Year 1 Dance Module

Module MT2:

UK Credits: ECTS: Level:

Year 1 Dance

40 20 HE4

Outline

You will develop competence and confidence in a variety of different dance techniques. You will begin to develop your skills in and knowledge of the core dance disciplines of Musical Theatre. You will take part in weekly technique classes in jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary, and will also be introduced to ballroom. Health and safety is a feature of all the disciplines within the dance department, and you will learn how to avoid injury, develop fitness and stamina, and become aware how to maintain your own and others’ health and safety.

Aims of the module

• To give you a solid foundation in dance technique • To develop your competence and confidence in jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, ballroom and physical conditioning • To develop an understanding of history of dance in musical theatre • To develop an understanding of the human body to avoid injuries and develop technique and freedom of expression. • To develop the relationship between Acting, Singing and Dance • To provide you with a cohesive dance training in a Musical Theatre context

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to: Knowledge and understanding • demonstrate understanding and use of appropriate technique in dance • develop an understanding of dance techniques and terminology used in professional theatre Skills • use imagination, concentration and observation in performance • perform with belief, energy and focus • develop your confidence in the use of a range of dance styles and techniques Values and attitudes • recognise the value of working in a disciplined way as an individual within the context of a group • demonstrate awareness of health and safety and safe practice in dance

Jazz

Tutor Natasha Volley and Karen Edwards Tutor led Hours 4.5 hours x 30 = 135 hours Groups First years are taught in separate groups streamed according to ability

Aims

To enable you to begin the acquisition of • the basic technical and performance dance skills required by the professional musical theatre • stability, placement and foundation in technique • an understanding of Matt Mattox jazz technique

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • progress in technique, alignment, placing, control, strength • flexibility, fluidity of movement, dynamics and accuracy • the acquisition and application of performance skills • ability to sustain and apply technique Knowledge and Understanding • an understanding of safety in dance to ensure an injury free career • an awareness of musicality and subtlety of jazz dance style, energy, concentration, imagery, personality, feeling & communication through dance

How will I learn?

You will participate in a sequence of technique classes introducing Matt Mattox jazz technique based on body mechanics and conditioning.

Term 1

Dance etiquette Preparation for Dance: basic warm up, stretch, limbering and strengthening Correct posture, body alignment, use of footwork, legs and port de bras Body Awareness and placing Isolations, weight distributions dynamics and flow Counting and Rhythm Correct use of turn out and parallel Basic travelling steps Theory of turning, jumping Dance vocabulary and technical terms Spatial Awareness

Term 2

Continuation and development of first term’s work Introduction of dance combinations and choreographic sequences

Term 3

Continuation and development of first two terms’ work Communication, focus, expression and eye contact Further development of dance combinations and routines Develop an understanding of dynamics and how to apply them to performance Preparation for End of Year Dance Assessment

Ballet

Tutor Sandra Doling Tutor led Hours 4.5 x 30 = 135 hours Groups First year ballet classes are streamed according to ability.

Aims

To enable you to begin the acquisition of • the technical dance skills that feed into Jazz dance and the Musical Theatre dance repertoire. • a technical foundation and vocabulary

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • Progression in technique • the ability to communicate through technique Knowledge and Understanding • an understanding of safety in dance to ensure an injury free career • an awareness of musicality, energy, focus and concentration

How will I learn?

You will participate in a sequence of technique classes in Ballet taught as a springboard to the other dance disciplines and not as a separate entity. You are not expected to follow or take up a classical ballet performing career, but to acquire a solid foundation of alignment and technique, knowledge and vocabulary from which to develop your skills in the Jazz and Musical Theatre dance repertoire.

Term 1

Dance etiquette Preparation: strengthening, balance, body placement and alignment, use of feet, Port de Bras, correct posture, correct use of turn out, basic placement Musicality Basic Barre work Simple centre practice and transfer of weight Basic Adage Preparation and basic pirouettes finishing in 5th position

Basic Petit Allegro & Mid Allegro Ballet vocabulary and technical terms (including handouts of terminology)

Term 2

Continuation and development of first term’s work Basic Grand Allegro

Term 3

Continuation and development of first two terms’ work Communication and focus Develop an understanding of dynamics and how to apply them to performance More demanding Enchâinement Spatial Awareness More demanding vocabulary of Grand Allegro More highly developed musicality Preparation for end of year dance assessments

Tap

Tutor Charlotte Gale Tutor led Hours 20 x 3 = 60 hours Group First year tap classes are streamed into groups according to ability. Tap groups are different from the jazz/ballet groups.

Aims

To enable you to begin the acquisition of • the basic technical tap skills required in professional musical theatre • a broad technical tap vocabulary dependant on your own capability and the level of your streamed group

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • progress in technique • musicality, rhythm and tempo Knowledge and Understanding • an understanding of safety in dance to ensure an injury free career • understanding of Tap vocabulary Values and Attitudes • an awareness and appreciation of musicality

How will I learn?

You will take part in a sequence of technique classes introducing the techniques of Free-style tap, influenced by American and Show Tap.

Term 1

Preparation for Tap: Clarity of beats, relaxation, attack and rhythm Basic combinations Spatial Awareness

Term 2

Continuation and development of first term’s work Development of style and focus Short combinations using learnt vocabulary

Term 3

Continuation and development of first two terms’ work Communication, focus, expression and eye contact Introduction of dance combinations and routines Variety of Tap dance styles Preparation for formal Tap assessment Develop an understanding of dynamics and how to apply them to performance Stamina

Contemporary

Tutor Visiting tutors Tutor led Hours 1 x 30 = 30 hours Groups This class is streamed according to ability in Tap

Aims

To enable you to begin the acquisition of • the basic technical dance skills that will assist and develop a wider spectrum of dance styles in musical theatre • use of the body in a dynamic and safe manner • an understanding of Horton technique

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • progress in technique • body dynamics and communication • musicality and rhythm Knowledge and Understanding • an understanding of safety in dance to ensure an injury free career • an awareness of the musicality and subtlety of contemporary technique in relation to Musical Theatre training

How will I learn?

You will take part in a sequence of technique classes introducing Horton technique. The technique is a contemporary technique, which bases its skills on body mechanics and conditioning.

Term 1

Preparation for Dance: basic warm up, stretch, limbering and strengthening Correct Posture, body alignment, use of footwork, legs and Port De Bras Body Awareness and placing Isolations, weight distributions and flow Counting and Rhythm Basic travelling steps Theory of turning, jumping and falling Dance vocabulary and technical terms

Terms 2 and 3

Continuation and development of first term’s work More involved and complicated combinations Preparation for assessment (term 3)

Ballroom Pas de Deux

Tutor Raf Pilot and/or guest tutors Tutor led Hours 1.25 hours x 14 weeks = 17.5 hours Groups this class is streamed according to ability in Jazz

Aims

To enable you to begin the acquisition of: • technique in three ballroom dance styles • a technically and stylistically varied dance vocabulary • awareness of yourself and your partner and the space in which you are dancing (‘spatial awareness’) • responsiveness and generosity to your partner • understanding of the etiquette and collaborative nature of dancing with a partner

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • progress in technique • improved posture and strong frame • progress in your ability to dance in hold • the ability to give and receive signals from a partner • perform basic Waltz, Tango and Jive steps with accuracy and confidence Knowledge and Understanding • understand the concept of leading and following

• understand how technique is applied to each dance in order to accentuate its particular style • understand the importance of timing and how to dance in time with the music • understand safety in dance to ensure an injury free career Values and Attitudes • appreciation of the responsiveness, openness and generosity necessary to build a rapport with a partner

How will I learn?

You will take part in a sequence of workshop classes, introducing you to the Waltz, Tango, Jive and Quickstep. You will explore style, feeling and technique, discovering how the steps fit the rhythm and the music of each dance. Classes will enable you to develop partnering skills, leading and following, and emphasis will be placed on good posture, hold and frame. Each week you will learn a selection of new steps as well as recapping the basic step of each style. Ballroom Pas de Deux is taught once a week during the first term of the first year (Weeks 1-3 – Waltz, Week 4 add basic Tango steps. Gradually finish with waltz and continue with Tango throughout weeks 5-8. Weeks 9 and 10 Quickstep. Week 11 - revision of all dances. Three weeks in 3rd term Jive). Preparation for Ballroom Pas de Deux: basic warm up and strengthening Parallel placement Correct Posture, body alignment, use of footwork, legs and co-ordination of the arms Body and Spatial Awareness Isolations and weight distributions Counting, musicality and rhythm Development of Ballroom style

FITNESS HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Dance Department aims to maintain fitness, health and safety as a priority amongst the staff and students.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is not taught as a separate class but embedded in the teaching throughout all of the dance disciplines.

Your Head of Year will ensure that you complete a weekly written injury report to be kept on file. If you cannot take part in a class due to injury or illness you must obtain a Dance Rest badge from the Head of Dance. The badge should be shown to the class tutor as confirmation of your inability to take part in the class.

Students with continued or recurring injury and illness may be referred to one of the resident support team. All students are encouraged to use resident support staff where possible to prevent injury. These include a Sports Massage Therapist and a Fitness coordinator. Reports on treatment given are recorded by the Head of Dance (with the exception of GP referral). External practitioners and treatments should be discussed with Head of Dance and reports sent where appropriate to support progress.

Jazz

The warm up, technical exercises and combinations in the jazz class are designed to increase in intensity and difficulty as the year progresses. Bare feet, toe thongs or split sole jazz shoes are worn so that you can feel and use the floor thoroughly. Suitable supportive clothing is worn: students to work in shorts to allow tutor to check that each student is working their legs correctly. You will learn to design and lead an aerobic, cardio warm up at the beginning of each class, monitored by the tutor. This warm up is designed to raise the heart rate, introduce oxygen to the muscles and to raise the temperature of the muscles and the body so that you are ready to work technically. Great importance is placed on strengthening and warming up areas of potential weakness. These areas include the back, groin, ankles and knees. Particular care is given to warming up the upper back, neck and weaker joints. The exercises are designed to work the body in a considered and isolated technical manner, to develop and strengthen the jazz discipline, taking care to work correctly and safely throughout each class using core strength, stability, correct weight placement, thorough use of legs, feet, plié, resistance to the floor and strength in the back to support all technical requirements of the Isolation Jazz Technique.

Ballet

You are given safety information with your corrections The importance of warm up and warm down is emphasised Body conditioning may be suggested as necessary

Contemporary

You are taught the safety of falling and floor-work.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to: Skills • check dance studio floors before class to ensure that they are in a good condition i.e. not slippery, splintered and have an even surface • wear appropriate clothing for dance class e.g. not to wear jewellery or clothing that may be a danger to you or others • warm up before class or performance to enable the body to perform to its full potential with complete safety • take action in the event of pain and or injury • work back after a holiday

Knowledge and Understanding • understand your physical limitations and how to work around them

Fitness, Nutrition and Injury Prevention

Tutor Benjamin Ensall Tutor led Hours 16.5 hours Groups Students are taught in mixed groups

Aim

To enable you to understand how to acquire strength and fitness so as to achieve a healthy, fit and injury-free career.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Skills • The ability to use basic gym equipment Knowledge and Understanding The understanding of: • the benefits of regular exercise through aerobic activity, strength training, muscular endurance and flexibility • core strength • the need to strengthen and tone rather than build bulk muscle • how to maintain your health, fitness and safety at all times

Wellbeing

Tutor Tutor Led Hours

Benjamin Ensall, visiting speakers 6 – Lectures and tutorials You will take part in a series of lectures and seminars on various issues relating to Health, Safety and Injury Prevention. These include safe sex and sexual health, safety on the street, drugs and alcohol, stress management, nutrition for the performer and eating disorders. Any health or injury problems should be reported to your Head of Year.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this component, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate: Knowledge and Understanding • how to maintain your health, fitness and safety at all times • how take action in the event of pain or injury • how to take account of your physical limitations

MODULE TEACHING PATTERN

Teaching Component Type Contact Hours

Jazz Ballet Tap Technique classes Technique classes Technique classes 135 135 60

Contemporary

Technique classes Ballroom Pas de Deux Workshop classes

30 17.5

Fitness, Nutrition and Injury Prevention Wellbeing Workshop classes

16.5 Lectures and tutorials 6

Totals

400

Self Directed Study Hours Total Student Learning Hours 135 135 60 30 17.5 16.5 6

400

How will I be assessed?

Monitoring of your progress in all components of the dance module is continuous. Tutors inform the Head of Dance immediately if they have any concerns about your level of attainment, discipline or attendance. The purpose of assessment is to enable you and your teachers to identify your strengths and weaknesses in the key areas of the programme. The main assessment methods are: • Continuous observation in all Technique classes • Mid and End of Year evaluation of classwork in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Tap • End of Year formal assessment in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Tap • Practical assessment in projects and public performances • Observation of written assignments, tests, notebooks and diaries

Mid and End of Year Classwork

Tutors give students indicative grades half way through the year in midFebruary and formal classwork marks at the end of the year in June. Grades are given as a percentage mark, according to the grade descriptors and assessment criteria set out at the back of this handbook. Mid and end of year class work grades are awarded on the basis of your response to, and development through, the process. Assessment is made with reference to the component-specific learning outcomes described in the relevant module and the following general criteria relating to Professional Employment skills: • commitment, preparedness for work; self-directed study • concentration; application; personal motivation • receptiveness to the process • ability to accept, and act on, notes and corrections • ability to work within group (listening; sensitivity; responsiveness; generosity; co-operation) • progression: growth and development of skills and knowledge • development of flexibility and spontaneity • capacity to experiment and take risks • development of awareness of the working process

End of year Assessments

At the end of the summer term you will take part in formal assessments before a panel of four assessors in each of the core disciplines of jazz, ballet and tap.

MODULE ASSESSMENT PATTERN

Assessment Component

Jazz

Ballet

Tap

Assessment Type end of year assessment classwork end of year assessment classwork end of year assessment classwork

Contemporary

classwork Ballroom Pas de Deux classwork Fitness, Nutrition and Injury Prevention Wellbeing classwork classwork

Weighting

Pass Mark Pass/Fail 75% 25% 40% no 75% 25% 40% no 75% 25% 40% no n/a n/a yes n/a n/a yes n/a n/a yes n/a n/a yes

What do I have to do to pass?

You are required to achieve a pass mark of 40% or above in Jazz, Ballet and Tap, and to pass each of the other components. Assessment criteria and grade descriptors can be found at the back of this handbook. Contemporary, Ballroom Pas de Deux, Fitness, Nutrition and Injury Prevention; and Wellbeing are marked pass/fail and do not carry any weighting in the calculation of the overall mark for the module. The overall mark for the module is calculated according to the following weightings:

Jazz 50%

Ballet 35%

Tap 15%

How and when will I get feedback on my assessments?

You will receive written feedback on all elements of your dance assessment from each of the four assessors on the panel. You will also have an individual tutorial with the Head of Dance during which you will receive verbal feedback on your assessments and be given targets to work towards.

READING LIST

Title Author Publisher Year

Basic Principles of Classical Ballet Agripinna Vaganova

Dover Publications Matt Mattox Book of Jazz Dance Elisabeth Frich Sterling Men Dancing Part Real, Part Dream: Dancing with Martha Graham Cherry Radford Indepenpress (Kindle edition)

Stuart Hodes, Richard Move Concord (Kindle edition) 1969 1993 2011 2011

Fifty Contemporary Choreographers Dance Technique, Injury Prevention and Care of the Dancer Martha Bremser, Lorna Sanders Justin Howse, Moira McCormack Routledge 2011 Methuen Drama 2009