DAN

1220 (Jazz I) Amanda Lehman

Winter 2019 Phone: 917-626-0526
T/T 5:00-6:27p Hours: By appointment only
Room 109 Email: alehman@oakland.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will concentrate on the various jazz techniques ranging from classical
jazz, contemporary, lyrical, jazz funk and commercial jazz. This course will include strength
training/conditioning, flexibility, technical skill, proper body alignment, rhythm and performance quality.
Class will be fast paced and challenging. This course will include an athletic warm-up followed by across
the floor combinations focusing on jazz dance fundamentals, as well as stylized technical dance
combinations center set to music. The student will work to develop quick and accurate skills to learn and
demonstrate various combinations.

ATTIRE: It is important that all students dress properly in order to evaluate correct body alignment.
Dancers should dress in form fitting clothing. All dancers must wear jazz shoes. Hair must be pulled back
securely off the face. Jewelry other than pieced ear studs may not be worn in class.

ABSENCES: This is a participation course and attendance is vital. All absences after two will result in a .2
deduction from your final grade. Three tardies equal one absence. A dress code violation counts as one
tardy (this includes forgetting shoes, not having proper attire, etc.) Arriving late or leaving early will result
in a tardy. Arriving late (15 minutes after class has started) or leaving early (15 minutes before class is
over) will result in an absence. It is the students’ responsibility when arriving tardy to come up to me at
the end of that class period and make sure I have not marked them absent for the day.

OBSERVING CLASS: If you are injured or sick and cannot actively participate, but are able to observe, you
may observe class and write a one-page observation to be handed in at the end of class to receive an
attendance credit for the class. **Please note: excessive observations will not continue to receive full
attendance credit. Because dance is only learned through complete participation, a student will not get
credit for more than ONE sit-write observation. If you have a serious injury or illness, you should make an
appointment to speak with me about your situation.

WRITTEN WORK: Students will be required to keep a dance journal notebook for this class. At the end of
every class you are expected to write a paragraph or more documenting the material covered with a
detailed observation/description of what you gained from class that day. This journal is a tool to maintain
perspective on your progress and track your strengths, weakness and areas of growth throughout the
semester. You will be required to turn this notebook in at the end of semester.

GRADE COMPOSITION:
• SKILL 10%
• WRITTEN JOURNAL 10%
• ATTITUDE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION 20%
• IMPROVEMENT 20%
• PRESENTATION 20%
• MIDTERM MOCK AUDITION 10%
• FINAL EXAMINATION 10%

Skill- 10%

Skill is graded subjectively based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of proper/safe alignment and coordination principles
2. Increase of strength and flexibility to facilitate execution of varied movement problems.
3. Rhythm and musicality.
4. Quick and accurate learning.
5. Retention of material between class periods.
6. Responsiveness to correction and assimilation of corrections.
7. The ability to trust instincts and own creativity without fear of judgment or negativity.

Written Assignment- 10%

Students will receive a grade upon completion of the written dance journal observation from each class.
You are expected to write a paragraph or more documenting specific details of knowledge gained from
that particular class. It can include but is not limited to detailed personalized corrections, observations of
your own strengths and/or areas of improvement. Please check all terminology spelling. I recommend the
Ballet Lite app for a solid glossary of ballet terms and proper spelling.

Attitude and Class Participation- 20%

Student must present a positive learning attitude in class. Expectations include being prepared to dance
physically and mentally, handling critique appropriately and obeying proper class etiquette while
following the dress code strictly. Proper class etiquette includes punctuality, active listening, respect for
peers and instructors, not talking during class, maintaining an attitude of support for your peers and a
determination to learn.

Improvement- 20%

Graded subjectively as improvement over time on the above. Learn to use feedback as well as the
knowledge you are given throughout the class period to improve your overall dance technique.

Presentation- 20%

Graded as a display of energy, attire, confidence, concentration, and performance quality while in class.
Dancers are much like actors in that the goal is often to engage the audience through expressing emotion
and energy through body language and facial expression. Performance quality includes interpreting the
music and using self-expression in your dancing.

Midterm Mock Audition- 10%

Students will be required to retain and demonstrate a series of combinations learned from the first half of
the semester in a mock audition setting. You will need to bring a headshot and resume stapled together.
Midterm audition is graded subjectively on performance quality, attire, confidence, energy and ability to
execute/retain choreography. TENATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 14TH.

Final Examination- 10%

Each student will be expected to choreograph a 1-2 minute piece using concepts and movement learned
throughout the semester. Students may work as soloists or in duet pairs. Evaluations will be based on
choreographic choices, quality and detail of movement, risks taken by the student and level of
improvement shown throughout the semester. TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY APRIL 11TH.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Please inform me of any former injuries, current problems, or anything that
may affect your successful completion of the course. Please feel free to discuss your technical progress
with me by appointment. No eating, drinking (except water), gum chewing, or non-dance shoes allowed in
the dance studios. Cell phones brought into the space must be shut off. Dance is a study of movement so
often times physical touch is necessary to correct alignment, etc. IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH
THIS... PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY! I understand some of us like to stay within our own personal
space and it is not my intention to make you uncomfortable in any way.