Jefferson Dancers

DANCE

Professionals with national and international experience teach dance classes at Jefferson. All students have an opportunity to audition for post-secondary training schools and colleges. Masters classes learn from guest dancers and choreographers that expose students to the rigors and excitement of the professional dance world. Students take two or three styles of dance for a full year which satisfies the district’s requirements for physical education and one elective. (The first credit earned is an elective credit; the second credit earned is a PE credit.) No student is denied access to the program due to financial circumstances. Placement of every student is determined by audition, successful completion of a commitment statement and transfer process paperwork (if necessary).

DANCE SEQUENCE

Performing Opportunities:

The Jefferson Dancers

The Jefferson Dancers is comprised of experienced students who are committed to performing throughout the Portland metropolitan area and beyond. Rehearsal times and course credit vary.

Jefferson Dancers II

Jefferson Dancers II is the second company here and its in its second year. It is a performing group like the Jefferson Dancers. It is an opportunity for students to gain performance experience and to work toward being in the first company. It is co-directed by Kristi Bacon and Melissa St. Clair.

Credit Values and Student Scheduling

Each course listed is issued incremental credit to equal one full credit for each period of enrollment. Incremental credit values of .25, .20, .40, .50 and 1.0 are given based upon the time spent per style of dance (i.e., A Dance 1 student spends nine weeks in each of four styles of dance, thus earning .25 credit for each style).

Student schedules are designed on an individual basis. All students are expected to take two or three contrasting styles. Advanced dance classes require prerequisites that may only be waived by the department chair. Class placement and all schedules are subject to approval by the dance faculty and the head of the department. All dance classes may be repeated for credit.

Intro to Jazz
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
You will be introduced to the basic forms of classical jazz, modern and ballet, as well as contemporary hip-hop and funk. Designed to enhance body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self-discipline, control, and joy of movement. Students are taught to develop their kinesthetic sense of basic alignment and principles of safe and efficient movement.

Jazz 1
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Jazz and instructor consent.
You will be offered additional exploration and work in basic dance technique emphasizing jazz styles.

Jazz 2
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dance 1, Ballet 1 and instructor consent.
You will need a strong intermediate dance skill level and focus, as the techniques of American jazz styles are introduced and covered.

Jazz 3-4
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz 3, Modern 3, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Designed for the advanced student, this course offers jazz techniques for the highly skilled dancer. The ongoing refining of line, dynamics and musicality are consistently stressed as performance and presentation are studied in detail.

Modern 2
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
You will be offered additional exploration and work in basic dance technique emphasizing modern styles.

Modern 3
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dance 2, Ballet 1 and instructor consent.
This course is an intermediate survey course of various modern dance styles. Different approaches to expressive dance require focus, trust, movement skill and a willingness to share and collaborate.

Improvisation/Comp
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jazz 3, Modern 3, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
Designed for the advanced student, this course further studies expressive dance improvisation techniques in the modern idiom. Improvisation, composition and performance skills are covered.

TAP

Intro to Tap
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
You will explore the uniquely American dance style that emphasizes the development of rhythm and fine motor skills. Students learn basic tap combinations along with a variety of beginning dances.

Tap 1
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Tap and instructor consent.
You must have a strong knowledge of the basic tap steps. Complex rhythms and longer sequences progressively build technique, stamina and artistry. Emphasis is placed on musicality, notation and performing quality throughout the year.

Tap 2
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Tap 1, Ballet 1 and instructor consent.
This course is designed for students with strong tap skills. Speed and technical accuracy is applied to complex tap combinations and layered rhythms in a variety of tap styles. Ease of movement and artistry are stressed throughout the year.

Tap 3-4
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Tap 2 and instructor consent.
This course is for highly advanced tap students. Emphasis is on articulating diverse tap styles, speed, strength, improvisation, choreographic skills, and refining technical and artistic qualities.

BALLET

Intro to Ballet
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
You will have a complete and basic introduction to classical ballet. It includes body alignment, balance, turns, jumps, combinations, terminology and movements.

Ballet 1
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Ballet and instructor consent.
Ballet 1 continues to focus on the development of alignment, turnout, flexibility, strength and line. Musicality and artistry are stressed as dancers learn to reverse and master complex combinations.

Ballet 2/Pointe
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 1 and instructor consent.
This course emphasizes refining and strengthening the fundamentals of classical stance and movement. Body alignment, line, and precise musical execution are introduced to steps, turns, and jumps at an intermediate level. Pointe work is introduced for those students who have the requisite technique and strength.

Ballet 3-4/Pointe/Variations
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 3 and instructor consent.
This course is for ballet students with strong intermediate-advanced technique. Pointe work is studied and stressed throughout the year as students learn and study classical variations and repertoire.

Intro to African Dance
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
You will focus primarily on traditional African dance from Senegal, Mali, and Guinea regions of West Africa. Included are studies of African songs, the relationship of drum rhythms and concepts in African culture. Any interested student may take this course.

African Dance 1
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to African Dance, Dance 1 and instructor consent.
African Dance 1 emphasizes the historic and cultural roots of African dance and explores more advanced levels of technique.

PERFORMING GROUPS

The Jefferson Dancers
(By Audition Only)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Consent of Artistic Director, Steve Gonzales

The Jefferson Dancers is a select group of our school’s most advanced dancers. Intensive work, intended for the career-oriented dancer, includes continued training and frequent performances in all dance styles. Students work with local, nationally and internationally recognized choreographers. Students must make a one-year commitment and meet the district’s extracurricular activities standards.

Jefferson Dancers II
(By Audition Only)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits:   
Prerequisite: 

Jefferson Dancers II is a performing group like the Jefferson Dancers. It is an opportunity for students to gain performance experience and to work toward being in the first company.