Contra Costa School of Performing Arts Department of Dance August 18, 2020 |
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To our new and returning dancers and families, welcome to the 2020/21 school year. The dance faculty and I are excited to be back in the (virtual) studio with our students and we are looking forward to a great first quarter at SPA. Having spent the end of last year and much of the summer teaching online, we feel well-versed in the world of distance-learning and are prepared to bring the dancers meaningful classes and curriculum. Please take a moment to read through some important information below and feel free to reach out anytime with questions (katherine.orloff@cocospa.org). We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy and we wish everyone a great start to the school year. - Ms. Orloff |
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Fall Quarter We teach so students "will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good...in short, more life." - Author Unknown |
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The mission of SPA's dance department is to bring conservatory training to the community and provide students with the skills to pursue a dance career. While training is an essential part of a professional life in dance, our larger goal is to send students away with a deep curiosity about the world around them. We believe dance is a map towards greater self awareness and inquiry, and the faculty, curriculum, and repertoire are carefully curated to accomplish these goals. This quarter students will continue to train in their core classes - ballet, modern, and contemporary dance, but we have also expanded the curriculum to include the faculty's specific interests and areas of expertise. |
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Inspired by recent dance films produced during quarantine, Ali McKeon will be working with our upper division dancers in a screendance class that examines the intersection of cinematography and choreography. A licensed massage therapist, Emily Ellison is excited to incorporate ideas of self-care and injury prevention into her classes, and Bianca Cabrera will be exploring elements of release technique, vertical dance, and hip hop. Even in this virtual space we are excited to offer students expansive ways of thinking and moving, and we are looking forward to sharing their work with you. |
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Equipment and Dress Code During distance-learning students should set up their internet-connected computer or device in a well-lit room with the camera positioned to capture their full body. A smooth flooring surface (e.g. wood/laminate/tile) is recommended, and a barre, chair, or countertop can be used for support during ballet classes. Students should wear a leotard or fitted activewear; socks or ballet shoes; hair neatly secured off face and neck. *A reminder that students have a different zoom link for each dance instructor. Links are posted in google classroom and in calendar invites. |
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Grading Policy While progress is monitored daily, grades are entered into Powerschool at the end of each quarter. During distance-learning dance majors will be graded using the following rubric and categories: Rubric: 5 (100%) - Exemplary 4 (90%) - Mature 3 (80%) - Progressing 2 (70%) - Basic 1 (60%) - Below Basic Work Ethic: Consistency in Effort, Focus and Concentration, Application of Corrections, Choreography Retention Professionalism: Dress Code, Punctuality, Classroom Etiquette, Communication *When in-person learning resumes, students will be graded on the following additional categories: Technical Progression: Placement and Alignment, Strength, Flexibility, Coordination/Movement Clarity Artistry: Musicality, Physical Intention/Choice-making, Presence and Self-Expression |
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Sarah Boos is in 10th grade. She started dancing when she was 4 and currently attends Clayton Valley Dance Academy. During her time at SPA Sarah has shown great interest in being an instructor, and whenever student teaching opportunities were available she was the first one to sign up. She is looking forward to getting back in to her dance and classes. The quarantine has been taxing and caused her to stop dancing for a while. Her advice for our younger dance majors is to work hard and pay attention - training can still be fun, but the hard work comes first. When she graduates Sarah would like to attend UC Davis for the veterinary program, or law school (hopefully on scholarship). |
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Ali McKeon had a productive summer teaching for Adaptations Dance Theater and Pacific Ballet Academy. An experienced writing coach, Ali is now offering college application consulting and tutoring services through her website mrswritingcoach.com. Contact Ali for help with college admissions essays or academic tutoring in her areas of expertise. |
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Bianca Cabrera is currently rehearsing with Fly Away Productions for the premiere of MEET US QUICKLY WITH YOUR MERCY, the second in a trilogy of outdoor public art performances addressing the devastating effects of mass incarceration. The site-specific performances will take place October 9-17. Over the summer Bianca was the teaching artist for GirlFly Summer Art and Activism Program (through Fly Away Productions) and participated in the Latinx Caucus "Latinx and Hispanic Dancers United." |
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Ms. Orloff is continuing her somatic movement educator certification through the School for Body-Mind Centering and this summer was accepted into the MFA Dance program with the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. She will begin studying remotely this fall and is excited to join a cohort of creative movers and thinkers from all around the globe. |
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We Are On Instagram! A reminder that the Dance Department has its own instagram @cocospadance. Please follow us and spread the word! |
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