DANCE CLASS SYLLABUS
Dance 1-4, Dance Wellness, & Dance Team Prep
Welcome to dance class at Weiss!
I hope you're excited to be here, because we are excited to have you! You get the unique opportunity to dance during the school day (and we have the unique opportunity to teach dance for a living)-- THAT'S PRETTY AMAZING! Dance is an art form that shaped our lives tremendously, and it is our hope that you discover an appreciation for dancing, just like we have!
This newsletter will serve as your syllabus. It is full of important information that you will be able to access throughout the entire school year. Feel free to share it with your family and even your friends who might be interested in taking dance at Weiss.
Sincerely,
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Elise Padilla
Dance 1, Dance 2-4, Dance Team Prep
Director, Scarlets Dance Team
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Holly Franklin
Dance 1, Dance Team Prep, Dance Wellness
Assistant Director, Scarlets Dance Team
Director, Crimsonettes Dance Team
What do I need for class?
(Dance 1-4 & DTP)
Required- purchased through Discount Dance Supply, Target, Walmart, home, etc.:
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Black athletic pants (no shorts or see-through fabrics)
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Black fitted top (within dress code)
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Half sole dance shoes or jazz shoes (no socks)
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A notebook (specifically for dance)
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Hair ties, bobby pins, headbands, something to keep your hair back with
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Deodorant
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Water bottle
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Charged Chromebook
daily routine
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The first place you will report to is the dance room for dance 1-4 and DTP or D116 for Dance Wellness for attendance. If you are not in the dance room or D116 by the bell you will need to get a tardy pass.
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While attendance is being taken you will write about the daily writing prompt on the white board. Each writing prompt should be at least 2 sentences long to be accepted as complete. Writing prompts will be checked periodically.
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Notebooks will be put away when instructed. We will then head to the locker room together to dress out.
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You will have 7 minutes to get dressed, use the restroom, and report to the hallway by Coach Huffman's office. We will walk as a class into the dance room after getting dressed.
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You will return to your attendance spot to warm-up and dance.
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When dismissed, you will return to the locker room to change back into your school clothes. You have 7 minutes to dress out at the end of class.
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After you are dressed, you will wait in the hallway directly outside the locker room door, by Coach Huffman's office, until the bell rings.
What does the first dress out day of dance look like? August 19th for A Day or 20th for B day
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Dressed out in all black with hair out of your face
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We get into dance lines, which we will explain on that day
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We will warm up and stretch which will consist of some cardio (jumping jacks, high knees, running in place, etc.) along with stretches that are dance based to help you become a better dancer, and strengthening exercises.
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We expect you to participate to the best of our abilities
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Sitting out is not an option unless you are injured and/or have a doctor's note
Locker Room Etiquette
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NO CELL PHONES! If they are seen (even if you're not using it), it will be taken away from you and given to you at the end of the class period.
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You must be quiet in the locker room.
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Use the first and last 7 minutes of class to use the restroom. If you need to use the restroom during class it may not be within the first or last 15 minutes and you will have to go to D pod.
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Lock your locker after you are done using it! Things go missing, and unfortunately, items get stolen. It is called a LOCKER for a reason-- use the lock!
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You should only keep your belongings in your locker. Other students' lockers will not be opened for you. Record is kept of which locker belongs to which person, so if you forget your combination, all you have to do is ask!
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Your dance items should be kept in a small PE locker. If you are an athlete, you should not use your athletics locker for dance. Locker rooms will not be opened for you during dance class. This is for your safety and the safety of your teammates!
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Keep your hands to yourself in the locker room.
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If you would like to change privately, you may use the shower stalls in the back of the locker room. Please refrain from using the restroom stalls, because there are others who need to use the restroom.
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If there is any suspicion of illegal substance use, you will be searched by school officials.
Grading Procedures
Minor Grades (30%)
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Daily participation
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Notebook checks
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Progress on large assignments or projects
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Assignments on Canvas
Major Grades (70%)
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Performances
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Performance-based tests or projects
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Writing-based tests or assignments
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Projects on Canvas
Daily Participation Points
Dance Class expectations
1. No gum
2. Your phone must be left in your locker. Phones will NOT be used in our class.
3. Hair must be pulled back out of your face
4. No large jewelry
5. Participate to the best of your ability
6. Use the restroom while changing if you need to, but you will not be allowed to use the restroom in the first or last 15 minutes of class
7. Respect your classmates and teachers
8. Get out of your comfort zone
9. Be receptive to new things
10. Communicate with your teachers, we are here to support you!
11. Have fun!
Call and response
"Let me take you to Rio" in which you respond "RIO"
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This call and response will help us get the classes attention. As soon as you say "RIO", please quiet down to listen for instructions.
Late assignment policy (minor grade assignments and major grade projects)
1. Assignments will not be accepted after each 9 week grading period.
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*Most assignments are completed IN CLASS.
What to do when you're absent
1. Ask a friend what we did the previous class
2. Look at canvas (when applicable) for videos of the dance we are learning
3. Get with a buddy to review choreography
4. Communicate with your dance teachers
5. If you miss any assignments, tests, projects, etc., while absent you must make it up within a week of coming back from your absence. Points will be deducted if submitted past this time. You will not have class time to work on missed assignments.
Performance Expectations
1. All students are required to be on time and present for performances.
2. There will be no foul language, physical altercations, or destruction of property during performance days.
3. All costumes borrowed must be returned. Costumes not returned or returned damaged will be paid for by the student.
4. Performers are subject to the highest of standards.
