Shaw Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School

Dear Parents and Dancers:

            Welcome to the Shaw VPA elementary dance program! My name is Mrs. Debbi and I am very excited to work with your child during their dance experience this year. In this class, students will explore dance elements, multiple dance genres, history and culture, choreography, and learn how to express themselves through dance.  Dance will help students enhance their critical thinking skills, coordination, strength, and flexibility.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by e-mail at Debbi.Cox@slps.org. Together, we can encourage each student to take a positive approach to dance and all it has to offer!

Participation and General Classroom Procedures

Daily participation in dance class will be an essential part of the student’s final grade. Students will not be able to achieve a passing grade without full participation during class time.

• 4^th & 5^th grade dancers must appropriately dress out in dance attire for each class period unless otherwise instructed.  (As this is the first class of the day, it is suggested dancers wear the dance attire under the uniform changing out of the dance attire at the end of dance class. A locker will be provided).
• 2^nd & 3^rd grade dancers will participate wearing their school uniforms with shorts or leggings under skirts (no tight pants or jeans) for each class period unless otherwise instructed.  Dancers will dance barefoot.
• PreK, Kindergarten, & 1^st grade dancers will participate wearing their school uniforms with shorts or leggings under skirts (no tight pants or jeans) for each class period unless otherwise instructed.  Dancers will keep their tennis shoes on during class.
• Absolutely no dangling jewelry (earrings, watches, bracelets, rubber bands, rings, etc.) will be worn during class. This is a safety hazard. (Very small, studded earrings are acceptable).
• Long hair must be bound with a hair clip or band. Please be careful with beads as they may become a hazard to your dancer during turns.

For the safety of all:

• No food or drink in the dance space at any time.
• No dancers may leave the dance studio without a pass or escort during class time.
• No running, throwing, flipping, sliding, screaming, or roughhousing is allowed in the dance space at any time.
• When the instructor is speaking, the dancers are quiet. 
• Any dancer who back-talks the instructor, disobeys any safety guidelines or threatens/stops the lesson will receive a phone call home and a referral.

Course Standards:

All course standards will be aligned with the Missouri state standards (not limited to):

• The student will identify and demonstrate movement elements and skills and apply them while performing. 

• The student will implement choreographic principles, processes, and structures.
• The student will use dance as a medium to communicate meaning and/or artistic intent.
• The student will demonstrate and apply critical, creative, and analytical thinking in response to dance.
• The student will demonstrate an understanding of dance in various cultures.
• The student will make connections between dance and other arts disciplines, other content areas, and the world.

Materials Needed for 4^th & 5^th Grade Dancers Only:

Girls

• Black, plain, short-sleeved, one-piece leotard.
• Flesh-colored convertible dance tights (not pantyhose). Underwear must not be seen (no boy-cut underwear).
• Black jazz shoes (order 1/2 size larger).
• Black Slip-On Split-Sole Oxford Tap Shoes (order 1/2 size larger).

Boys

• Plain, white, short-sleeved undershirt (not graphics or writing).
• Plain, black sweatpants (not graphics or writing).
• Black jazz shoes (order 1/2 size larger).
• Black Slip-On Split-Sole Oxford Tap Shoes (order 1/2 size larger).

Materials Needed for PreK, K, 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Grades:

Clothes are not too loose or too tight for movement. Shorts must be worn under skirts/dresses.

Materials Information:

Parents should label all items.  The school is not responsible for any lost items. Dance attire and gear is due no later than September 25^th.

Projects and/or Performances:

Dancers will have an opportunity to perform during the school year. Dancers are required to participate in a minimum of one show per school year in conjunction with other art disciplines and/or various festivals. Dancers will execute proficient literacy skills throughout the school year related to terminology.

Students could lose their performance rights for any of the following:

Lack of choreography knowledge (Practicing choreography is a part of homework).

Not bringing proper costuming materials to a performance/show.

Inappropriate behavior before, during, and/or after class, rehearsal, or backstage.

Disregard to maintenance and/or care of costume, rehearsal/performance space.

Bullying Policy

There is absolutely zero tolerance for bullying in the classroom.  Bullying a classmate violates not only school policy but also Missouri law. If a student is being bullied by a classmate, he/she should immediately notify a teacher, counselor, or administrator so that the situation can be dealt with accordingly.

Grading Scale

For Participation, Projects, Assessments, Practice/Homework

• 4: the student has completed proficient work on all course objectives and advanced work on some objectives.
• 3: the student has completed proficient work on all course objectives.
• 2: the student has completed proficient work on the most important objectives, although not on all objectives. The student can continue to the next course.
• 1: the student has completed proficient work on at least one-half of the course objectives but is missing some important objectives and is at significant risk of failing the next course in the sequence. The student should repeat the course if it is a prerequisite for another course.
• 0, or NE (no evidence): the student has completed proficient work on fewer than one-half of the course objectives and cannot successfully complete the next course in sequence.