Dear Families
Welcome to another year of Dance! The secondary students outdid themselves last year and we are looking forward to another year of fun and interesting activities and of course, plenty of opportunities for the students to perform!
This year Grades seven and eight have been separated out because of numbers and have different classes. This is exciting news as we can do much more age relevant activities with choreography, and the students can explore a wider range of ideas. Grades nine through eleven continue to meet together, which is appropriate for the IGCSE and DP requirements.
There is no dance uniform but students are asked to wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely. They are going to be completing activities that involve jumping, stretching, being lifted and rolling on the floor and so appropriate clothing is essential. Hair MUST be off the face.
The students will be provided with a dance booklet. This has their required tasks for the year as well as assessment criteria for technical skills, performance, compositional craft and behaviour in Dance. Students are asked to do two projects – one a semester. IGCSE/DP students have three. The tasks are independently completed and must be handed in on the due dates which are listed in the dance booklet. Late submissions or no work handed in without talking to me in advance is marked down accordingly and shows on the reports. To help students with their planning, I will send them regular updates on how they are progressing.
Proposed performance dates are a possible dance assembly in November, the Cabaret in January and the end of year show. There is also the possibility of extra performances during the year which, if they occur, will allow students to practice their stage skills. This includes the end of year competition with the British School of Muscat (with a real theatre which gives our students an opportunity to experience an authentic performance!). All secondary students are invited to compete.
Coming performances are also advertised in this blog so pay attention as this is where you will hear about their required performance wear. Links to filmed rehearsals and the performances are also often provided here.
We look forward to a fun and interesting year watching our students develop confidence, control of their bodies and self discipline.