Dance Department Philosophy The purpose of the dance department at the Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) is to expose students to the historical, technical, and artistic elements of dance. Students are given a complete foundation in dance through our supportive, rigorous, and challenging core curriculum. With the students engagement and dedication to the process and the supportive and well-trained instructional staff, GCAA dance students are being prepared for admittance to universities, conservatories or jobs in the commercial and/or concert world. Our vision is to provide a comprehensive dance experience that will meet the needs of dedicated and talented students who are considering careers in dance or dance related careers. With the provision of intensive dance instruction of the highest quality and a strong academic curriculum, all courses and departmental activities are designed to accomplish the following goals: To develop artistic and creative potential through a sequentially developed curriculum in both technical and theoretical dance courses To increase an appreciation for dance as an art form To develop skill development through coaching and performance-based assessment To stimulate students creative and critical thinking and open-ended inquiry To broaden an understanding of other art forms and their relationship to dance To develop an understanding of physiologically sound movement principle To maintain a standard of excellence To initiate community involvement through volunteer service and performances To instill a sense of ethics and professionalism Middle School Courses Introduction to Ballet This course is designed for students with little or no previous study of classical ballet. Intro to Ballet introduces students to rules, procedures, etiquette and vocabulary required for safe and effective participation in dance. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental basics of technique. Students are expected to achieve correct body placement and alignment. They will build muscle strength and flexibility as well as increase self-discipline and artistic expression Middle School Ballet I Students selected for this course will expand on skills and knowledge gained in Intro to Ballet. Emphasis is placed on turnout, correct body alignment and control. Students will build technical skills with coordination of the torso, arms and head while building confidence at the barre, in the center and across the floor. In addition, proper distribution of body weight, mastery of the positions of the feet and arms, and moving across the floor with jumps and turns are developed. Middle School Ballet II Students selected for this course build on the skills and knowledge gained in Intro to Ballet and Middle School Ballet I. Emphasis is placed on increased technical strength and vocabulary. Exercises done at the barre develop greater speed, strength, flexibility and coordination of the
legs, torso, arms and head. Stretches are given to develop increased flexibility in the hips and legs for higher extensions and better turn out. The basic ballet directions and Pirouettes in basic positions are mastered in the center. This course refines technical skills, musicality, and artistry. Middle School Ballet II is for intermediate/advanced niddle School level students who are currently committed to pursuing the dance pathway in high school. Introduction to Jazz This course is designed for students with little or no previous study of jazz. Intro to Jazz introduces students to rules, procedures, etiquette and vocabulary required for safe and effective participation in dance. Jazz I Jazz I emphasizes the development of various jazz dance styles associated with musical accompaniment (Traditional Period, Broadway, Hip/Hop, and Lyrical). This class is designed to increase strength, flexibility, improve musicality, quality of movement, coordination, alignment, and performance ability. High School Courses Ballet I Ballet I is designed for the student with previous study and experience. Ballet I students are expected to work with emphasis on their coordination with the torso, arms and head. In addition, proper distribution of body weight, mastery of the positions of the feet and arms, turnout, correct placement, and moving across the floor with jumps and turns are developed. The basic ballet directions are taught in the center. Simple jump combinations are taught and reversed. Pirouettes in the basic positions are taught. Ballet II Students selected for this course will be expected to demonstrate techniques from Foundations and Level I. Exercises done at the barre develop greater speed, strength, flexibility and coordination of the legs, torso, arms and head. More barre-work is done on demi-pointe for increased strength and balance. Stretches are given to develop increased flexibility in the hips and legs for higher extensions and better turn out. The basic ballet directions and Pirouettes in basic positions are mastered in the center. Big jumps traveling across the floor focus on covering space. Ballet III Students selected for this course will be expected to demonstrate techniques from Foundations and Level I. Exercises done at the barre develop greater speed, strength, flexibility and coordination of the legs, torso, arms and head. More barre-work is done on demi-pointe for increased strength and balance. Stretches are given to develop increased flexibility in the hips and legs for higher extensions and better turn out. The basic ballet directions and pirouettes in basic positions are mastered in the center. Larger jumps traveling across the floor will focus on covering space.
Ballet IV This course is a continuation of Level III with an increased emphasis on developing larger, more expansive movements that test the dancer s strength and stability. Higher extensions, multiple pirouettes, petit allegro, grand allegro with quick transfer of weight and the power of the legs and body are emphasized. Students are expected to learn more complex classical ballet terminology. The study of Pointe technique could be introduced at this level with teacher approval. Pointe work is designed to build strength, articulation and flexibility of the feet, legs and torso while developing the ability to control the balance on pointe. Contemporary/Modern I This course focuses on the study of various techniques including Graham, Hawkins, Horton, and Post-Modern technique. Emphasis is placed upon technical strength and vocabulary. Initial focus will be on linear lines: flat backs, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings and deep lunges. Many of the beginning level studies focus on the Achilles tendon, the abdominal muscles, and movements that lengthen the spine and the hamstring muscles. The class will be divided into 3 segments: floor-work, standing work in the center, and combinations that travel across the floor. Simple combinations of movements are taught to introduce musicality and dynamics. Contemporary/Modern II This course uses the basics from Level I with more variations. Many of the positions and shapes developed prior are used in turns, jumps and in combinations of movement. More demanding studies are added which require more stretch. The movements across the floor are longer and require more concentration and focus from dancers. The ability to execute complex technical and musical combinations with knowledge of stage and musical terms is expected. Contemporary/Modern III Students selected for this course are expected to demonstrate technical proficiency in modern dance technique. The warm-up incorporates many complicated and demanding dance phrases. Style, performance, quality, and dynamics are emphasized. The execution of complex rhythmical combinations is required. Correct placement as well as performance style and skill will be emphasized. This level will focus on building a stronger movement vocabulary, increased dynamic range and more control. Contemporary/Modern IV Students selected for this course are expected to demonstrate technical proficiency in modern dance technique. Opposition and weight shifts are emphasized, building a stronger movement vocabulary, increased dynamic range and more control. Standing work in the center develops more stamina, balance, control, flexibility and expanded sense of movement through extended combinations. Longer traveling combinations use difficult rhythms along with more complicated movement phrases that call for dramatic expressiveness, use of weight and musicality.
Jazz Technique I This course offers practical experience in basic jazz techniques through discussion and movement. Choreography and performance are also covered. Emphasis is on the development of coordination, flexibility, proper body awareness and alignment required to dance the combinations and routines. Jazz Technique II Students selected for this course will extend their experience and practice in the areas of flexibility, strength, body alignment and performance techniques learned in Jazz I. Emphasis will also be placed on the speed at which students retain and execute combinations and routines. A variety of jazz styles will be explored with more complex patterns and physically demanding moves. Jazz Technique III Students selected for this course will extend their experience and practice in the areas of flexibility, strength, body alignment and performance techniques learned in Jazz II. Emphasis will also be placed on the speed at which students retain and execute combinations and routines. A variety of jazz styles will be explored with more complex patterns and physically demanding moves. Tap I This course provides the student with practical experience in basic tap dance techniques. Emphasis is on foot dexterity, coordination, and rhythm. Students perform basic warm-up exercises, learn how the tap shoe is used to make the different sounds, learn tap combinations of steps and dance routines. Basic tap terminology is also covered. Tap II This course provides the students with an expanded knowledge of tap dance techniques beyond the basic fundamentals. Combinations and routines will take on a higher level of proficiency with emphasis on style and dynamics in their execution of more advanced steps. Students will develop the strength and agility to perform faster and more complex rhythms. This class develops foot dexterity and coordination and presents fundamentals of classical and modern tap. Emphasis will be placed on musicality, articulation, speed, control, timing, style, and intricate rhythms. Commercial Dance This course focuses on dance styles and movement techniques utilized in the commercial industry. It will cover jazz funk, hip hop, commercial contemporary, and other areas of study that will provide a comprehensive, integrated approach to the professional dance world for stage, film, and television opportunities. Students will discuss techniques for successful auditions, create a competitive resume, and compose a dance reel. This course will include the study and application of the ideas, styles, and works of commercial dance choreographers on stage, television, and film.
Dance Composition This course is designed for students who are interested in studying the basic concepts and applications of dance composition and choreography. Students will learn to generate and manipulate movement through exercises and improvisation and will expand those skills into shaping dances. Principles and skills will be taught through the practice of assigned projects, analysis, and the creation and performance of a complete work. Course material will also include video viewings, attendance at a live dance performance, and reading assignments. Basic concepts such as space, phrasing, timing, image, energy, density, and partnering are introduced and explored along with attention to the roles of inspiration and synthesis in the creative process. Students will work alone and in groups on weekly movement assignments. This course will also focus on the development of critical awareness and thinking skills in analyzing and evaluating their own work and the work of others.