PE/FINE ART COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Orchesis:
Acceptance into the Orchesis program is through audition only. Auditions are held in the spring for the following year. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to audition. While prior dance experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Orchesis, the class, meets every day as the student's physical education and the fine arts class. The course outcomes cover advanced dance technique, choreographic theory, dance history and appreciation, physical fitness and wellness. Orchesis also meets after school as a performing dance ensemble. The dancers rehears for their many performances throughout the year, including a spring tour to feeder schools, Homecoming Coronation, Holiday Assembly, Grenaissance Fair, Variety Show, the annual show, the District 214 Concert, the Illinois State Dance Festival, and other various performances. Students in the Orchesis program will not only become trained dancers / choreographers but develop time management and leadership skills, maturity, and appreciation for the arts. The program is viewed as a college preparatory class for future dancers.
Grading for Orchesis:
40% Units of Study; 30% Daily Assignments; 20% Written Assignments; 10% Final Exam
Dance Units:
Ballet Technique
Jazz Technique
Hip Hop Technique
Intro to Graham Technique
Intro to Horton Technique
Intro to Release Technique
Choreography Mock Presentation
Choreography Presentation
Contact Improv
Homecoming Activities
Holiday Dances (Halloween, Christmas)
Cultural Dances
Yoga
So/Jun/Sen MC Production
Mock Audition
Cross Training
Dance Workshops:
Lighting
Make Up
Costuming
Sewing
Choreography
Partnering
Performances:
Artist in Residence Performance
Holiday Assembly Performance
Illinois High School Dance Festival Performance
Annual Performance
District 214 Performance
Written Assignments:
Choreography Project
Dance Critique Papers
Senior Resume
Physical Education Units:
Swimming
Fitness Testing
Dance I:
Dance I is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors. While prior dance exerience may be helpful, it is not necessary. This course serves as an introduction to dance as an art form as well as a lifetime leisure experience. Students experience units in jazz, modern, ballet and ethnic dance, as well as dance choreography. Students work in small groups to choreograph their own dance at the end of the semester. Through their participation in Dance I, students not only learn beginning dance technique in three areas, but begin to develop self-confidence, self direction, social interaction and their own creativity.
Dance II:
Dance II is open to all students who have successfully completed Dance I. Dance II focuses on dance technique and choreographic theories at the intermediate level. Jazz, modern and ballet skills at the intermediate level are taught with the emphasis focusing on the development of the student's choreographic abilities. During the course, the class performs a mini-concert which showcases their talents.
Dance III:
Dance III is open to all students who have successfully completed Dance I and II. Dance III focuses on the continuation of dance technique, choreographic theories and performance skills at the intermediate to advanced level. The class emphasis is on developing performance skills along side dance techniques. During the course the class performs a mini concert which showcases their talents.
Grading for Dance I, II, III:
40% Units of Study; 30% Daily Assignments; 20% Written Assignments; 10% Final Exam
Dance Units:
Ballet Technique
Jazz Technique
Modern Technique
Intro to Choreography
Holiday Dances (Halloween, Christmas)
Homecoming Activities
Hip Hop Technique
Musical Theatre
Choreography Presentation
Improv
Performances:
Mini Concert
Written Assignments:
Choreography Project
Critique Paper
Physical Education Units:
Swimming
Fitness Testing
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