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In-Class Exams
Students will be evaluated at least once each reporting period. These exams are set by the teacher and may be in practical or written form. Teachers will ask students to write the day and time of exams in their agenda. It is the students’ responsibility to know when examinations are once they have been announced.
Class marks are averaged in groups to form three or four course marks on the students’ report card - Ballet, Dance, Physical Education, and Jazz or Contemporary Dance. Marks will be combined as follows:
Junior High and Grade 10
Ballet Cecchetti and Ballet Theory
Dance RAD, Pointe, Modern, National, Theory
Physical Education Physical Education, Non Syllabus, Variations, Theory
Grade 11 and 12
Ballet Cecchetti and Theory
Dance Pointe, Non Syllabus, National, Theory
Contemporary Dance Modern Choreography, Modern Technique, Theory
Jazz Dance Jazz Technique, Jazz Choreography, Theory
Physiology Physiology, Variations/Repertoire, Non Syllabus, Theory
Theory – terminology, history, theoretical background
Technique - involves the aspects of dance that include posture, stance, turnout, placement, arm carriage, use of the feet, and centre. Students will be graded on the precision of their execution. Strength and control of placement, use of extension, elevation, and knowledge of syllabi will also be considered.
Performance Aspects include musicality, style, facial and body expression, and quality of movement. Students will be graded on a suitable use of dynamics and expression, musical accuracy, sense of line through the arms and body, and expressive animation in the face.
Honours Programs
The Professional Dance Program is an Honours Program. Students are expected to strive for excellence and it is anticipated that students will achieve an eighty percent (80%) standard or higher. A minimum grade of 60% in each of their dance courses is required.
Please note that marks are determined according to the standard of achievement based on the curriculum. These marks do not necessarily reflect the students’ preparedness for International examinations, which are based on a much more difficult standard.
Physical Education
Students earn Physical Education credits, and will participate in aquatics and outdoor activities to meet the curriculum requirements. Outdoor sessions may be spontaneous based on favourable weather and students should always have appropriate outdoor clothing. Other physical education activities, which may include ice skating, team sports and activities, and wall climbing, will be scheduled through out the year. Students are required to participate in all of the physical education classes.