Dance 143: International
Folk Dance
Dance 144: Ballroom Dance
Instructor:
Katie Thomas, thomaske@jmu.edu Office hours
by appointment Folk: With this class you will learn, perform, and
teach traditional dances from around the world with an emphasis on Europe
and the Near and Middle East. The
curriculum will vary according to student interest. Ballroom: With this class you will learn, perform, and
teach freestyle ballroom dances as well as several choreographed ballroom-style
dances from Europe and the Americas. The curriculum will vary according to student interest. Grades will
depend on class participation and attendance, outside dance experience,
acquired dance skills and knowledge, and one paper. Experience 25%
You will participate
in at least 15 hours of dance outside of class. These can be on or off campus, but a particular
dance style must be taught during the evening. One dance concert should be included in the
hours. The instructor should
be notified during the next class period that hours have been completed
and you may be asked to share your experience with the class. Attendance is required at both class Events during the semester. Exams 25%
Midterm and
Final exams will be both practical and written.
The practical exam will require the students to perform in small
groups in front of the instructor.
The written exam will include listening, multiple choice, and
short answer questions, and may include a short essay. Paper 25%
You will write
a three-page paper evaluating your dance skills and knowledge and the
experiences you’ve had during the semester, to be handed in shortly
before the final exam. It will
be graded for its content and clarity of expression as well as for its
spelling and grammar. Attendance 25%
The Dance
department’s attendance policy applies to all classes. It states that two absences will cause a student’s
grade to drop one letter and that for each second absence the letter
grade will again be lowered once. Being
tardy three times will be equal to one absence. Course
Objectives Folk: You will acquire a repertoire of choreographed
dances from around the world and will gain an understanding of the cultures
from which the dances evolved. Into
this repertoire you will integrate a working knowledge of the Polka
and Waltz. Nations considered
will include but not be limited to America, Ireland, Germany, Hungary,
Israel, and Serbia. Ballroom: You are expected to demonstrate working knowledge
of the following dance styles: Polka, Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Merengue,
Cha-Cha, Tango. You are expected
also to integrate several choreographed dances into your repertoire,
including but not limited to Doudlebska Polka, Wild Wild West, and Amelia’s
Waltz. |
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Questions, comments about
FaB or classes? Please contact KT.
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