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Youth Performing Arts School
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DANCE DEPARTMENT YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Gail Benedict, B.F.A., M.F.A. Theresa Mudd-Kelly, B.A., M.A. Kimberly Lynn Herndon, B.S. Lora Ruttan, B.A., M.A. |
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DANCE DEPARTMENT GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY
The dance department seeks to provide students with a solid technical base grounded in classical ballet, coupled with training in modern dance, jazz, improvisation and composition. As dance is a performing art, the department provides a variety of performing opportunities. We also believe it is important to experience live theatrical performance (dance, drama, music and opera) and strongly urge students to attend productions throughout the year. The dance department is primarily a college preparatory program. The pre-professional training it offers can open the door to your interest in a variety of dance related career possibilities. Graduates of performing arts high schools and college dance departments have not only gone on to professional performing and choreographic careers, but have pursued dance teaching, dance therapy, criticism, dance history, dance photography, notation and reconstructing, technical theatre, stage managing and other arts management careers. A variety of professionals who service the needs of performing artists (physical therapists, for example) often have an extensive background in dance. Regardless of whether students intend to pursue dance or a related career after high school, the study of dance is a wonderful vehicle for the development of self-discipline, integrity, responsibility, aesthetic awareness, and creative problem solving. Dance is a creative and performing art. It challenges us to fully use and integrate our physicality, intellect, and emotion. We believe it is our role as dance educators to provide guidance to students as they explore technical and creative work in the field. Our goal is to foster each student’s talent. We believe that each student is of worth, endowed with human dignity, and entitled to respect as an individual. Dance is an art form, which requires consistent self-discipline and hard work. The pay-off, the joy and wonder of dancing, is enormous. As your faculty, above all, we want to share our passions for dance with you. |
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DANCE DEPARTMENT ENTRANCE EXPECTATIONS
Thank-you for your interest in the dance program at the Youth Performing Arts School. In order for you to make the best possible choice for your son or daughters’ future training, we have outlined important information about the program. The dance faculty holds Masters degrees in dance performance, dance choreography, dance pedagogy, dance education and include backgrounds with professional careers in dance. Our efforts are towards training dancers as performing artists, well prepared to enter major college dance programs and professional careers in the field of dance. The dance program provides serious, professional dance training and performance opportunities. Participation in the YPAS dance major program is not encouraged as a supplement or support for your current dance activity. All designated dance department classes are mandatory requirements for fulfillment of the dance major program. All designated performances are an outgrowth of the dance major curriculum and are mandatory requirements for fulfillment of the dance major program. Dance department major performance dates are: October, March and April. What our program offers: Our program is a rigorous technical and performance based experience. Classes are based primarily in classical ballet and modern dance. Students fulfill all required academic components of the high school diploma as well as participate in all required components of their designated major. The school day is organized into block scheduling. Red days are periods 1-4. White days are periods 5-8 or White 1-4. Red and White days alternate. Freshmen majors take two periods of dance, 1 period each day. Sophomore, Junior and Senior majors are encouraged to enroll in three periods of dance, two on one day and one period on the other. All classes during the school day are graded classes, and are included in the total G.P.A. After school classes or co-curricular classes happen almost every day of the week. We strongly encourage students to participate in these classes. These classes reinforce and build upon the work done in school. Student and faculty dance material for performance works are created and rehearsed as an outgrowth of these classes. These classes help the student to progress towards a competitive edge for scholarships and placement in a college dance program and preparation towards professional careers in the dance field. Co-curricular classes are not required and are not graded. |
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DANCE DEPARTMENT STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
All duPont Manual academic classes are a priority. STUDENTS IN THE DANCE DEPARTMENT MUST MAINTAIN A "C" AVERAGE OR BETTER IN ALL ACADEMIC AREAS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CO-CURRICULAR DANCE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES. Students are expected to give 100% towards their best work, effort and attitude in their academic classes. All in school dance technique and performance choreography classes are the single most important aspect of the students training. Students are expected to give 100% towards their best work, effort and attitude in all dance department classes. All in-school dance department classes are graded and are included in your G.P.A.. Students are expected to be well rested and well nourished for each day. Parents and students must adopt a realistic idea of how much activity provides for a quality, non-injurious dance training regimen. Parents and students are expected to manage all outside activities around their first priority; Manual academics and YPAS dance department classes. Parents and students are expected to manage outside activities as to allow time for quality academic preparation and to participate in the dance department co-curricular dance classes and performance activities. Students who audition and are accepted into the dance program must make a commitment to give priority to all requirements of both the dance departments daily in school and co-curricular activities. Failure to uphold you commitment to the dance department requirements will result in failing grades, withdrawal from the dance program and withdrawal from duPont Manual High School. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the dance department faculty at 485-8355. We can also provide you with a copy of our department handbook that outlines department procedures, grading criteria, and philosophy. Youth Performing Arts School Dance Faculty: Kimberly Herndon Theresa Mudd Lora Ruttan |
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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GRADINGGRADING COMPONENTS: The dance department is committed to providing you with excellent training and helping you to become the best possible dancer you can be. A big part of reaching that goal is discipline, persistence, and knowing how to take class to get results. Even more than “natural talent,” being willing to make the effort day in and day out is what makes or breaks the chances of aspiring dancers. The truth is that you are responsible for your training and the work involved in becoming the best dancer you can be. Teachers can provide the information but they cannot make you progress as a dancer – only you can do that. GRADING CRITERIA:The following are learned behaviors that are essential for success at the high school, college/conservatory and professional levels. Modeling these in daily classes and rehearsals will be of great value when seeking employment. Your daily grade will consist of:
The total number of points a student earns will be added at 6-week intervals. The total number of points earned is divided by the total possible points for each class. In addition to the daily grade, students will also earn points for the written assignments listed below. Informances, Dance Concert after school rehearsals and Dance Concert performances will be graded on the above criteria, for each rehearsal and each performance.
Points earned by students who participate in Informance, Dance Concert rehearsals, and Dance Concert Performance who are not enrolled in Dance Ensemble, will be added to the Red and White Technique grade. |
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DRESS CODESo that the faculty may do the best possible job of training, observing and generating feedback, we require all students to wear from fitting practice clothes. No distracting colors or hairstyles that may impede sight and ease of movement. No baggy t-shirts or sweaters: all layers must be form-fitting. Jewelry (including watches) is potentially dangerous and distracting and should be removed for classes and rehearsals. If you have any questions, please check with your teacher. FEMALES:Ballet - Black leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers. No bra tops or bare midriffs. No visible lingerie (i.e. Bras and underwear.) Hair must be tightly and neatly secured against the head for all disciplines. Barrettes, hairpins, bobby pins, hairnets and elastic bands are a must for long hair. No bangs. Modern - Modest color and style leotard, black tights, or leggings are acceptable. No trunks, shorts, or boxer shorts. Barefeet (no powders or lotions on the marly floor). MALES:Ballet - Black or white leotard, tight fitting tank top or tied T-shirt, black or gray tights or fitted dance pants, white or black ballet slippers. A dance belt must be worn for all dance classes and rehearsals. No loud or distracting colors, patterns or logos on shirts. Modern - modest color and style leotard, tight fitting tank top or tied T-shirt, black tights, or fitted dance pants. No trunks, shorts, or boxer shorts. Barefeet (no powders or lotions on the marly floor). Tights, leggings or dance pants should be supported with a waist elastic, belt or suspenders. ALL STUDENTS: It is advisable for all students to purchase more than one leotard, tights and dance belt. You will be wearing these items every day. You should have clean, fresh dance attire for each class, each day. |
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ABSENCES Absences inhibit your progress in a dance class. The dance department adheres to the Dupont Manual Attendance Policy as stated in the student agenda. EARLY DISMISSALS AND ILLNESS Students who are in school are expected to participate fully in dance class. A student who becomes ill during the school day and is unable to take dance class must report to the dance class teacher, get permission to report to the office and request an early dismissal. If you are unable to secure an early dismissal you are to remain in your scheduled dance class and complete an Observation assignment sheet. Upon your return to dance class you must present the completed Observation assignment sheet, signed by your parent, and a note from your parent or doctor excusing your non-participation for that day. Non-participation days, and early dismissals are considered absences. STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED ONE (1) "OBSERVATION DAY" PER GRADING PERIOD LONG TERM ILLNESS, INJURY OR CHRONIC CONDITION A student who has been designated as having a long term illness, injury or chronic condition, whose absences or non- participation exceeds the number allowed per semester, and has presented official documentation from medical or legal personnel, will be carefully reviewed by the faculty and administration for continuation in the dance program. |
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DANCE MAJORS
Freshman Dance Majors • Freshman take two dance technique classes and are required to perform in all Informances and in the 8th grade open house. • Freshman entering their sophomore year choose to enter either the Dance Major or the Dance Major Ensemble Option. Freshmen are encouraged to enroll in the Dance Major Ensemble Option. • Freshmen are encouraged to audition & participate in the YPAS performing opportunities available to them to gain experience and inform their choices. Sophomore, Junior & Senior Dance Majors Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors choose between the Dance Major Ensemble Option or the Dance Major at the beginning of each school year. Transferring students entering as sophomores, juniors, or seniors will be enrolled in the Dance Major Ensemble Option.
Dance Ensemble Major
Dance Major
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Dance Department Performing Opportunities Dance Ensemble Dance Ensemble is a 4th block, graded dance curriculum class. Dance Ensemble is a choreography / rehearsal class where dance faculty auditions and casts 10th, 11th, and 12th grade dance majors for choreographic works that are performed in the Dance Ensemble touring performances, Informances, 8th grade Open House and the fully produced, Main Stage Dance Concert in the spring. Dance major students are encouraged to have 3rd and 4th block in the dance major, and are in the dance classes from 11:30 – 2:10 on every red day. Third block is their technique class and the students go right into 4th block for choreography and rehearsal. The Dance Ensemble is able to utilize the students for both of these blocks to leave school for the touring performances. The Dance Ensemble class tours throughout Jefferson County to Elementary, Middle and High Schools delivering educational outreach programs, dance core content workshops, and performances. The Dance Ensemble educational outreach program helps the student to understand the process of teaching, interacting with other students and investing in the future of dance. Last year we toured to 12 different schools. A usual Dance Ensemble field trip will involve the students leaving school at the 3rd block, (11:30) and arriving back to school as late as 4:00. Most professional dance companies and college departments survive financially, are funded, through grants that implement educational outreach programs with the dancers. Informance 8th Grade Open House Informances are Main Stage performance opportunities that are not fully produced. Informance participation is required of all 9th grade dance majors and all Ensemble option dance majors. Informances are informal presentations of works in progress from each technique class from each grade, from the current Dance Ensemble choreography and works in progress from student choreography. There are no lighting cues, costumes, or budget. Informances are graded and utilize the daily grade criteria. Dance Concert Being cast and performing in the Dance Concert is a privilege that is achieved through excellent work in daily class. Dance Concert is a fully produced Main Stage Concert with costumes, lighting, and sound. Dance Concert is a curriculum outgrowth of the work done in the Dance Ensemble class. Students outside of the dance ensemble class may participate in dance concert by audition and signed contract. Dance concert performance and rehearsals are graded. |
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