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APAC Dance Syllabus

1120 Riverside Drive

Jackson, MS 39202

Course Description

This course will focus on the fundamental elements and principles of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz dance, including technique, terminology, and repertoire. Students will become familiar with the historical context of ballet, modern, jazz and key figures that have influenced and contributed to the forms. 

Text:  No textbook is required.  Handouts and assignments may be given. Parents may have access to students’ grades at any time on ACTIVE PARENT on the »»ÆÞÉçÇø website.

Course Objectives:

1. Introduce basic anatomy of the bones and muscles to develop body awareness.
2. Increased bodily strength, control, stamina, flexibility, and coordination.
3. To gain a working understanding in the skills of dance technique including proper alignment, movement memory, weight sensing, clear spatial orientation, rhythmic accuracy, and perception.
4. Applying breath and focus to develop mind body connection.
5. To get a basic understanding of Ballet, Modern, Jazz dance history in order to gain a deeper appreciation for dance as an art form.
6. To introduce dance terminology and the vocabulary of Ballet, Modern and Jazz.
7. To learn from each other through peer observation and asking questions related to the exercise.
8. To perform with technical precision, performance acuity, and a professional disposition.

Class Content and Procedure:

Material is presented through demonstration and explanation.  Rehearsal and repetition are the primary means of learning and are supplemented by clarification and corrections.  The class consists of a full warm up either at the barre or on the floor, transitions into center work and across the floor combinations, and ends with a center work performance combination. All standards are ongoing while introducing new weekly standards. Center work is to be included in every class, stressing alignment and strength, musicality, movement quality, and performance.

Class Requirements:

1. Be punctual. Attendance is mandatory for progression, technique, and performance. Excessive unexcused absences (more than 3 in a term) or unexcused tardies (more than 5 in a term) can greatly affect the role the students receive in productions. It must be understood by both the parent and student that it is necessary to be consistently present and reliable for the success of a dance production. If you cannot participate fully in class due to injury or illness, it is recommended that you observe and take notes rather than be absent. If you are injured, a doctor’s excuse is mandatory for missed work and to re-enter the class.
2. Dance Bag. Proper dance attire and hair accessories (tights, leotards, jazz pants, and shoes) are to be packed every day. Students will have a schedule in order to know what attire should be worn each day. Please refer to P.9 for specific dress requirements. Undergarments may NOT be visible at any time. No exceptions. Band-aids or sports tape are also good to pack in case of floor burns or cuts.
3. Follow Power APAC’s rules of conduct every day. Be accountable when mistakes are made.
4. Daily grades based on participation and dress will be scored and given. In addition daily grades, students will be tested throughout the year on Ballet, Modern, and Jazz dance terminology and history. Students will receive all study materials and have enough time to prepare for test and projects. All performances are graded as test grades, and considered final examinations. Students must maintain a B average on all required work in order to remain in good standing with APAC Dance.
5. Junior and senior dance students will choreograph and perform a compositional study using compositional devices for dance as well as create their dance based on original concepts. Students will keep a journal, write an abstract, and present their choreography in concert form with lighting, costume, and music.

***Performance Contract***

Performance is special time to hone the dancer’s skill and demonstrate their best potential possible. Each faculty and or guest artist can decide, at their discretion, to hold an audition for their particular choreographic work performed at the end of the year concert. If the faculty or guest artist chooses to have auditions, then the student will sign a contract, drafted by the choreographer, pledging their dedication to the rehearsal and performance process. For those students who are not selected, they will be cast as understudies, production crew, costume designer, or publicity to ensure every student will receive a grade.

***Dance Support Fund***

$50

***A3*** (Arts Parent Support Group)

A3 (Arts, artist, and Accolades) is a non-profit organization of parents who raise money to support the program and the students, as well as provide moral support for Power APAC. A3 money has provided direct financial aid to students who need help with expenses of field trips and other activities. The organization has also purchased theater equipment, including lights, costumes racks, video camera, and stage necessities. Parents are encouraged to join A3 or to serve informally as volunteers wherever their talents allow:  assisting with set and costume construction, photography, publicity, graphic design, selling tickets for arts performances, etc. The cost is five dollars to join A3 and all staff, students, and parents are asked to join in support of the continued success of the organization. At the end of the year, students may submit paperwork for A3 summer scholarship to help fund the summer learning program of their choice. The student must study in their specific arts emphasis in order to receive a scholarship.