Exploring Dance

Laguna Beach High School 2015-2016

Instructor: Samantha Hampton
Email: shampton@lbusd.org
Phone: (949)497-7750 x 1379
Office: Dance Studio, Room 78
Hours: SDL or by appointment
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Period 6

Exploring Dance
Prep
Health Science
Health Science
Exploring Dance
Health Science

Room 78
78, TBD
Room 23
Room 23
Room 78
Room 23

Sign up for class text

message reminders and
tips by texting
_____________
to 81010
to (323)568-1331.
Follow
@MsHamptonLBHS
for class updates and
reminders.

Course Description
This course, designed for the Beginning level dancer, introduces the basic techniques and principles of Ballet,
Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, and Hip-Hop, along with studies in Improvisation, Choreography, Production,
Anatomy, and Dance History. Class activities will include movement assessments, written assessments, group
projects, and performance in the LBHS Spring Dance Concert. Students will gain an appreciation for all aspects
of dance through this fun, challenging, and active course.

Student Learning Outcomes

-

Students will demonstrate movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Students will apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and communicate meaning
through the improvisation, composition, and performance of dance.
Students will analyze the function and development of dance in past and present cultures throughout the
world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and dancers.
Students will critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance of dancers, and
original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic qualities.
Students will apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They will develop
competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and management of time and
resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career skills. They will also learn about careers in and
related to dance.

Classroom Expectations and Policies

Please refer to the LBHS Rules & Policies and the disciplinary action plan for specific details. Generally,
students are expected to demonstrate P.R.I.D.E.: Problem-Solving, Resilience, Integrity, Dependability, and
Engagement. In addition, students are expected to treat their dance teachers, teacher assistants, substitutes, and
classmates with RESPECT and in a way that they themselves would like to be treated. Students are expected to
follow all safety rules for the dance space to minimize potential risks and/or injuries.

Dance Class Rules

- Respect the dance studio (No food, drinks, or gum except water)
- Respect your learning environment (Avoid tampering with your surroundings)
- Give your full attention to the learning (Electronic devices must be in lockers)
- Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the dance studio and should be
stored in the students designated locker during class, unless usage approval has been
given by the teacher for instructional purpose(s). (Refer to Student Handbook)
- Store and lock all of your belongings in the locker room (Only bring what is required for class)
- Always be prepared and dressed in appropriate attire (Refer to LBHS Dance Dress Code)
Consequences
1. Loss of participation points
2. Student removed from classroom/Parent email
3. Referral to Counseling Office
4. Meeting with Assistant Principal

Attendance and Participation

Dance is a physical activity that requires daily participation in order to be successful. Students are expected to
attend class regularly, adhere to the Dress Code, and report to class on time.
Participation
Students will have FIVE MINUTES to change in the beginning and end of each period. Students
have the opportunity to earn 3 points for every class period, provided that they are dressed in the
appropriate attire: one point is allotted for coming to class on time, one point for being prepared with all
materials for class, and one point for participating fully through each portion of the class.
Medical Excuses & Makeup Policy
Students who need to be excused from class participation due to illness or other medical reasons must
present a note from a parent or legal guardian on the day of the request. This note should include a
parents name and contact number or email address. For excuses lasting longer than one day, a doctors
note is required. All notes must be given to the instructor at the beginning of class. Students are expected
to wear the appropriate dance attire unless otherwise specified by the doctor or teacher. Students with
written excuses will NOT receive participation points for the day. Students may choose to complete
makeup work for the excused absence(s) or non-participation day(s). (See Dance Make-Up Policy)
Tardies
Students have 5 minutes after the tardy bell rings to dress and be seated in their assigned roll call spot.
All tardy students must obtain a tardy slip from the office before they will be allowed to join class. If
the student is not in their assigned seat when the instructor begins taking attendance, they will be marked
tardy and will lose participation points. Latecomers may not join class without the permission of the
teacher.
Late Work
Late work is accepted up until one week after the due date for 50% credit. It is the students
responsibility to obtain and complete any missing work.

Supplies
-

Proper dance attire (Refer to LBHS Dance Dress Code)

Locker and lock (provided by LBHS)
A binder or section in a binder
Personally Owned or LBUSD-Provided Electronic Device (see BYOD)
B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device)
In an effort to support LBUSD and LBHS in its mission to provide 21st century learning in our school,
students should bring their Personally-Owned Electronic Device (POD) to school for use in class. This
device will be used to enhance instruction with regard to student communication, collaboration,
creativity, and productivity. Any student, who is unable to secure his/her POD, will have access to a
device provided by the District. (See Student Handbook for usage expectations and consequences)

Grading Policy
-

Participation 40%
If a student is dressed properly, on time, prepared with all materials for class, and participates fully in all
activities, they will receive full participation points (3) for the day. Participation points may be taken
away for lack of effort, profanity, disruption of class, defiance, or for any other reason at the discretion
of the teacher.

Movement Exams/Assessments 20%

At the end of each unit students will be given movement and written assessments to check for
understanding.

Activities and Assignments 10%

Written work, class activities, and homework will be assigned periodically throughout the year.

Concert Analysis Paper (1st semester)/ Spring Dance Concert (2nd semester) 20%
All Exploring Dance students are required* to attend the Winter Dance Concert performance on
Friday, December 11th at 7pm, or Saturday, December 12th at 3pm or 7pm and write a Concert Analysis
paper. Students are encouraged to view the concert for free on Thursday, December 10th at 6pm during
the Final Dress Rehearsal/Staff Preview Night.
All Exploring Dance students are required* to perform in the Spring Dance Concert on Friday,
April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd at 7pm AND Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th at
7pm. After school rehearsals will happen during the week April 18th-22nd only, and a detailed schedule
will be distributed in March. Failure to participate in the concert rehearsals and performances will result
in a 20% grade drop for the first semester of this class.
*An alternative assignment will be given to students who have excused absences that are in compliance
with the Education Code.

Final Project 10%

A final project is assigned at the end of the semester for the final exam. If a student is absent for the final
exam, they need to make arrangements with their counselor, the front office, and the teacher for an
alternative test time.

Video Release
All students will be videotaped periodically through the year for learning purposes. These videos will remain
with the instructor and not be reproduced or sold. Students will also be videotaped during the annual spring
dance concert, which will be available on a DVD.

Thefts/ Lost and Found

Please report all thefts to your dance teacher. Do not share your locker combination. Keep valuables at home.
Items left behind in the dance studio will be placed in Lost & Found. All items will be donated at the end of the
semester. Please check the Lost & Found for your belongings before you report a theft. LBHS Dance is not
responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Tactile Teaching
Tactile teaching is used in dance education to supplement the learning process, correct shape or form, and
prevent injuries. If a student is uncomfortable with tactile teaching, he/she is encouraged to speak to s. Hampton
immediately so that accommodations can be made.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the expectations
for the Exploring Dance course. Any changes/updates to the course will be
communicated to you via email by the dance instructor.
Class Period:______________
Student Name:_________________________________________________________________
Student Signature:______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:__________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________________

*Must be signed and turned in by Tuesday, September 15, 2015*