Dance

List of 4 items.

• Dance I: Foundations

  Primary skills of Ballet are taught to lay a foundation that will solidify knowledge of dance to ensure opportunities of progression in various styles and levels of dance and/or other art mediums beyond their years at Notre Dame. Skills will be learned through barre and centre technique to develop full-body awareness and proper muscular development. During the progression of the course, physicality will be increased through primary traveling across the floor and visual learning will be exercised through short phrase combinations. Universal ballet terms, proper stretch, injury prevention& care, and performance education are covered throughout this course. Students will learn the history of dance through the development of modern from ballet, world dance, various genres and techniques within. During the latter part of the course, some basic styles of dance including jazz, hip-hop, country line and street dance will be explored through combinations. Students will learn how to write a research and critique paper on an artistic work through the lens of the history of dance. 
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - This VPA elective course is open to all students. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Dance II/III: Performance

  In this second level of Dance, students will learn a greater level of coordination, flexibility, and center strength through longer phrased technical training of ballet skills. Skills will be physically demonstrated with higher velocity movements at an intermediate level developing a broader knowledge of terms and execution. Developing basic skills of musicality that coincide with quality of movement for a higher level of performance. Overview of basics of partnering coursework encompasses partnering concepts, classical & contemporary partnering, ballroom dance, and contact improvisation. Range and variety of skills will be enhanced through studies of dynamics of weight, time, space, and flow. Introduction to modern styles and study of various techniques developed by such 20th-century masters as Graham, Limon, Taylor, Horton, and Cunningham to assist in this constantly developing art form. Training in Pilates and yoga will be explored to enhance technical support. More in-depth concepts of composition and choreography will be developed throughout the course. Students will learn dance scoring tools to aid in creating original pieces. Students will learn to utilize various styles to create choreography while learning to critique through a more artistic lens. Depending on course enrollment, students may be combined with the Dance 3 course. 

  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Dance I or audition/instructor’s approval. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Dance II/III: Advanced Performance

  The curriculum is designed to promote full awareness of technical skill during performance geared towards college or company audition preparation. More in-depth techniques and a broader range of dynamics of advanced modern and contemporary ballet are taught. Utilization of advanced floorwork, weight sharing in partners & groups, longer phrases, and challenging choreography are covered. Students will study musicality through dynamic range, form responsibility within staging, quality of movement and choreography development at a high level. Coursework will cover a deeper understanding of the values and diversity of the dance community and tools necessary for building a fulfilling career not only as an artist but an advocate for the arts thru small group discussions and large group activities. The latter part of the course will include in-depth studies of site-specific works, video for dance, dance prop production and the professional dance industry. Students will put a dance portfolio together, develop skills for audition preparation and fulfilling college application requirements, create original works with greater complexity and depth, re-create previous works, problem-solving during collaboration and develop a piece with full production value. Depending on course enrollment, students may be combined with the Dance 2 course. 

  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Dance II or audition/instructor’s approval. (UC “f” VPA Pending) 

• Dance Prop Production

  Dance Flags/Dance Guard Team associated with the Irish Knight Marching Band. The course involves student participation in various aspects of movement and equipment techniques. The student will obtain aesthetic perception and valuing, creative expression, and will study the heritage and history of dance. These goals will be accomplished by various activities and performance throughout the course. Expression of movement style, equipment techniques, and forms will take place through creative development of space, time, and dexterity. Students will learn technical proficiency through ballet barre technique as well as styles of modern, jazz and hip hop. The students will also focus on the ability to work in a group situation while developing performance and composition skills. Students will work with a dance/flag/prop teacher during class hours and at required evening rehearsals. Students will perform dance, prop, and routines with the marching and concert bands. They will also participate in additional competitions as an independent unit. This course may be repeated for credit. 

  
  Prerequisites/Comments - This is a performance course open to grades 9 through 12. New members must pass an audition in the spring. (UC “f” VPA)