Devons Dancers

Understanding by Design Teacher: Devon Dasher Grades 9-12

Stage 1- Desired Results

Established Goals:

Executes advanced principles of dance technique with precision. Focus: Fouette Turns
Understandings: Students will understand.. What fouette turns are in ballet and jazz dance Technique for how to perform and perfect this particular type of turn Performing fouette turns demonstrates a higher level of skill, demonstrating progression and development in their dancing ability Essential Questions: What are fouette turns? How do you perform and perfect fouette turns? What is the purpose of performing fouette turns?

Student will know. Proper preparation for the turns Proper arm placement How to use the vital concept of spotting The importance of concepts of pli and releve The importance of using ones core and sense of balance The proper point at which to whip the leg to ensure a full revolution upon the standing leg

Stage 2- Assessment Evidence

Performance Tasks: Have students repeat fouette simulation at barre; answer any questions Have students move to center of floor

for first attempt Demonstrate step again for reinforcement Have class attempt step individually Walk around room and help individuals Have class attempt step as group multiple times until satisfactory Other Evidence, Summarized Provide reasonable amount of personal attention

Self-Assessments Allow time for student questions Have students work in pairs and critique one another on technique

Stage 3 Learning Plan

. Learning Activities: Introduce class to term fouette turn Fouette means whipped in French; it is a whipping movement Show students a segment from Swan Lake (famous 32 fouette turns in the coda of the Act III Pas de Deux) as a visual demonstration/goal. Make notes to students on technique, the importance of staying with the counts and the music; note how faster music meas faster turns Personally demonstrate to students how to perform fouette turns Explain necessary principles for performing fouette turns o Proper preparation for turn o Core strength- needed for balance and stability while turning o Spotting- focusing on one point and then whipping head around right before body fully turns to help gain momentum to complete full revolution o Pli- bending of knees o Releve- rising up on toes o Using pli and releve on standing leg o Use of arm placement to make turning easier o Whipping motion of other leg from out to seconde position to in to knee at pass with proper turnout o Explain which motions happens on which counts (pli one, whip leg out two, etc.) Have students stand at the barre for simulation. Have students pli on standing leg while holding onto bar. Have students hold this position while extending right leg in front, still in pli on standing leg with one hand on the bar and the other in the preparatory position. Next have students spring into releve on standing leg, carrying right leg out to seconde position with free arm out to seconde as well. Have students hold this position. Go around room and check students placement. Make necessary corrections.