Modern Dance II

julian.jernigan@sccpss.com www.savartsdancecontemporary.weebly.com

Course Description

This course will focus on student’s expanding and elaborating on the understanding of
modern dance movement material and modern dance terminology. Technical ability,
individual expression, connectivity, and performance quality are emphasized.
Students will also learn and continue to pursue the fundamental principles of
alignment, dynamics, rhythmic phrasing and improvisation. Additionally students will
apply basic anatomy and kinesiology to their technique training. In a Digital Setting,
Students will have a one-hour live technique class with teacher corrections and
thirty-minute self-guided stretch/conditioning/reflection section. Students are
expected to take class twice a week during class times, and complete a short,
written reflection of their class efforts.

Instructional Materials/Text

• Supplies: Solid Color Leotard, Black or Pink tights (convertible or footless),

hair pulled off the face ponytail preferred due to floor work, No shoes/socks
will be worn during modern dance class. See Dance Department Supply List.
• Text: Supplemental readings will be provided by the dance department.

Evaluation

Classwork: 40%

• Participation – Weekly classwork grade evaluated at the end of each week.

See Participation Rubric.
• Article Reviews – Classwork grade. Students reflect upon dance related
articles.

Assessment: 60%

• Technique – Quarterly Assessment grade evaluated once at midterm and again

at end of term.
• Movement Exams – 2 Assessment grades per quarter.
• Rehearsal – Assessment grade reflecting knowledge and execution of
performance material.
• Performance – Assessment Grade following a large-scale dance department
show at SAA.
• Choreography Project – Assessment grade. Final Exam at the end of the year.

Assignments

• Please note that you are responsible for all missed assignments and will have 5
school days to make up such assignments*
 Modern Dance II

julian.jernigan@sccpss.com www.savartsdancecontemporary.weebly.com
Course Requirements/Expectations: By the end of the semester, each student will be
expected to demonstrate the following:

• Properly execute the following technical skills:

• Upper body curve
• Lateral curve
• Hinge
• Lateral Extensions
• Undercurve/Overcurve
• Single Pirouette in different body positions (plié/releve/attitude) with off center
torso
• Chaines in plié & releve with upperbody modifications (offcenter)
• Piques with upperbody modifications (offcenter)
• Suspension/Fall
Spiral, Shoulder rolls
• Multiple Inverted Skills
• Mixed meter phrases
• Demonstrate positive work habits and self-discipline through a high level of
consistency and reliability in performing technical skills.
• Perform technical skills with artistic expression, demonstrating clarity, musicality
and stylistic nuance.
• Refine technique through self-evaluation and correction.
• Demonstrate understanding of how personal experience influences the
interpretation of dance.
• Identify and demonstrate longer, more complex steps and patterns with rhythmic
acuity and a broad dynamic range.
• Establish a set of personal aesthetic criteria and apply it in evaluation of own
work and that of others.
• Reflect upon how lifestyle choices, historical and cultural images of the body and
professional challenges affect the dancer.
• Demonstrate an understanding of modern dance terminology and basic anatomy
& kinesiology

National Dance Standards:

• Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning.

• Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance.
• Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical
periods.
• Making connections between dance and other disciplines.