includes leotards, tights, yoga wear, t-shirts, supportive undergarments (bras, dance belts, etc.), and appropriate footwear at the discretion of the instructor. 

THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE jeans, bare midriffs, short-shorts, jewelry, belts, hats, or street shoes. You will not be allowed to participate in class if you are not dressed according to your instructor’s guidelines. 

Dance Studio Policies

All personal belongings, such as cell phones (silenced), backpacks, purses, jackets, dance bags, and shoes, should be stowed in the changing area adjacent to the studio. 

Phone policy: texting and talking on the phone is prohibited in the entire studio area. Phone use before or after class only. Phone use outside in the hallways only. Fit-Bit or Apple watches must be put to silence and notifications turned off.

Notebooks and water bottles are allowed in the studio and should be placed off the Marley floor. 

Food, drink (other than water) and chewing gum are not allowed in the dance studio.

Do not wear body lotions and hair oils during dance class.

Check for personal belongings when leaving the studio.

Please exit the dance studio immediately following class.

Only students currently enrolled in DANC-1301 Dance Composition - Choreography are allowed in the studio outside of class time, during scheduled rehearsal times. Campus Police maintains a list of these students. 

Dance Class Etiquette

Stay in the dance space for the duration of class - do not enter the changing area during class.

Dress appropriately and come to class showered, clean, prepared, and ready to work.

Do not wear dance shoes outside the studio and do not wear street shoes on the Marley dance floor. 

Do not wear dangling or sharp-edged jewelry. Small earrings are okay. 

Place personal belongings on the shelves in the changing area.

Be on time. If you do come in late, enter very quietly and go to the back, with your instructor’s permission.

Stay until class ends. If you must leave early, clear it with your instructor before class. If you need to leave in an emergency, exit as quickly and discreetly as possible.

Completely silence and stow away your cell phone. Even vibration mode is distracting.

Watch closely and listen first, and then ask relevant and specific questions.

Listen while the instructor is talking between exercises. Do not talk to your neighbor. Everything is relevant to your learning.

Respect the personal space of others.

Respect the dance space. Pick up trash, your clothes, and don’t turn things on, off, up, or down in the space without permission.

Watch your language, even when you mess up.

Be attentive. Don’t hang or slouch on the ballet barres or mirrors. Beware of negative body language (like folded arms and slouching bodies). Never sit unless you are asked to sit down.

Good Habits to Follow

If you are late, apologize AFTER class. Do not distract the class.  Just wait for the okay from your teacher to enter the dance floor. Once permission is granted, find an easily accessible or inconspicuous place to warm up or participate.

If you are sitting out, sit tall. Never lie down. Take notes. Hand in the notes at the end of class.

Develop spatial awareness by respecting each other’s space.

Give the instructor space to move.

Strive to be in the front of the class and push yourself to know the combination.

Refrain from correcting others (that is the dance instructor’s job).

Do not quit in the middle of the room during a dance combination. Go with the flow if you’re lost or confused, continue your movement across the floor or center combinations. 

Part like the Red Sea when exiting. Clear the space. Don’t cross the center or the paths of other dancers.

It’s good to mark combinations while waiting for your turn if you are out of the way.

Do not repeatedly leave and then come back in without permission.

If you have further questions about the class material after the instructor has moved on, discuss during a break or after class. 

At the end of class, applaud or thank the instructor and musician (as part of the group)

If you are bored, get more engaged, review combinations, ask questions, go deeper, watch others

Good Things to Know

Bring a towel to wipe your sweat and germs off the floor, mats or barre. Please wipe and clean your mat with provided wipes after each use. 

Do not take a class way above your skill level. If this mistake is already made, do your best, but stay out of the way of other dancers.

Do not walk out of a class or go sit down because it’s too hard or you feel frustrated. This is considered inappropriate dance class etiquette. 

Applaud for demonstrators.

Once you’ve claimed a space in the center or in a group, it’s generally yours for better or worse. But don’t be pushy or try to reclaim a spot if yours gets taken.

At the end of class, it’s especially courteous to say thanks to the instructor and musician (one to one).

Restrain movement in a crowded class until broken into groups. If you bump into someone, quietly apologize. Don’t make it a big deal.

Please do not give your opinion on choreography to a teacher or choreographer unless your opinions have been requested. 

If you want help with something that will take more than a minute or two, do some research on your own and/or ask for help after class.

Do not record, photograph or post anything (social media) without permission from the teacher and the students.

ACC policies are posted on BB