Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School

Dance Syllabus 11th / 12th Grade Level III / Level IV

Rosemary Battista Instructor
rbattista@casa-arts.org
717-732-8250

Course Description: This course is designed to develop and maximize the individuality
of each dance student and the collective creativity of the dance ensemble through the knowledge,
application and analysis of the following objectives according to State and National Arts Standards.
The students will define, demonstrate, compare and contrast, apply, analyze and evaluate the
following topics related to dance:

Kinesthetic awareness and muscle memory of the body through alignment, strength, flexibility,
agility and coordination
Philosophies, principles and unique qualities of Ballet, Modern Dance and Jazz techniques and
styles, as well as mastery of vocabularies and comparison of various points of view
Technical skill and progress in various styles of Modern Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Improvisation and
Cultural Dance
The healthy body as the instrument of dance - basic muscle groups, injury prevention techniques
and nutrition for the dancer
Dance history related to societal change, influential figures and historic events connected to
present day dance
Craft of choreography design, dynamics, rhythm and motivation- individual and group composition
Collaboration process and structure of performance art with multiple art forms
Technology in dance performance - utilization of audio, video and computer tools
Theatrical and Lighting elements of dance performance
Aesthetic vs. critical assessment and self-evaluation processes in dance
Resume and dance portfolio creation including e-portfolio
Careers in dance - educational requirements

The student will use the city of Harrisburg as a classroom to help achieve their goals and
strive for flexibility in thought and action to continue creating themselves as thinking dancers.

Basic Student Texts:

Grant, Gail: Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet
Cheney, Gay: Basic Concepts in Modern Dance
Anderson, Jack: Ballet & Modern Dance
Humphrey, Doris: The Art of Making Dances
Teck, Katherine: Ear Training for the Body, A Dancers Guide to Music
Cohen, Selma: Dance as a Theatre Art

Requirements:
Defined in CASA Dance Information packet & CASA Handbook
Consistent and Prompt Attendance
Dress as outlined in the Dress Code
Completion of all assignments, written or performed
 Classroom Notebooks and Reflection Journal / Pens and Paper
Integrated Arts Notebooks and Journals
Completion of 40 ECE (extra-curricular experience) hours
Completion of CASA Curriculum Theme Project
Completion of Portfolio and E-Portfolio
Passing grade determined by CASA Point System-Dance Division

Class Structure and Additional Format:

Short Introduction on topic of the day followed by movement session, assessment, collaboration or
field trip
Notes on the topics of the day
Movement sessions emphasizing concepts, technique, improvisation with choreography
and evaluations
Master classes and field trips
Collaboration and sharing between Music, Theatre, Visual Art, Film and Creative Writing
Rehearsal for performances
Quizzes / Tests / Oral presentations
Individual and group projects
Community mentoring

Curriculum Differentiation:
Based on level of experience and skill; measured by attainment of course objectives; Students who
have mastered objectives will be encouraged to move to next level.
11th Grade students (Level III) are expected to pursue an specific knowledge concentrating on
distinguishing various dance techniques, theories and applications, relating dance history to present
day and expanding collaborative skills.
12th Grade students (Level IV) are expected to pursue an extensive knowledge of all concepts
studied and apply their knowledge both in the studio atmosphere and in the educational or public
workplace through special collaborative projects or opportunities such as job shadowing and
mentoring.

Grading: Point System Grading with Assessment Criteria

Based on clear point rewards and deductions - outlined in CASA Dance Information Handout
Etiquette and Behavior - Lecture and movement sessions
Compliance with Dress Code
Homework, participation, written/oral work, tests, quizzes, journals and movement evaluations
based on in-class and performance work.
Rubric assessment scales - used to aid in all of above.
Extra Credit - completion of extra curricular experience hours / projects

Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School Core Values
The core values represent a dedication to providing an enriching experience for each individual
student.
1. Foster Students Skills and Attitudes Towards Developing an Intrinsic Motivation to Learn
2. Attend to the Development of the Whole Child (Physical, Intellectual, Imaginative, Creative and Spiritual)
3. Facilitate Collaboration Among Members of the Student Community
4. Create a Community of Learners
5. Provide a Culture for Deep, Critical Understanding and Active Serious Learning in both Arts and Academics
You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.
Martha Graham