Dance - Year 8
ARTS FACULTY
| š Ā Course Type | Elective |
|---|---|
| š§© Ā Units | 1 Semester |
| ā± Ā Hours per week | 3 |
| āļø Ā Selection | 1 - 3 Arts Electives to be selected in Year 8 |
| š§ Ā Future Pathways | Excellent preparation for Dance in Year 9 & 10 |
Dance is offered as an elective in Year 8. This practical subject is designed to introduce the foundations of technique and dance skills in a sequential and logical way so that students are able to develop their physical facility to dance any style with greater confidence and success. Students can expect that in working through the preparatory exercises in ballet, jazz and contemporary dance they will gain:
- Improved strength
- Greater flexibility
- Co-ordination of whole body
- Time management and collaboration skills
- Better concentration and self-awareness.Ā
In learning the basics of dance training, students will begin work on safe warm-ups, how to execute basic turns and jumps, and common dance steps found in a range of genres. As well as the core focus on acquiring skills, students also gain an insight into the foundations of different dance styles and the influence they continue to have today.Ā
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Choreographic work includes exploring the elements of dance and choreographic devices, and how these are used to create cohesive works that realise an intention. Dancers are encouraged to be creative and choreograph their own short dance works and perform for their peers with accuracy and focus. To supplement practical work and to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of dance, students can expect units on the following:Ā
- Anatomy: the joints of the body, the major muscle groups and which muscles to use in exercisesĀ
- Written Reflection: reflecting on individual choreographic decisions and the work of othersĀ
- Safe dance: awareness of personal limitations, the role of practice, warm ups and cool downsĀ
- Performance: preparing for performance, theatre conventions for dancers, basic stage make up for dancers, the role of costume.Ā
Students will be challenged based on their capabilities and will be required to choreograph and perform both as a soloist and as a member of a group. Dance is a performance-based subject, so students will be required to perform for their peers, as well as to a wider public audience at the end of the semester. All culminating performances will have been rehearsed extensively in class to ensure students gain feedback and are comfortable and confident to take the stage. Students are required to wear basic dance clothes for safety and comfort.Ā