BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Department of Dance

Student Syllabus for Dance 331

Jazz Dance Technique 2

Instructors: Megan Cranney

Phone: 801-735-1171
E-mail: [email protected] SUBJECT LINE : BYU JAZZ
Office hours: Friday 10:30-12pm (please call ahead)

1. Catalog Course Description:

An advanced jazz movement class where styles and compositions are explored within the realm of the
“AIMS” established here at Brigham Young University. These aims included; spiritually strengthening,
intellectually enlarging, character building, and life long service. Dance material is presented to the
student rapidly to develop skill in observing and mastering sequences with advanced progressions given.
An emphasis on dance injury prevention through proper technique is stressed. The professional dance
world with its opportunities is discussed.

2. Prerequisite(s):
1. DANCE 131, Beginning Jazz and DANCE 231, Jazz Dance Tech I
2. DANCE 240R, Modern Dance Technique Theory I or DANCE 290R Ballet Technique Theory I
3. *DANCE 241R, Modern Dance Technique Theory II or DANCE 291R Ballet Technique Theory II
*The student will have mastered an intermediate level of dance technique before enrolling in
DANCE 331, Jazz Dance Tech II.

3. Course Alignment with University and Program Mission and Aims:

This course contributes to the broad education of the BYU student by balancing learning and the
development of the total person in spiritual, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, artistic, and emotional areas.
The course can strengthen students spiritually because wholesome LDS standards in movement choices
and in dress standards are practiced. It also creates an opportunity to experience the joy of moving with
expression to music, and to be reminded of the divine power involved in creating mankind and the God-
given gift of a healthy physical body capable of such movement. Character is built through learning a
greater degree of self-mastery from the jazz dance discipline. Students must persevere when the work is
physically demanding and challenging as well as adhere to technical etiquette rules.

4. Required Course Materials:

1. A personal recording device to record sequences for observation.
2. Massage ball
3. Appropriate Attire: (Neatness and modesty are expected)
Women:
a. Leotard and tanks needs to have a 1" strap and backs must not be any lower than the
shoulder blades. No bare midriffs. Solid colors are preferred.
b. Tights, jazz pants or bike shorts (length needs to come to mid-thigh) must be a color. No
skin color bottoms. Solid colors are preferred.
c. Hair must be pulled back off of the face.
d. Any color or style of jazz shoe must be worn. The dance sneaker may not be used.
e. Absolutely NO loose fitting clothes.
Men:
a. Form fitting T-shirts or tank tops. No bare midriffs or cut tanks.
b. Sweat pants or biker shorts must be form fitting. Solid colors are preferred.
 c. Any color or style of jazz shoe must be worn. The dance sneaker may not be used.
d. Absolutely NO loose fitting clothes.
e. All should wear appropriate underclothing.

For a more complete description of the dance department dress code go to dance.byu.edu
under dance majors.

5. Program Learning Outcomes:

This course contributes to the following BA in Dance learning outcomes:
1. Students will embrace a philosophy of dance compatible with the mission of BYU that guides their
personal choices in the professional or recreational worlds of dance.
2. Students will demonstrate advanced technical and artistic skill in one dance genre and at least
beginning to intermediate skill in another.
This course contributes to the following BA in Dance Education learning outcomes:
4. Students will demonstrate proficiency in dance technique, performance, composition and
Improvisation.
This course contributes to the following BFA in MDT learning outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate professionally competitive performance skills in acting,
singing, and dancing.

6. Course Learning Outcomes:

Students will:
1. Gain a greater knowledge of jazz dance styles through various advance movement combinations.
2. Acquire a degree of mastery in jazz dance technique at an advance level as their foundation.
3. Increase their intellectual ability to retain complex and varied movement sequences.
4. Explore the psychology of performance and auditioning.
5. Experience the joy of jazz rhythms and motion.
6. Increase awareness in their physical health and well being through activity and correct principles of
training.
7. Increase awareness to their overall self-image, emphasizing; discipline, coordination, strength,
flexibility and endurance.
8. Understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ as an artist in the world.
9. Acquire the desire to patronize the art to some degree in the future.
10. Develop an evaluation standard to aid in selecting future quality jazz dance training for
self and/or for family.

7. Learning Activities/Course Requirement:

If you are a dance major, this class will generate potential artifacts for your ePortfolio, which is a
requirement for graduation.
1. Skill (both technical [Mid-term/Final] and performance [Fast Jazz, Stylized Jazz, Lyrical,
Contemporary, Musical Theater and Character]): Students will need to complete multiple style
assessments and technique assessments. These assessments will be evaluated directly related to the
demonstration of jazz rhythms, style, and technique.
2. Personal Evaluation Sheet/Written Self Evaluation:
All of your movement assessments will be videotaped. These recorded performance/assessments are
used in your personal evaluation sheet and individual interview.
3. Final Movement Assessment:
This assessment is a comprehensive movement evaluation of the student’s knowledge of jazz dance
style, technique, rhythms, musicality and performance. This is a one-two minute solo choreographed
by the students using movement sequences from class.
4. Participation policy:
a. Enthusiastic daily participation is essential for success. This includes being punctual and
 demonstrating the ability to transcend preoccupations and outside distractions. It also includes a
willingness to persevere through challenges.
b. Each student is allowed 3 discretionary absences without negative consequences. Every absence
after 3 will result in a 2% drop from your participation grade. Up to 3 absences are allowed for pre-
approved BYU dance performance tours.
c. Each student may observe class once throughout the semester without negative consequences.
Observations can be productive leaning experiences and must be written and turned into the instructor
immediately following class. Injury recovery is a good time to complete an observation. Ill students
should stay home and therefore use an absence – not an observation.
d. 80% attendance is the absolute minimum for a passing grade, 7 absences possible. 8 absences
constitutes a failing grade. (43 class sessions – extra final day) Universities excused absences are
counted toward this total. University excused absences mean that your teacher agrees to help you
cover material missed. They do not mean the absence doesn’t count toward your total.
e. There is no way that a specific experience can be recreated for the absent student; therefore, there
are no make-ups available by attending other instructor’s classes.
f. Participation includes proper attire (especially at times of evaluation), punctuality, respect, and
attentiveness during class.
g. If you are absent you will be expected to know the information that was given in the prior class.
h. Students absent on grading day will not receive full credit and must be prepared to be graded the
following class day if prior arrangements have not been made

8. Assessment Procedures:

Grading Formula
Movement/Technique/Final solo 70%
Written critiques 20%

Participation 10%

9. Assignments:
Written self-evaluations for each combo due one week after evaluation are posted.
-Must be submitted through Learning Suite (no attachment files or email evaluations will be
excepted)

One concert review due one week after concert (must be college level or professional)
-Must be submitted through Learning Suite (no attachment files or email evaluations will be
excepted)

9. Course Policies

1. 10 minute late rule: You may not participate in class if you are 10 minutes late. This should only
happen in extreme cases. You are expected to be professional and to be to class on time. If you sit out
because of being late, you will need to use your observation day.

2. LOCKER AND DRESSING ROOM INFORMATION:

a. Plan on using the dressing rooms (not restrooms ) to change into the appropriate dance attire.
b. Obtain a locker. It is strongly recommended that you secure all of your belongings not needed for
class in a locker. Only book or dance bags that do not fit in the lockers, or clothing required, but not w
orn during the entire class, may be brought into the dance studio and placed neatly, close to the wall in
a non-dance area, away from the entrance to the room. This is in order to reduce the quantity of clutter
in the studios and to reserve maximum space for dance. A towel is provided and a locker is assigned b
y showing a receipt of the $5 fee payment. That fee can be paid in the locker room the first week of th
e semester or in 112 RB after the first week. Please provide your own padlock.
  Women--your locker room is located on the main floor toward the north end of the buildi
ng on the west side of the main hall (163 RB). Small lockers are for storage of dance wea
r while out of ballet class. Long vertical lockers should be used during ballet class for stor
age of all street wear and valuables. Leave nothing unlocked.
 Men--your locker room is located at 129 RB. It is required for you to wear slacks over da
nce attire when walking down the hall for modesty reasons. Then your slacks can be plac
ed in the studio in a safe place. 2205 RB is a closer dressing room.

10. Classroom Procedures:

1. Class will begin with a set warm-up to help the body get prepared for class progressions and
combinations. The warm-up will include cardio, flexibility, strengthening and alignment.
2. Technical movement skills will be enhanced through across the floor combinations and center floor
sequences.
3. Style will be developed through different combinations that will be taught throughout the semester.
4. You will work on movement combinations individually and in groups. Assessments, group
discussions and individual interviews will be used within this course.
5. You will be responsible for all written assignments and personal self-evaluations.
6. Attend all classes, learn all material presented and be tested on all material. As the syllabus shows,
this is an accelerated class, attendance is very important.

**All ELECTRONIC DEVICES off during class!!!

11. University Policies

Preventing Sexual Harassment:

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Brigham Young University prohibits
unlawful sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. The university also
prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, university
employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence,
domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by the
university.
 
University policy requires all university employees in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report all
incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention in any way, including but not limited to face-to-
face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. 
Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator
at [email protected] or (801) 422-8692.  Reports may also be submitted through EthicsPoint
at https://titleix.byu.edu/report or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours a day).
 
BYU offers confidential resources for those affected by Sexual Misconduct, including the university’s Victim
Advocate, as well as a number of non-confidential resources and services that may be helpful. Additional
information about Title IX, the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, reporting requirements, and resources
can be found at http://titleix.byu.edu or by contacting the university’s Title IX Coordinator. 
Students with Disabilities:
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably
accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may impair your ability
to complete this course successfully, please contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or visit the
website at http://www.byu.edu/hr/eeo/info.html.

Counseling and Psychological Services:

Feeling overly stressed, depressed, or having academic or personal issues? Help is available! If you feel
you are in need of support services, go to caps.byu.edu or call 801.422.3035, or go to 1500 WSC any time
between 8 – 5. Evenings, weekends, and holidays, call University Police and ask to speak to the After-
hours counselor: 801.422.2222. For additional support services, contact: Women’s Services and
Resources: 801.422.4877

Church Educational System Honor Code:

Brigham Young University exists to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and
principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That atmosphere is created and preserved
through commitment to conduct that reflects those ideals and principles. Observance of such standards is
a condition of employment and admission. Those individuals who are not members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also expected to maintain the same standards of conduct, except
church attendance. If you have any concerns, please contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2848. For
more information on the following related topics, visit the Honor Code office website at
http://www.byu.edu/honorcode/honor_code.htm

· Be honest
· Live a chaste and virtuous life
· Obey the law and all campus policies
· Use clean language
· Respect others
· Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
· Observe Dress and Grooming Standards
· Participate regularly in church services
· Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the BYU Honor Code
· Academic Honesty
· Dress and Grooming Standards