Weaver Academy Dance


	The Arts Academy is a full-time high school option for grades 9-12. Students may apply to their area of interest by completing the application process and audition requirements. Dance Instructor
			Emily Brenner brennee@gcsnc.com
Dance Curriculum
		The primary aim of the Weaver Academy Dance Department is to provide a nurturing and challenging educational community that equips students for involvement in the many facets of the dance discipline. Weaver Dance faculty are committed to bringing a focused, more advanced dance curriculum to serious dance students from across Guilford County who are dedicated to their personal growth in dance skill and scholarship. The department offers a comprehensive program of instruction and performance which serve to prepare students for the professional and academic world of dance. Emphasis is placed on skill development, critical thinking, and professionalism; all of which equip students to enter pre-professional or university dance programs. Acknowledging that the arts are powerful, the department seeks to promote dance through creative and scholarly work, honoring the role that dance plays in society and culture. As one of Weaver Academy’s Performing and Visual Arts programs, the Dance Department seeks to uphold the Academy’s mission to move the people of our school community to serve and lead in a diverse changing world. To this end, the department engages in outreach and advocacy as it nurtures students toward becoming productive contributing members of society. Principle Area Courses and Projects Dance Principles will successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “B” as a semester final grade or higher: Freshmen year -- Dance I (2 semesters) • The first level majors course is designed to provide foundational skills and comprehension of the dance discipline. Ballet and contemporary dance technique classes focus on development of skill and vocabulary. Related topics such as anatomy, somatics, improvisation, and basic composition are also explored. Sophomore year -- Dance II (2 semesters) • The second level majors course is designed to emphasize students’ acquisition of refined movement skills and motor control. Ballet and contemporary dance technique classes continue, while second year dance students also gain experience in dance production. Junior year -- Honors Advanced Dance and Advanced Dance Lab (1 semester each) • In the Fall semester, this third level majors course is designed to further develop technical skill and performance with greater fluency, precision, and articulation. In the Spring semester this dance lab is designed to further develop professionalism in rehearsal and performance with the opportunity to work with student choreographers. Senior year -- Honors Advanced Dance II and Weaver Dance Lab (1 semester each) • In the Fall semester, this senior class is designed to develop an advanced level of dance technique and refine skills in a performance, choreography, and related roles. In the Spring semester this dance lab is designed to emphasize students’ ability to clearly express ideas as they examine the creative process of integrating movement with choreographic intent. Students compose their own original work as well as perform in the works of their peers. PORTFOLIO • Students will begin the process of collecting materials for a portfolio the first semester of their freshman year. They will add to and refine the contents of the portfolio each semester through graduation. • Students will compile a record of their dance skills and learning which could later be used for application to college or professional work. • The portfolio will include the dance resume, documentation of performance, documentation of composition, written examples of dance scholarship, written reflections, lists of master classes and workshops, and records of other related experience including but not limited to production, design and costuming. Senior Dance Concert (Capstone Art Project) (2nd semester Senior year-part of Weaver Dance Lab) • Students apply choreographic devices to design and compose their own original work with clear artistic intent. (Note: This is in addition and not related to Senior English class “Graduation Project”) Assessments • Student’s artistic work will be assessed by faculty at the end of each semester. This is viewed as “real world” experience in the form of a professional interview or audition. Supporting Courses • In addition, Dance Principles will successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “C” as a final semester grade or higher: Dance History (1 semester — Freshman year) • A study of dance history that traces the evolution of our contemporary theatrical and ritual dance forms including ballet, modern dance, and cultural dance. Dance is explored as an expressive art that reflects various social and cultural movements in history, as students study the great works, choreographers, and star dancers of each period. Students watch dance on film, read and discuss primary sources, and participate in movement studies that address aspects of dance through the ages. Choreography (1semester — Sophomore year) • A study of dance composition through explorations of choreographic theories and design. Students study the process of creating dance through a series of structured exercises and explorations of movement and movement design. Each student creates a dance to be presented at the end of the semester in a public showing. Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisite: Honors Chemistry) (1 semester — Senior year) Choose one of the following music courses: (1 semester) • Vocal Music (by audition) • Class Piano • Basic Musicianship • Studio Guitar • Music Theory (for students with prior musical training) Choose one of the following Skills for Dance Production and Interdisciplinary Work courses: (1 semester) • Intro to Recording Engineering • Technical Theatre • Digital Media • Film I • Musical Theatre *Click here for complete PVA Curriculum and CAMY Award requirements*
Application Process Application must be hand-written by the student. Parent/Guardian signature is required on the last page. Rising 9th graders should include a copy of their most recent 8th grade report card and documentation of computer competency tests that have been taken. Rising 10th graders should include a transcript along with proof that all 8th grade end-of-grade and computer competency skills have been passed. A copy of your child’s immunization records is required. Two letters of recommendation must be included in the packet: one from your school administrator, counselor, or a teacher and one from an instructor in your specialized area who can address your talents, abilities, and potential. Applicants with an IEP must have parent/guardian secure a copy of the IEP and include it in the packet. Only completed application packets will be reviewed by the Weaver Academy Admissions Committee. Only candidates with complete application packets will be contacted to schedule an audition and personal interview. Weaver Academy only offers an honors curriculum, therefore, students will be selected who exhibit characteristics necessary for success. Following the interview, students will be notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance into the program. All acceptances are contingent on applicant providing proof that all EOGs and Algebra I End-of-Course test have been passed. Auditions Dance students should: Be prepared to participate in a 90-minute technique class. The first 45 minutes of the class will concentrate on ballet technique. It will include both barre and center work. The last 45 minutes will focus on modern technique. Be prepared to perform the class combinations in small groups. Be prepared to pose in tendu a la seconde and in first arabesque. Dance Audition Attire: Girls - solid color leotard, convertible tights (preferably pink), technique shoes (preferably pink) and water bottle. Boys - black tights/dance pants, white t-shirt, black or white technique shoes and water bottle. NO warmers, shorts, t-shirts or skirts will be allowed during the audition classes. A personal interview will be conducted at the time of audition.