Description:

An introduction to the concepts and motor skills involved with jazz dance. Basic body position will be introduced as well as basic terminology, jazz history, various jazz styles and the basic techniques involved, isolations, combinations, choreography and rhythmic influences. 2 hrs./wk. This course will meet the general education requirement for Health and/or Physical Education.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $7 to $30.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct execution of basic jazz dance elements and techniques.
2. Acquire a vocabulary of jazz movement and demonstrate knowledge of the factors which influence that movement.
3. Discuss history of jazz dance.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of music as they relate to jazz dance.
5. Demonstrate improvement of kinesthetic sense and esthetic values such as grace and poise.
6. Demonstrate a perception of rhythm.
7. Perform movements skillfully and effectively through dance.
8. Demonstrate improved motor skills in the areas of agility, balance, explosive power, flexibility, coordination, muscular endurance and strength.
9. Perform movements needed for jazz dance isolating specific anatomical movements.
10. Improve mental health by learning to relax and by building a better self-image.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction
   A. Define goals of course
   B. Examine individual dance backgrounds and goals
	
II.  History
   A. Trace the History of Jazz Dance
	
III. Jazz Terminology
   A. Differentiate terms relative to jazz dance
   B. Select the proper term when describing jazz movements

IV. Basic Jazz Techniques
   A. Perform a proper warmup 
      1. Perform barre and center floor movements
      2. Perform stretching, conditioning, toning, flexibility and injury
prevention movements.
      3. Perform isolations of specific anatomical movements needed for
jazz technique including: Head, Neck, Shoulder, Arms, Rib Cage, Pelvis,
Hops, Legs
   B. Demonstrate Tension release through relaxation, contraction,
release, extension, flexion
   C. Execute Jazz movements and elements including: foot position, foot
movements, arm patterns, hand patterns, jazz walks, jazz runs, jazz hops,
jazz jumps, jazz turns, leg swings, jazz passe’, heel press,
attitudes-f-b-s, jazz square, jazz leaps, opposition, swinging, floor
movements, lunge, plie’, pique, arabesque, penche’, sous-sus, froward
tendu, folded stretch positions, flat or table back.
   D. Perform special movements including; counter movements and twisting,
jazz falls, traveling progression, traveling combinations, cohesive flowing
dance combinations
   E. Differentiate between the following styles of jazz dance; West
Coast, East Coast, Broadway, Stage productions and Funk

V. Choreography
   A. Identify the structure of a composition
   B. Develop movements in jazz compositions
   C. Explore Rhythmic differentiation
   D. Recognize composition and space
   E. Explore dance energy, emotion and dynamics

VI. Music Awareness
   A. Explore beat and rhythm awareness
   B. Differentiate changes in tempos, accents, rhythms and timing
   C. Explore interpretation 
   D. Explore syncopation

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

In-Class Physical demonstration of competencies  40-60% of grade
Written Examinations                             20-30% of grade
Skills Development Examinations                  20-30% of grade
Projects                                          0-10% of grade
                Total:                             100%

Caveats:

1. Strenuous exercise.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.