COURSE DESCRIPTION

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

Credit Hours: 2 credit hours. 1 lec hour. 3 lab hours. This is a 16-week course. Students should expect to commit 4-8 hours/week to this course.

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

COURSE REQUIREMENTS [may vary by instructor]

This course requires that students complete the following:

• Consistent attendance and active participation in class meetings
• Journaling
• Project
• Terminology Quiz
• Movement Assessment
• Written Self-Reflection
• Attendance at Dance Film Night
• Attendance at the Choreographers’ Showcase
• Participation in Open House

 
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.

TECHNIQUE LEVEL PLACEMENT

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

This class is not set up to accept AI-generated or AI-assisted assignments or discussion posts/responses. Do not use generative AI to aid in your writing in this course. Students will receive a grade of 0 for work that appears to be generated in a way that is not in alignment with ACC's code of conduct for students.

Journal #1 due  (email)

Journal #2 due  (email)

Final Dance paper  (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

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

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

This is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all textbook materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students may print copies of the resources but will be responsible for printing costs.

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 

1. 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.

1. Attendance

Students are required to consistently attend all dance studio courses as this is crucial to progressing and advancing safely. Therefore, Attendance and Participation make up a significant portion of dance studio course grades. Refer to the course syllabus for specific details.

1. Tardiness

Be on time and plan to stay for the entire class session. Students are required to be present for warm-ups, movement practices, evaluations, discussions, and all other class activities.

1. Absence

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. The final course grade will be reduced with each unexcused absence.

Students with excessive absences should consider withdrawing from the course by the Withdrawal date. Excessive absences will impact the final grade and may make it difficult for a student to pass the course.

1. Observations

Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings. A portion of the student’s daily grade will be deducted 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.

3.   Expectations for Continuing Education 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.

4.   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.

5.  Physical Touch Disclaimer

Learning and growth thrive in an environment where we feel supported. Support in this course is a joint responsibility of us all. Please show respect and care for yourself, community, and environment. There are moments in the course where we will utilize light touch for alignment and technical purposes. As a class, we will practice asking consent prior to utilizing any form of touch. Share your boundaries and whenever needed, stop any activity about which you have concerns. You have the right to refuse the use of touch.

In addition, please communicate any injury, discomfort, disability or area of caution at any time throughout the course so we can adapt experiential learning experiences to support your wellness rather than undermine it.

6.   Dance Class Attire

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

Refer to the course syllabus for attire expectations. Certain pieces of attire, such as jeans, belts, street shoes and jewelry, are damaging to the marley dance floor and can present a hazard to dancers. You will not be allowed to participate in class if you are not dressed according to your instructor’s guidelines.

7. Dancer Health and Safety

Students in dance studio courses will be responsible for their own maintenance of physical fitness and conditioning. When participating in any physical exercise, movement, or dance activity, there is the possibility of physical injury. You perform physical movement exercises at your own risk. Dance students will learn about musculoskeletal health and injury prevention as part of their ACC Dance studies. To reduce and avoid injury, students are encouraged to be aware of their personal physical limitations and work safely within those, finding modifications when necessary.

ACC provides insurance for student injuries resulting from ACC course-related incidents on- or off campus. In the event of an incident resulting in injury:

• If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
• If it is not an emergency, call campus police (512-223-1231) and seek medical help. The instructor will be required to submit an Incident Reporting Form and a Student Accident Insurance Form.

8. Professional Conduct

Students are expected to approach each class with a growth mindset, exploring 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. If there is a conduct issue with a fellow student, speak with the professor immediately.

Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. This includes verbal comments that are considered intimidating, threatening or sexually inappropriate. College policies concerning conduct are found at Code of Conduct - Human Services.

Below are the dance studio policies. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and practice these policies.

ACC DANCE STUDIO POLICIES

All personal belongings, such as cell phones (silenced), backpacks, purses, jackets, dance bags, and shoes, should be stowed in the cubbies provided.

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 in the cubbies provided.

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

Please refrain from using body products before and during class that can make the dance floor sticky/slippery.

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.

Dance Class Etiquette, Good Dance Habits, and Good Things to Know

Dance Class Etiquette

• Plan to stay in the dance space for the duration of class and use breaktime to use the restroom and refill water.
• 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 in the studio.
• Dangling and sharp-edged jewelry is a safety hazard. Please remove jewelry prior to class.
• In order to leave as much space as possible for dancing, please place personal belongings in the cubbies.
• 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.
• Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Use kind language towards yourself and others in class.
• Stay engaged. Be aware of how your body language is reading. Stay standing unless you are cued to sit down.

Good Dance Habits

• 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, remain engaged. 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.
• At times, instructors will invite peer to peer feedback. Be aware of the appropriate times for offering feedback.
• If you are lost or confused, always continue your movement and pick back up where you can. Abrupt stops or dropping out can distract the flow of concentration for others around you.
• 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.
• 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.
• If you feel overly challenged or frustrated during class, stay physically and mentally engaged and spatially aware of other dancers. Ask for additional help after class if needed.
• Applaud for demonstrators.
• The studio is a spatially fluid classroom. Have spatial awareness of where you are in the group and be open and available to switch places when required.
• 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 and keep going.
• If you have a thought, opinion, or suggestion for the choreographer, wait for an appropriate time to ask if you can share it.
• 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.
• The department chair is here to support dance students and faculty. If you have a concern, please reach out to the department chair.