This course introduces the art and practice of beginning dance techniques for the performer; includes technical practice, exploration of the elements of dance, the history of dance, and creative activities leading to the appreciation of dance performance and the development of a beginning technical vocabulary. This course is for students with no dance training or those who wish to develop beyond the beginning level.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. perform basic ballet, tap, jazz and social dance skills with effective technique;

2. evaluate their growth in agility, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and movement efficiency;

3. utilize kinesthetic perception in order to self‐evaluate and self‐correct;

4. participate in a variety of creative activities in all forms of dance studied;

5. actively participate in movement improvisation;

6. demonstrate sensitivity to tempo, rhythm, and the dynamics of musical accompaniment;

7. demonstrate self‐awareness and awareness of others when performing and engaging in group activities;

8. apply basic choreographic methods to compose dance for the theatrical stage;

9. demonstrate effective oral, written and critical thinking skills as they apply to dance technique and appreciation;

10. discuss the relationship of dance to other arts and disciplines

11. effectively utilize the library and internet resources for research;

12. differentiate the elements of choreographic style that distinguish the Theatrical Dance and choreographers from other types of dance;

13. discuss the impact of technology on dance.

I. OUTCOME:

"The student should be able to communicate effectively through listening, reading, writing and speaking and moving." Skill Method

A. Listening: note‐taking in lecture

B. Reading: textbook assignments, instructions for tasks.

C. Writing: writing assignments and discussion test questions.

D. Speaking: oral response to questions

E. Moving: physical application of dance techniques

II. OUTCOME:

"The student should be able to recognize and apply various dance techniques in the theatrical setting." Through class participation, physical/movement assignments, writing assignments, and testing, the student will demonstrate the ability to understand various theatrical dance techniques. This class will give them a basic understanding of, and ability to perform several different types of dance for the theatre. They will then be able to take more advanced classes in specific dance types of their choice.

1. Elements of Beginning Dance technique: floor work, warm‐ups, combinations, essential buildingblock movements for all dance styles studied;

2. Elements of movement: space, time and energy, tension, relaxation;

3. Cultural/historical roots of Theatrical Dance from the pioneers to current artists;

4. Students will learn basic technical skills of tap dancing and jazz including a simple time‐step.

5. Students will learn basic ballet positions, barre exercises, stretches, and simple ballet combinations. Emphasis is on correct body alignment along with the use of ballet vocabulary;

6. Students will learn common ballroom dances: foxtrot and waltz. May also include an introduction to: mambo, salsa, tango, samba, rumba, swing, and cha cha and/or nightclub twostep.

Course Requirements

Specific assignments and procedures for evaluating student performance in this course will be described in the individual class syllabus, but will include the following:

1. Attendance and active participation in dance technique, creative activities, collaborative projects;

2. Required live performance attendance (theatrical dance only) and written response;

3. Required performance participation with a final theatrical choreography project;

4. Written annotated bibliography of texts used in papers and choreography;

5. Basic dance and studio etiquette;

6. Movement evaluations (mid‐term and final exam);

7. Written exams (mid‐term and final).

A. COURSE GRADE

The course grade will be determined by written exams, dance skills test and final dance project in choreography of self and/or others. When appropriate, opportunities for extra credit will be offered to students, the value of which to be determined by the instructor.

1. At least one written exam is required. The written exam will be valued at no less than 20% and no more than 50% of the total grade.

2. Competencies must be demonstrated by students in dance‐related activities specific to the class. Dance‐related skills tests will be valued at no less than 35% and no more than 65% of the total grade.

B. DEPARTMENTAL ASSESSMENT

A common written final exam will be administered every five years. The test items will be directed to the expected educational results of the course. Additionally, common dance‐related skill tests will be administered specific to the course. An item analysis will be completed on these test items administered.

USE OF ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

A theatre departmental committee will review the item analysis to determine

1) if the test questions were appropriate for assessing the desired educational outcomes,

2) if the level of student success was achieved,

3) if a revision of course instruction to enhance student achievement is needed, and

4) a specific time line for implementation of recommended changes.