Hawaii Tokai International College

Introduction to Dance
HPER 150

Instructor: Jasmine Yep

Email: jyep@tokai.edu
Date and Time: Mondays and Fridays, 3:30-5pm, Auditorium
Office Hours: Mondays and Fridays from 2:30-3:00pm (and by appointment)

Catalog Description of HPER 150/HPER 50

Survey of the development of major dance styles and their relationship to contemporary
choreography.

Course Description
Introduction to Dance (HPER 150) provides a survey of dance styles and forms from around the
world. This course explores Western dance styles (ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theatre and
contemporary) as well as cultural dances, folk dances, and performance traditions from around
the globe. This course will help students 1) explore a broad based survey of dance styles, 2)
learn about the history of dance, 3) build a technical foundation in dance and movement, 4) learn
dance sequences and routines from a variety of styles, and 5) strengthen skills in performance,
presentation, and self-expression. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about the dance
production process by attending a dance rehearsal and/or performance.

Student Learning Outcomes

 Students will demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of dance technique and basic
movement sequences independently and in small groups. (Creativity, Cooperative Learning)
 Students will develop observation and analysis skills to identify Western dance styles (ballet,
jazz, modern, tap) and performance traditions from other cultures. (Creativity, Effective
Written and Oral Communication)
 Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the history of dance and
choreographers in America. (Cross-Cultural Awareness)
 Students will discuss and identify how cultural elements can inspire creative expression
through dance and performing arts traditions different countries. (Cross-Cultural Awareness)
 Students will demonstrate improvement in dance technique in at least three styles (Creativity)
 Students will observe, reflect and articulate about dance rehearsals and/or performances.
(Creativity, Effective Written and Oral Communication)

Instructional Methods
This course will help students build a foundation in movement and dance, as well as learn about
the history of dance and significant works of choreography. Each class will introduce a different
style or form of dance through short lectures, videos, warm-ups and movement combinations.
Students are expected to participate in all warm-up, technique, across the floor and combination
exercises. Students may be asked to dance and discuss topics in small groups or as a class.

Intro to Dance Page 1

Course Requirements and Assignments
Students will be evaluated based on their active participation, focus, motivation, and individual
improvement of dance skills throughout the course. Students are expected to attend all classes
and participate in all activities. A final exam will take place in class on December 5. The final
will include two parts: a whole class dance combination and a written test (multiple choice and
identification of dance styles). Students will be expected to 1) demonstrate knowledge of basic
dance technique and movement combination, 2) identify Western dance styles, and 3) identify
folk and cultural dances from Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

Students will also be expected to turn in journal reflections, a field trip reflection, and a portfolio.

Journal Reflections: Students will turn in four journal reflections on the due date provided in the
course timeline. Journal reflections are due at the beginning of class. Papers should be one page
in length. Journal reflections may be typed or hand-written. Guidelines will be discussed in class.
Field Trip Observation Reflection: There will be one mandatory off-campus field trip to attend a
dance rehearsal on a Wednesday. After the field trip, students will submit a 1-2 page reflection
paper. The field trip reflection must be submitted by email to jyep@tokai.edu. The field trip
reflection must be a word document in Times New Roman, 12 font, double-spaced, with 1-inch
margins. Observation reflection paper guidelines and field trip details will be discussed in class.
Portfolio: Students are expected to keep a class portfolio or binder. The course portfolio is due
on December 5. Your final portfolio should include the following: journal reflections, in-class
notes, class handouts, field trip observation reflection, and this course syllabus.

Grading
60 points 60% Participation
10 points 10% Journal Reflections (4 writing assignments, 2.5 points each)
10 points 10% Field Trip Observation Reflection
10 points 10% Portfolio
10 points 10% Movement/Dance Final Examination
100 points 100% TOTAL

A 93-100 C 73-76
A- 90-92 C- 70-72
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 83-86 D 63-66
B- 80-82 D- 60-62
C+ 77-79 F 0-59

Attendance and Participation Policy

Each student will be allowed one absence. Starting with the second unexcused absence, your
final grade will drop 5% for each additional absence. If you have an emergency or health issue
and need to miss a class, you must contact the instructor directly by email or before class.

Late Assignments
Assignments will be deducted 5% for each day the assignment is late. With one exception,
student portfolios and extra credit assignments will not be accepted late.
Extra Credit
Students may write a 1-2 page reflection paper about a live performance attended between
September 29-December 7. A ticket stub must be stapled to the assignment. Each performance
reflection paper is worth two points. Students may earn a maximum of four extra credit points
(two performance papers).

Dress Code
Please wear comfortable dance clothes that allow for movement to all classes. Some dance styles
may require students to wear dance shoes or dance barefoot.

Suggested Readings
A textbook is not required for this class. Below is a list of suggested readings if you would like
to learn more about the styles of dance introduced in class.
 Anderson, Jack. Ballet and Modern Dance: A Concise History. Princeton Book Company,
Publishers: Highstown, NJ. 1992.
 Driver, Ian. A Century of Dance: A Hundred Years of Musical Movement, from Waltz to
Hip Hop. Cooper Square: New York. 2000.

Course Timeline
Class Date Course Topic Assignments Due
1 9/30 Introduction to Dance
2 10/3 World Dance: Asia and Southeast Asia Journal Reflection 1
3 10/7 World Dance: Africa
10/10 Discoverer’s Day Holiday (no class)
4 10/14 World Dance: South America
5 10/17 World Dance: Europe Journal Reflection 2
6 10/21 Ballet
7 10/24 Modern
8 10/28 Jazz
9 10/31 Review: Ballet, Modern, Jazz Journal Reflection 3
10 11/4 Musical Theatre and Tap
11 11/7 Musical Theatre and Contemporary
11/11 Veteran’s Day Holiday (no class)
12 11/14 Review all styles.
13 11/18 Dance Movies and the Hollywood Musical
14 11/21 TV Shows, Music Videos, and Flash mobs Journal Reflection 4
11/25 Thanksgiving Holiday (no class)
11/28 No Class. Off campus field trip this week.
15 12/2 Off campus field trip
16 12/5 Last day of dance class. Final exam. Portfolio, Field Trip Reflection
17 12/9 No Class Extra Credit Due (optional)