SYLLABUS
BEGINNING BALLROOM DANCE 013-V / 013-I
SPRING 1998
Instructors:
Dr. Patricia Smiley
Sandra Dvorak Heiser
Chante Turnbow
OFFICE: Acker 115
PHONE: 898-6120
OFFICE HOURS:
(Patricia) Mon. 12- 1 pm and 4- 5 pm. Tues-Thurs 12:15-1 pm. Wed. 1-2 pm.
CLASS TIME:
Class begins at five minutes past the hour: Student should be
prepared by having shoes off, backpacks against the south wall,
name tag in place.
TEXT:
Required:
BALLROOM DANCE GUIDE: First Steps - Counting 5-6-7-8. (Smiley,
1996). May be purchased in the bookstore.
Optional:
- DANCE A WHILE. Harris, Pittman, and Waller. (1992)
- SOCIAL DANCE: Steps to Success. Wright (1996)
- SOCIAL DANCE: Schild (1991)
SELECTED READINGS:
Selected scholarly readings will be assigned during the semester.
(Readings are listed in the syllabus). The student will gain knowledge
of the history and multi-cultural influences in ballroom dance.
The student will also develop skills and social graces in ballroom
dance that allows them the opportunity to perform dance on the
dance floor. Professional behavior of students is expected at
all times. Working cooperatively with peers. kindness and patience
is inherent in learning to ballroom dance. Treat others as you
would want to be treated.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
As per the commission on Teacher Credentialing for the State of
California (CTC Standards), student outcomes will be achieved
through these course objectives.
Aesthetic:
- Develop a personal dance understanding and vocabulary for describing
and valuing ballroom dance as both an art form and recreational
activity.
- Engage in new dance experiences by participating in the dances
and working cooperatively with others.
- View ballroom dance as an art via video and guest class demonstrations.
Criticism:
- Observe, analyze, and judge movement sequences in the various
ballroom dance styles.
- Knowledge of rhythmic tempos used in ballroom dance. For the intermediate
level knowledge and recognition of syncopated rhythms.
- Competence in matching music to dance styles.
History:
- Knowledge of ethnic influences in ballroom dance.
- Investigate and research the ethnic origin of one dance. Perform
the style steps from that dance.
Performance:
- Competence of fundamental movement skills (step-hop-slide-grapevine,
pivot).
- Execute 5-10 beginning steps (variations) for each form of ballroom
dance, (also includes proper use of space on the dance floor).
- Create a sequence of beginning movement patterns for each ballroom
dance.
- Demonstrate ability to lead (men) and follow (woman). Working
cooperatively with others.
- Recognize the difference between recreational and competitive
style of ballroom dance.
COURSE CONTENT:
- Ballroom dance will be instructed through lecture, assignment
of selected readings, live demonstration, video, and film. Please,
no hats worn during class; this pertains to proper social etiquette.
Students, at all times, will maintain professional behavior in
class. Lack of professional behavior will result in points deducted
(as determined by the instructor).
- Knowledge will be assessed through readings and worksheets. Skill
assessment will be done several times during the semester. See
attached course schedule for details.
- Dances taught during the semester:
Fox Trot Samba Country Western: may include;
Swing Tango Country Swing
Cha-Cha Rumba Cotton Eye Joe
Waltz Country 2 step
Southside Shuffle
Selected Line Dances
4. Attend and critique an outside dance event. This event can
be sponsored by the Ballroom Dance Club at CSUC or the Chico Dance
Club (community club). Many events are sponsored during the semester.
Look on the 204 bulletin board for details. Plan early during
the semester!
GRADING:
Testing and assessment of knowledge and skill developed will be
conducted throughout the semester. Regular attendance is mandatory
to accumulate points for a grade.
- Quizzes will be given to test knowledge of rhythms in ballroom
dance. 15 points.
- Worksheets will be assigned to assess knowledge of variations
and action counts for steps. 25 points.
- Mid Term exams: Performance test on style, technique, and rhythmic
skills on selected ballroom dances. Two exams, total 20 points
(10 each).
- Final exam: Performance test on style, technique, and rhythmic
skills for all ballroom dances.
No make up for testing if you do not attend class that day.
Grade of A:
- Attendance and completion of all oral quizzes and skill tests.
- Attendance and completion of midterms and final exam.
- Very high skill on competencies explained under "class objectives."
- Demonstrate excellent knowledge of the historical, multi-cultural,
and social etiquette aspects of ballroom dance.
- Completion of all worksheets.
- Attend and critique one outside ballroom dance event.
- Attend Ballroom Dance Night at CSUC. (Total of 2 outside events)
- No more than 2 absences, day classes (or 2 hours).
- *No more then 1 absence for night classes (2 hours).
Grade of B:
- Attendance and completion of all oral quizzes and skill tests.
- Attendance and completion of midterms and final exam.
- High skill on competencies explained under "class objectives."
- Demonstrate good knowledge of the historical, multi-cultural,
and social etiquette aspects of ballroom dance.
- Completion of all worksheets.
- Attend one outside ballroom dance event.
- Attend Ballroom Dance Night at CSUC (Total of 2 outside events)
- No more than 4 absences, day classes (4 hours)
- *No more then 2 absence for night classes (4 hours).
Grade of C:
- Attendance and completion mid-term and final.
- Average skill on competencies explained under "class objectives."
- Demonstrate fair knowledge of the historical, multi-cultural,
and social etiquette aspects of ballroom dance.
- Attend Ballroom Dance Night at CSUC (Total of 1 ouside event)
- Non- completion of all worksheets
- No more than 6 absences, day classes.
- *No more then 3 absence for night classes (6 hours).
Grade of D:
- Non completion of mid-term and final.
- Below average skill on competencies explained under "class objectives."
- Lack of attendance at an outside ballroom dance event.
- An accumulation of 8 absences, day classes (8 hours).
- * 4 absences for night classes (8 hours).
Grade of F:
- Poor skill competency
- Lack of attendance for quizzes mid-term or final.
- Lack of attendance of an outside ballroom dance event.
- 9 or more absences, day classes (9 hours)
- * 5 absences for night classes (10 hours).
ADD AND DROP DATES are strictly enfored by the PHED Dept. Spring
is Feb 6.
SELECTED READINGS:
Assignments will be made throughout the semester for the readings
listed below. These may be found in the reserve section of the
library, under the instructor's name.
Smiley, P. (1996). Ballroom Dance Guide. First Steps - Counting
5-6-7-8. Historical/ Multi-cultural, pp. 1-4.. Review each dance
section as we progress in developing the required skills necessary
to sequence movement.
Harris, J; Pittman, A; & Waller, M. (1994). Multi-cultural: Handbook
for Ballroom Dance. History and Cultural Significance, pp. 1-20.
Garder, H. (19 ). Pedagogy. The Seven Intelligence's, pp.
State Board of Education. (1996) Visual and Performing Arts Framework.
Multi-cultural. pp. 1-35.
Wheeler, M. (1996). Pedagogy: Ballroom Dance. JOPERD article.
SCHEDULE
NOTE: The following schedule may change during the semester. The
weekly outline may vary with each instructor. Pacing and progression
of steps depend on the individual classes, skill level of students
etc.
| Week 1 |
Introduction to Ballroom Dance
Demonstration of the art forms of Ballroom Dance |
| Week 2 |
Introduction to Swing. Worksheet #1 due: Ballroom History |
| Week 3 |
Continue Swing
Introduction to Fox Trot |
| Week 4 |
Oral Quiz on Swing and Fox Trot
Continue Fox Trot |
| Week 5 |
Skill Test #1 - Swing
Introduction to Waltz
Worksheet #2 due (Swing and Fox Trot) |
| Week 6 |
Continue Waltz |
| Week 7 |
Skill Test #2 Fox Trot
Introduction to Cha-Cha |
| Week 8 |
Continue Cha-Cha |
| Week 9 |
Mid-Term: performance and written exam on Fox Trot, Swing and
Waltz
Worksheet #3 due (Waltz and Cha-Cha) |
| Week 10 |
Country Western Week. Country Swing plus Line Dances |
| Week 11 |
Introduction to Tango
Oral Quiz on Waltz and Cha-Cha |
| Week 12 |
Skill Test #3 Cha-Cha
Continue Tango |
| Week 13 |
Winter Break/Spring Break |
| Week 14 |
Introduction to Rumba
Review and Line Dances
Worksheet #4 due (Tango and Rumba) |
| Week 15 |
Mid-Term: performance and written exam on Cha-Cha, Tango, Country
Western dances
Continue Rumba
Introduction to Samba
BALLROOM DANCE NIGHT: Date TBA |
| Week 16 |
Introduction to intermediate variations for dances
Skill Test
Worksheet #5 due: Evaluation/Analysis of Ballroom |
| Week 17 |
Final -- Fri May 22, 12 - 2 pm. |
DANCES AND VARIATIONS
|
CHA-CHA
Basic
Front Crossover
Back Crossover
1/2 Turn
Full Turn
Full Turn (from Front Crossover)
Rock Step
Front Crossover/Underarm turn |
SWING
2 Hand Hold
4 Hand Hold
Single Turn (Woman & Man)
Double Turn
Skin the Cat
Dishrag
Pretzel
Reverse Pretzel
Tuck Turns
Wrap Around
Wrap Around - roll out |
|
FOXTROT
Balance Step (forward and back)
Phonebooth
Forward Progression
Backward Progression
Conversation
1/4 Turn
Woman underarm turn
Man underarm turn
Double cross |
TANGO
Forward & Backward Progressions
Balance
Conversation
1/4 Turn
Triple Cross
Dip (Corte)
Woman (Underarm Turn)
Man (Underarm Turn)
Corté
Grande Corté |
|
RUMBA
Forward & Backward Progressions
Box Step
Woman Underarm Turn
Man Underarm Turn
Forward Scissor
Hip to Hip |
WALTZ
Balance Step
Forward & Backward (Progressions)
Scissor (Forward and Backward)
Woman - Underarm Turn
Man - Underarm Turn
Box Step
Turning Box Step
Hip to Hip |
|
SAMBA
Balance Step
Forward - Backward (Progressions)
Scissor
Man Underarm Turn
Woman Underarm Turn |
OTHER DANCES
Polka
Country Western Dances such as:
Cotton Eye Joe
South Side Shuffle
Western Electric Slide
|
DANCE CRITIQUE
Dr. Patricia Smiley
CRITIQUE FOR OUTSIDE DANCE
EVENTS AND VIDEO and WORKSHOPS
This is a sample guide to help you critique the event you attended
or participated in. Must be two typed pages.
A. PERFORMANCE
- State the title of the event, place, and date.
- What styles of dance did you observe? (Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Tap,
Ballroom, Folk, Ethnic?)
- If you observed or participated in Ballroom, what dances did you
recognize? Describe. What new steps did you learn?
- Did you enjoy watching (or participating) in the event? Why? Can
you select a favorite dance from the event or concert? Why?
- Describe specific special lighting effects or costumes that enhanced
the performance. Any special props that enhanced the performance?
- Describe how the stage space was used in your favorite dance.
(Hints: all or part of the stage, any entrances and exits.)
- Analyze the events strengths and weaknesses giving specific examples.
- Describe the performers: audience appeal, enthusiasm, energy,
technique, etc.
- CONCLUSION: State, in a concluding paragraph, your general reaction to the
event that you observed or participated in, as summarized by facts
mentioned above.
B. BALLROOM DANCE: VIDEO ASSIGNMENT
Go to the video section of the library and look under the name
Patricia Smiley. Find the call number for the ballroom dance video
you wish to watch. There are several videos (approximately 1 1/2
hours each).
Assignment:
Preview one video from beginning to end.
Critique 1-1/2 to 2 pages (typed) on the following areas:
- What dances did you like best? Name the dances and state your
reasons for choosing those dances.
- What information did you find interesting regarding the history
or style of a particular dance (or dances)?
- Comment on the various costumes you observed. Why do you think
a costume is styled for a particular dance? (i.e. Latin, Waltz,
Quick Step).
- Which style of dance was least interesting for you to watch? Why?
- You are a journalist with a newspaper column. Write a paragraph
that would inform your readers about the video you just previewed.
You think it is a hot video and you want to win over your readers
and have them buy it.
- General reaction to your experience in viewing the video. (Was
it educational? Were historical facts interesting? Have you seen
this style of competition before?)
C. WORKSHOPS (Student participates in the event)
- Name the event, date and time of the workshop.
- What style of dance did you learn?
- What was your favorite part of the class and why?
- What special teaching hint did you learn that helped your dancing
style or technique?
- Describe the class format.
- State in a paragraph, your general reaction to the class.