What we are Working On: Updates in Modern Dance

For the remainder of the semester, dance students will focus on previously learned skills and modern dance technique, demonstrate and apply knowledge of dance vocabulary and terminology, as well as work on recall and memorization of the structure of a modern dance class and modern dance exercises. Dance students will finish up their Modern Choreography projects as well as work on Dance Journal topics daily. These Modern Choreography projects and Dance journal assignments will culminate in a two-part student presentation that will count as their final exam grade. Dance students will present their short dance pieces and participate in a modern improvisation piece during an in-class showcase at the end of the semester.
Please see the overview of the class lesson plans  for April-May below.

MODERN DANCE B4
CENTER EXERCISES
OBJECTIVE: To work on previously learned skills and modern dance technique, demonstrate and apply knowledge of dance vocabulary and terminology, work on recall and memorization of the structure of a modern dance class and modern dance exercises
The process of these student-directed exercises will challenge how well the students know their dance terminology and recall dance exercises. Dance captains will sharpen their leadership and demonstration skills.
PROCEDURE: The teacher will first read out the dance steps in sequence to the Dance Captain and the class. Next, the class must execute the exercises with music, as the Dance Captain leads, calls out and demonstrates the exercises. All exercises have been previously done in class.
Dance Captain: MARIDETH READ
Music: Find any instrumental, appropriate music selection on YouTube, etc.
 
MODERN CENTER WARM-UP
1.HEAD ROLLS/ROLL DOWNS
 2.PLIES
-parallel in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th positions
-turned out in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th positions
3. TENDUS
-parallel front, side, back, side
-turned out front, side, back, side
4. DEGAGES
-same as tendus
5. BATTEMENTS
-same as tendus and degages
6. FLOOR STRETCHES (5-10 minutes)
-spirals
-contractions
-partnered stretches

AFTER ALL EXERCISES AND STRETCHES, STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE DANCE JOURNAL ACTIVITIES AND/OR ONLINE OR CHOREOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CLASS PERIOD.

MODERN DANCE B4
CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments have been posted and completed online in itsLearning
​
MODERN DANCE B4
DANCE JOURNAL TOPICS
Objective: The purpose of these journal assignments is to help further stimulate critical thinking skills, practice reflection, and to deepen student perspective. These components will help students to develop or strengthen their voice, which will contribute to their growth as articulate young artists. These topics will serve as the catalyst for student expression through dance, of their views on these topics as well as various other social issues, and for generating stories through movement. These exercises will culminate in an in-class modern improvisation showcase that the students will participate in at the end of the semester.
 Procedure: You will take the last 30 minutes of class to write in your dance journal. The front portion of your journal is where you will write short essays explaining your perspective on given topics. 
Journal 1 ALREADY COMPLETED
Why do you think building a sense of community is good? What are some benefits of building a community? How can you contribute to building a greater sense of community within the dance program? Think of some things you can do to help.
Journal 2 (4/25, 4/27)
How can you contribute to a good learning environment? What good does it do for you?
Journal 3 (5/2, 5/4)
What does it make you think and how do you feel when you see students being rude to each other and/or your teachers? How does it make you feel when students do things they shouldn't do at school like being disrespectful, not following directions, fighting, etc.?
Journal 4 (5/9, 5/11)
What can you contribute to your school? What are the benefits of giving back to your school? How excited are you to participate in other school events?
​