Native American Dance

Students of East Columbus helped present the dances, history and insight into the culture of the Native Americans. Students explained Regalia's, customs and demonstrated Traditional, Fancy & Jingle dances. Everyone got to join in learning how to do the round dance & the two-step :)

How We Shape Up

Shapes are EVERYWHERE - wide or narror ones, curved or angular ones, symettrical or asymettrical ones or even twisted ones! students choreographed & performed their very own dances involving various shapes :)

Can you keep a beat?!?

Last week we created all sorts of shapes. This week we learn all about keeping the beat through our rhythm study!  Dont forget Quiz on Tuesday (written & performance)

Rhythm

Rhythm – division beat

Tempo - speed

Full time- original beat

Half time- half as slow as original beat

Double time- twice as fast as original beat

Half time:        1          2          3          4

Full time:         1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8

Double time:   1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8+

Time signature: fraction telling the number of beats per measure

                                    4                3

                                    4                4

Silence – what divides the beat to create rhythm (just as important as noise)

We've Got Engrade :)

Students & Parents : you can now see your dance/theatre grades anytime you want from any computer and even smart phone (yep - there's an app for that)!!!!  Each student will receive an ID (student ID number) and access code from Mrs. Dove. They will then register at www.engrade.com/students (super easy - even I did it without messing up). Here is where you can see your average (including weekly participation grades), and if you have any missing work. I'm new to using this program but several teachers here at ECHS have used and LOVED it so ... we are going to give it a shot. Each student is already in the system and your grades form this current 6 weeks have all been entered up to today (10/18/2011). So get registered, start checking your grades and it even has a cool message feature (like a text message if you have any concerns, questions, suggestions or just wanna say hi)  

Moving on to Modern

This week we've began our adventures into modern dance. We've already experimented with being literal & abstract, and being locomoter & non-locomoter. As of Friday we all became choreographers as we took our nature observations, created & performed our first individual dance pieces. We will be working on our modern combination to prepare us for the written & performance test next week!

Modern Notes

Who: Martha Graham & Rudolf von Laban  

What: 1^st technique barefoot

When: early 1900’s

Where: U.S. and Europe  

Why: rebel against Ballet & self expression                                                     (negative emotions)

Vocabulary:

Arch – wide open structure

Contract- “C” shape curve

Degage- disengage/remove from floor

Attitude-pose on one leg while the other is lifted                                           and bent at the knee

Body Swing- full release of upper body

Locomoter- traveling/moving through space

Non-Locomoter- movement in one spot/not                                      traveling

Literal – actual

Abstract- potential

Pedestrian – common people

Jumping Into Jazz

Ballet was a challenge but sucess! We know know how to stand with correct posture, turnout and speak a little french. If you have been absent you have until Wednesday to take your written ballet tests and article assignments to take the place of your performance test must be turned in by Friday! (we dont want any zeros) Next up = JAZZ! here are the notes we will go over in class. make sure they find there way into your notebooks :)

Jazz Notes

Who: Jack Cole, Bob Fosse (choreographers)

What: Broadway Show Dance (musical theatre)

When: 1900’s

Where: United States from Africa

Why: Exaggerated movements with Attitude

1. Parallel-two lines that never meet or cross

2. Jazz Hands-big number five or fingers spread apart

3. Blades-fingers together

4. Isolation-move one body part at a time

5. Ball change- rock back

6. Pivot-turn while one leg is still while the other changes directions

7. Grapevine – step out, cross back, out, together

8. Chasse-to chase/step together step

9. Jazz Square – stepping Cross, Back, Side, Front to make a square pattern

10. Pirouette-turn on one leg while the other is in passé

11. Grand Jete-big leap

12. Grand Battement-big kick

Ballet Test THIS FRIDAY!

we are working on a short ballet combination/dance that will be performed in small groups for a performance test THIS FRIDAY! we will also be taking a written test covering all the Ballet notes discussed in class and posted under ballet notes... so be reviewing and practicing :)

Bring on Ballet!

we're wasting no time as jump into the fundamentals of all dance - ballet technique :)  these concepts and vocabulary will help us throughout jazz, modern, dances from all over the world and even hip hop! make sure you copy/print out the notes that include a brief history & vocabulary and be ready to work hard (being graceful isnt easy) and keep an open mind (you just might be suprised what you find)

Ballet Notes

Who: Royalty- King Louis XIV

What: Strict technigue

When: Eighteenth century

Where: France

Why: entertain at royalty parties

      Turnout- heels together toes out (from hip)

      Plié- to bend the knees

   

     Relevé- rise to the ball of the foot

     Tendu- point

     En Croix- directions: front, side, back, side

        

     Rond de Jambe- circling the leg

     Coupé- point at the ankle

     Passé- point at the knee

     Developpé- extend the leg

     Piqué – “ to prick ”quick passe

     Glassade- glide to the side

     Pas De Bouré- 3 steps (Back Side Front)

    

     Arabesque- pose which dance stands on one leg with the other is pointed and arms                                                                          are in a diagonal

     Sauté- simple jump    

   

     Jeté- jump from one leg to another

     Assemblé- to join together

     Changement- changing from 5^th to 5^th

     Chaines- series of small turning steps  (open and close turns)        

1st week Complete!

Congrats on your first full week of classes! Make sure if you added to class late or have missed any days you have completed the following assignments:
1. returned your contract
2. copied/printed warm-up notes
3. written Journal #1 - Dance Is....
4. completed Stretch & Conditioning Rating #1
5. taken the warm-up quiz

This past week we've focused on the importance of warming up and learned the entire stretching, conditioning, arms & abs sequence we will do everyday to begin class to get our bodies ready for movement :) We are jumping right into Ballet on Tuesday (enjoy your nice long weekend!) be ready to work & have some fun!

Warm Up Notes

Warm – up Notes

Importance of Stretching and Warming up the body:

                        1. Reduces your risk of injury

                        2. Improves your range of motion

                        3. Maintains Flexibility

                        4. Releases stress and physical tension

                

                   Vocabulary:

                         Dance-To move the body and feet in rhythm

                         Warm-up-prepare the body for further activity

                         Stretch-lengthens, widens, distend or enlarge through tension

                         Flexibility-easily bend

                        Focus – give attention to

                      Capacity-actual ability to yield or withstand

                         Count-to list or name numerals

              Point-extension of the foot from ankle to toes (away from the body)

                       Flex – bring toes in towards the body

Dance Syllabus

East Columbus High School Dance Syllabus

Mrs. Brooke Dove (Richardson)                 Room 125                  Office: 646-4094 ex. 2585

Email: brichardson@columbus.k12.nc.us   Blog: http://echsdancetheatre.blogspot.com/

Best times to contact: and 3:00-3:45pm

Required Materials:

1. Pencil or Pen          2. 3 ring binder           3. Notebook paper      4. Appropriate attire

5. Working email addresses for student & parent for progress reports (hard copies may be requested)

6. $20.00 fee (extra credit will be given each 6 weeks this is paid off

& entitles you to a DVD of final exam performance)

Appropriate Attire:

1. You are required to wear appropriate dance attire EVERY day.

2. An opportunity to change clothes will be given during class time as well as time to change back into school clothes.

3. Appropriate attire includes the following: athletic pants/capries & comfortable top (we will be working on the floor so make sure this is a top you can move in and may get dust, dirt or sweat on).

4. No jeans, skirts or shorts.

5. Bare feet or approved dance shoes (ballet, jazz or modern) are the only options. NO SOCKS. (socks result in 2 points off your daily participation grade)

6. Large, dangling jewelry should be removed. (You are responsible for the safekeeping of your belongings)

7. Hair must not interfere with dance movements.

Procedures:

1. Enter the classroom and place belongings against the whiteboard wall.

2. After the bell rings I will give announcements and we will walk as a group to the restrooms to change clothes.

3. You are tardy if you enter the room after the door has been shut. You will only be excused with a note from a teacher or faculty member with both a time and date.

4.  5 points will be deducted from your grade if you are tardy. This is a class based on participation and experiences. This is not a class where worksheets and reading assignments can substitute for missed class time.

5.  In the event of an absence you will need to take the responsibility to speak with Mrs. Dove when you return to inquire about missed assignments and check the assignments logs located on the bulletin board. You will be responsible for learning any missed choreography outside of class time.

6. Written documentation is required for all excused absences. This includes a name and number of parent or guardian who can be contacted to confirm.

7. Each student is required to dress out each day. In the event you do not dress out, 5 points will be taken from your participation grade.

8. You will be given 4 hall passes. These can be used throughout the semester except during testing times. Once these have been used (unless there is a medical note) points will be deducted from your daily participation grade. If turned in at the end of the semester extra credit will be rewarded.

9. All equipment is used by Mrs. Dove ONLY – This includes sound equipment, props, etc…

10. If you choose not to participate in class and do not have a written & excused documentation 10 points will be taken from your daily participation grade. As well as an observation form or alternative assignments will be given and turned in at the end of class. If assignment is not completely additional points will be deducted from participation grade.

11. If you are asked to observe class due to behavior issues 20 points will be deducted from your participation grade and you will complete a dance etiquette form. A parent contact will also be made.

12. Mrs. Dove is who/what dismisses the class. Extra time will be given as class rewards.

Rules:

1. Be in control of your Voice, Mind, Body & Space.

2. Be respectful of yourself and others.

3. Food, drinks and gum should be left outside the classroom. (except water)

4. Dress out in appropriate attire.

Consequences:

1^st Offence – Warning       2^nd Offence – Parent Contact               3^rd Offence- Office Referral

Grading:

25% Participation

75% Projects, quizzes, tests & journals

Class work will sometimes be graded using the following key:

        ü-  =  70                              ü  =  80                                ü+  =  98

*Progress Reports will be emailed to the parent and student email address provided by the student on their information form. You may request a hard copy via phone call or email.

50% of your final exam grade will consist of an outside of class performance at the end of the semester. The date of this performance will be decided and announced during the first 6 week. This performance is mandatory for all students. A note with the date and details will be sent out to parents requiring a signature.

Materials to Be Covered:

*Ballet, Jazz & Modern techniques                      *Dance History                     *Anatomy

     *Journals            *Improvisation          *World/Cultural Dances      *Choreography

Incentives:

“Reward Days” consist of relaxation days, class discussion, Hip-Hop or other approved ideas.

Students are encouraged to bring a variety of types of music to use during class for stretches of floor work. Mrs. Dove will listen to the music to approve there is no profanity, sexual or violent content.

Video Permission:

Over the course of the semester, it may be necessary to photograph or video tape students due to projects, performances and grading purposes.

Here We Go!

Welcome to the Dance/Theatre Blog! I'm slowly learning through trial & error how to keep updated information on this site. For Dance I students this is the place to find announcements and written information that we go over in class (great for review, if you lose a paper or if your absent) For Gator Girls - I'll be posting their past and upcoming performances. For Flag Girls - this is our first year together so we will be posting performance dates also.  For all students & parents BEWARE: i'm doing progress reports via email this year (both a student and parent email address provided by the student on an information form) if you would like a hard copy please notify me ( email: brichardson@columbus.k12.nc.us or phone:  646-4094. I'm super excited about an awesome year! we are not going to waste any time!!! soooo.... Here we go :)

3-16-2001 Update

Dance: We will be taking our Modern Dance Test (both written & performance tests) Thursday March 17.
   Dance I will continue into cultural dances where we be discussing, viewing and learning basic steps from dances all over the world.
   Dance I-III will be jumping into improvization activities which will lead to small choregraphy projects - so get your creative minds & bodies ready!

Musical: As of Friday March 18 the ENTIRE musical is OFFBOOK! we've got lots of work to do with transitions, set building & characterization but ALL LINES & SONGS SHOULD BE MEMORIZED!
    Posters: 15mins of time towards the set will be awarded to students who help hang up posters to advertise the musical. We need people to know about our musical so they will come.  Please remember: 1. Ask before you post up a poster    2. Spread them out    3. Make sure it's in a public place where lots of people will see.   (see Mrs. Dove for posters and let her know where you've displayed them)
   

Early Release

Wednesday March 16 = Early Release Day for students. Teachers will be here until 3:30pm.
Parents: This is a great time to discuss issues from the first six weeks of this semester (report cards were passed out yesterday) or any that have arrived already in the six weeks. Please notify your teachers of when you are planning to call or stop by.
Students: This is a great opportunity to receive extra help/tutoring or to make up any missing work -let your teachers know when you are wanting to come by so they can make arrangements to be prepared to help you.

If any student or parent wishes to contact Mrs. Dove email anytime or call during planning period (8-9:30am) or after school (3-3:30pm) to avoid calling during precious class time.

Musical 2/16

This week, the cast and dancers have learned choreography for a few songs to be performed in the musical. The cast who participate in Act 1, Scenes 1-3 will be running their lines off book today, February 18. All of Act 1 is to be learned and will be ran offbook on Friday, February 25. (:

Dance 1,2,&3

This week we completed Ballet with a written test & a performance test. Progress Reports will be sent out today, February 18. Sign & return by Wednesday, February 23.

Musical 2/11

This week Mrs. Dove and Mr. Faulk decided on the cast for "Little Shop of Horrors." They are working on having the first scene memorized and learning the first couple of songs. Plant workers and dancers have been assigned and they are planning their costume ideas. Keep looking over those scripts becasue it will be practiced off book by next week. (:

Dance 2 2-11

This week we have started ballet and also learned our french vocabulary term & history. We've been mainly concentrating on our ballet dance and working hard to perfect it. We have a test next week, so make sure you have your ballet notes in your notebook, and keep those toes pointed! (:

Dance I 2/11

This week we've started ballet. We've learned our french vocabulary terms & history. We've been working hard on getting our ballet dance perfected and getting ready for our test next week. Make sure you have the ballet notes in your notebook & keep those toes pointed!