Beginning Jazz I

DAA 1500-01
Florida State University
Spring 2016
Mondays and Fridays 2:00pm-3:15pm
Studio 301 Montgomery Hall

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Instructor: Andre Lumpkin

Office Hours: By appointment only
Office Phone: 850-644-1023 (messages only)
Email Address: adl14@my.fsu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to teach students complex techniques utilized in the
versatile field of jazz dance. We will explore a variety of styles and beginning step
vocabulary that are elements of jazz dance with a focus on technique and picking up
movement quickly. Students will learn warm-up and isolation exercises, conditioning
floor work, progressions, and intricate combinations.
An introduction to articulating and expressing rhythms through stylized movement
sequences, basic technical skills, and performance. Emphasis is on development of
greater body awareness, strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality (especially
syncopation), and improvisation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of basic jazz dance terminology and technique

Improve kinesthetic awareness and ability to recognize and exhibit proper

alignment

Increase strength, flexibility, coordination, control, focus, and balance

Develop spatial awareness in relation to the studio and to other dancers

Retain and perform choreography with proper form

Improve individual artistry and develop a sense of musicality

Create a community with other dancers and learn to collaborate with others

View, analyze, discuss, and write critically about dance performances

COURSE ATTIRE:

Please dress in comfortable, form fitting clothing that allows for clear execution and
observation of movement and alignment. In addition, refrain from wearing jewelry or
accessories (hats, loose head scarfs, etc.) that may inhibit movement and balance.
Hair must also be pulled back to prevent from distracting you and to allow the
instructor to assess your alignment. Soft soled jazz shoes are required for all classes.
Jazz sneakers are not appropriate for this course. Gym shorts (worn alone), pajama
pants, baggy sweat pants and baggy shirts are not appropriate attire for this class.
Students who are improperly dressed will not be allowed to take class and will have
points deducted from their participation grade. Please come to class ready to work.
We will get hot and sweaty. Water is encouraged.
Dancewear can be purchased locally at:
Head Over Heels
1656 Legion Street Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 224-5140
Dancewear can be purchased online at:
www.discountdance.com
www.allaboutdance.com
www.dancewearsolutions.com
Athletic wear is also appropriate and may be purchased at many stores such as
Target, Wal-Mart, Ross, TJ Maxx, Sports Authority, etc.
COURSE POLICIES:
ATTENDANCE:

Per the policy for this course, students are allowed three unexcused absences. Each
unexcused absence beyond those three will result in a deduction of one grade
increment from the students FINAL grade. For example: If a student has an A-, the
students fourth unexcused absence will result in a final grade of a B+, the fifth
unexcused absence reduces the final grade to a B, and so forth.
Absences may be excused with proper documentation. Excused absences include
documented illness, deaths in the family and other documented crises, call to active
military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities. These
absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students
who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose
dependent children experience serious illness. Please Communicate!! Students
should e-mail instructor notifying of absence in advance to avoid potential grade
deductions. All excused absences MUST have proper documentation. All
documentation should be submitted to the instructor at the beginning of the next
class. Documentation that is more than two class days late will not be
accepted, and the absence will be considered unexcused. There are no
makeup classes. Make up work for excused absences will be discussed on an
individual basis, and it is the students responsibility to approach the instructor
regarding work missed. If a student is absent on the day that an assignment is
due, the assignment must still be submitted on time.
Total absences (both excused and unexcused) cannot exceed eight days over the
course of the semester. Those students exceeding eight class absences or who are
unable to participate in the movement portion of class should consider withdrawing
from the course.
Students are expected to arrive on time, properly dressed, and ready to move.
Students who are more than 10 minutes late will be required to observe class and
complete a written observation and will lose 1 point for the day. Students who
arrive more than 20 minutes late will be marked as absent.

Students are allowed two Written Observation Days each semester. After the
second observation day, 1 point will be deducted for each class the student
continues to observe. Extenuating circumstances that require more than two
observations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Students not able to
participate in class, due to mild illness/injury or tardiness can complete a written
observation. Observations should include the students name, exercises/combinations
taught that day, any corrections given and any other reflections the student has
while observing the class. Injured/sick students who complete in-class observations
and turn them into the instructor at the end of class will receive full credit for the
day. Any student observing (regardless of circumstance) will not receive full credit if
they are texting/talking on their phone, being noisy or disruptive, falling asleep, or
not paying attention/actively taking notes.

CLASS PROTOCOL:
There are specific requirements expected of both student and instructor to allow for
a safe learning environment.
No food, drink, or gum in the studio, except water in a sealed container.
No street shoes are permitted in the studio.

Arrive on time, dressed, and ready to move.

Refrain from engaging in conversations or noisy activities during class.
Cell phones must be turned off or silenced before class starts. If you are
expecting an emergency call, please notify the instructor before class begins.
Listen while corrections are being given. Remember, even if the correction is
not being directed to you, you may also benefit.
You are expected to remain in the room and participate for the entire class.
Points will be deducted if you leave early without permission.
Speak with the instructor before class regarding any injuries, illnesses, or if
you need to leave class early for any reason.
If injured, notify the instructor right away. The instructor will assess the
situation to keep the students health the number one priority.
Cleanliness and hygiene appropriate for close proximity and a state of
physical fitness conducive to strenuous exercise are expected.
Wear proper attire. No large or dangling jewelry/accessories and no
extraneous fabric.

MUSICAL THEATRE STUDENT POLICY:

As a part of their graduation requirement, Musical Theatre majors may be taking the
technique portion of this class for reduced credit and with reduced written
requirements. All other students must complete all assignments and earn 3 semester
credit hours. Musical Theatre majors should notify the instructor of their status on
the first day of class to avoid any confusion.
GRADING/EVALUATION:
Participation

140 points (40%)

Syllabus Policy/Introduction Form

5 points

(2%)

Self-Assessment Essay

15 points

(4%)

Skills Assessment

30 points

(9%)

Skills Assessment Responses

45 points

(13%)

Readings Quizzes

70 points

(20%)

Final Paper

40 points

(12%)

Total Possible Points

345 points

(*depending on absences/varied requirements)

GRADING SCALE:
A

324-345

94100%

A-

8789%

286-299

8386%

311-323

9093%

B+

B-

C+
7779%

252-266

7376%

276-285

8082%

300-310

C-

D+

217-230

6366%

242-251

7072%

267-275

D-

207-216

6062%

231-241

6769%

0-206

059%

*** Final grade percentages ending in a decimal of .5 or greater will be rounded up to the
next whole number.
Grading/Evaluations/Assignments: *Subject to Change
1. Daily Participation (140 points): Participation is crucial for successful
completion of this course. All students will begin the semester with 140 participation
points. Points will be deducted if students do not adhere to the following criteria*:
Attire (2 points): Student is properly dressed and ready to move. Students will lose 2
points for the day if they come to class with baggy or loose clothing, large or
dangling jewelry/accessories, if their hair is not secured in a way that prevents
distraction and allows the instructor to assess proper alignment, etc. Please see the
Course Attire section for specific dress requirements.

Punctuality (1 point): Student arrives on time and is present for the entire duration
of the class. Students will lose 1 point for the day if they are tardy or leave class
prior to being dismissed.

Mental Focus and Studio/Class Etiquette (1 point): Student is mentally prepared,

focused, and actively engaged throughout the duration of the class. Students will
lose 1 point for the day if they are distracted, are not listening when corrections are
being given, texting/checking cell phones, fall asleep in class, are talking excessively
or disruptive to the rest of the class, or present a negative attitude towards the
instructor or other students.

Physical Participation (1 point): Students are physically moving and dancing to their
fullest abilities. Students will lose 1 point for the day if they are exerting little to no
movement effort.

*Points can only be deducted on days that the student is present (no points
will be lost when a student is absent from class). Absences (unexcused) of
more than 10% of class (3) will be deducted in increments from the final
grade at the end of the semester.

2. Syllabus Policy/Introduction Form: 5 Points (Due 1/11/16)

3. Self-Assessment: 15 points (Due 1/15/16): Write a 1-2 page paper
describing your previous experience with dance (if any), why you are taking the
course, any injuries or health issues that may affect your performance in class,
strengths/weaknesses/areas of improvement, and your personal goals, a dance skill
area(s) you would like to improve, and expectations for the course. All papers should
be Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins all around.
Include your full name, date, course title, and subject of the paper. Students must
turn in a stapled, hard-copy on Friday, January 15th. Late papers and emailed
copies will not be accepted! Papers may be submitted early; however, late
papers and emailed copies will not be accepted! Please do not exceed the given
length of the paper! Points will be deducted for not following directions! Deductions
for spelling and grammar will be made in all written work. Further details will be
provided in class closer to the assignment due date.
Dance Skill Areas: Body Alignment, Coordination, Flexibility, Strength, Musicality,
Performance Quality, Making Corrections, Remembering Sequences,
Control/Cleanliness, Attitude/Work Habits, Terminology/Vocabulary
4. Skills Assessments 10 points each/30 total: During the semester there will
be three skills assessments. This will show understanding and progression of skills
focused on while performing across the floor progressions and center combinations.
This assessment will occur during regular class time on Fridays (January 29th,
February 26th, March 25th). You will receive your assessment grade through email
and you will be able to view the assessment in a video that will be emailed to you.
Criteria will be explained in class.
5. Skills Assessment Responses 1st Response 10 points, 2nd 15 points, 3rd 20
points: During the semester there will be three skills assessment responses. This
will show understanding and analysis of skills through writing. Write a 1-2 page
paper describing the integration of corrections from your skills assessment, what did
you focus on (how, what part of class), what helped/didnt help, how could you
improve these skills outside of class and looking forward what do you feel you should

focus on and why? All papers should be Times New Roman 12 point font, doublespaced, with 1-inch margins all around. Include your full name, date, course title,
and subject of the paper. Students must turn in a stapled, hard-copy on Monday
February 8th, Friday March 4th, Monday April 4th. Late papers and emailed
copies will not be accepted! Papers may be submitted early; however, late
papers and emailed copies will not be accepted! Please do not exceed the given
length of the paper! Points will be deducted for not following directions! Deductions
for spelling and grammar will be made in all written work. Further details will be
provided in class closer to the assignment due date.
6. Readings and Reading Quizzes: 10 points Each/70 total During the
semester there will be seven short reading assignments (1-5 pages in length) and
seven corresponding quizzes (3-5 general questions). These short readings serve as
away to introduce students to Jazz Dance history and influential figures in
conjunction with physical training. Readings will be handed out at the beginning of
class to take home. However, quizzes will be taken within the first 10 minutes of
class. For specific dates and information see course outline.

7. Final Paper: 40 points (Due by 4/26/16) Write a 3-4 page paper, the first
section should be a reaction to the first reading: Jazz History (1 page 1 pages),
for the second section choose one of the Jazz Legends that weve read about and
write about why you chose them, what makes them a prominent figure of jazz
dance, what was happening in dance/society during this persons rise to fame, and
describe a clip(online) of their movement/work (1 - 2 pages). Further details
and criteria will be explained in class.
Extra Credit Opportunity: Critical Analysis Paper up to 10 points: Attend one
FSU School of Dance Performance and write a 2-3 page observation and analysis
paper. Students should choose 2-3 pieces/sections to discuss in depth. Papers will be
due ONE WEEK (3 class days) after the attended performance. Please see the course
outline for acceptable performances and paper due dates. All papers should be Times
New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins all around. Include
your full name, date, course title, and subject of the paper. Students must turn in a
stapled, hard-copy with the ticket stub and program attached. Students must also
submit their papers to Turnitin on the course Blackboard site. Papers may be
submitted early; however, late papers and emailed copies will not be accepted!
Please do not exceed the given length of the paper! Points will be deducted for not
following directions! Deductions for spelling and grammar will be made in all written
work. A maximum of three critical analysis papers will be accepted. Extra credit is for
those who need it and will be applied up to the maximum of 345 points for the
semester. Further details will be provided in class closer to the assignment due date.

Approved Dance Performance for Analysis:

MFA Concert
Jocelyn Perez and Sarah Wilcoxon

January 21-23 at The Nancy Smith Fichter Theatre, Montgomery Hall

MFA Concert
Ircamar Garcia, Erika Hand, and Rebecca Krumel
February 5-6 at The Nancy Smith Fichter Theatre, Montgomery Hall

MFA Concert
Annette Barcelona and Alyssa Morris
February 5-6 at The Nancy Smith Fichter Theatre, Montgomery Hall

Days of Dance
April 15, 16, 22 and 23 at The Nancy Smith Fichter Theatre, Montgomery Hall

School of Dance First Friday performances at Gallery 621 in Railroad Square

Dates and Times TBA (subject to change)

THEATRE ETIQUETTE:

Please be considerate when attending any performance. Be on time and in your seat
before the opening curtain. TURN OFF CELL PHONES AND PUT THEM AWAY!
Performers can see the light from a cell phone on stage. It hinders the experience of
the performance for others and yourself. If you need to take notes about the show,
wait until each piece or act is over and the house lights are brought up. Do not use
your phone or any other device to shine light. No photography or videotaping is
allowed. No food or drink is permitted in the theatre. Students need to stay for the
ENTIRE performance.
PHYSICAL CONTACT AWARENESS:
The discipline of dance requires physical contact between the instructor and student
in reference to corrections, body alignment, and placement. Physical contact may
also occur through partnering or dancing with other students. If you are
uncomfortable with physical contact, please advise me of your sensitivity to this
issue. Your grade will not be affected.
COURSE CONTENT AND OUTLINE:

1/8

First Day of Class, Syllabus Review and Course Overview

1/11

Syllabus Policy/Introduction Form Due, Add/Drop Ends

1/15

Self-Assessment Due, Jazz History Reading

1/18

No Class-MLK Day

1/22

Jazz History Quiz

1/25

Katherine Dunham Reading

1/29

1st Skills Assessment

2/1

Katherine Dunham Quiz

2/5
2/8

1st Skills Assessment Response Due, Jack Cole Reading

2/12

Jack Cole Quiz

2/15

Bob Fosse Reading

2/19

Bob Fosse Quiz

2/22

Gus Giordano Reading

2/26

2nd Skills Assessment

2/29

Gus Giordano Quiz, Guest Class

3/4

2nd Skills Assessment Response Due, Midterm Check In

3/7

Spring Break

3/11

Spring Break

3/14

Eugene Louis Faccuito (aka Luigi) Reading

3/18

Eugene Louis Faccuito (aka Luigi) Quiz

3/21

Jerome Robbins Reading

3/25

3rd Skills Assessment

3/28

Jerome Robbins Quiz

4/1
4/4

3rd Skills Assessment Response Due

4/8
4/11
4/15
4/18
4/22

Last Day Of Classes

4/26

Final Paper Due

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE:

The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the Universitys
expectations for the integrity of students academic work, the procedures for
resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities
of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible
for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to . . . be
honest and truthful and . . . [to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at

Florida State University. (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at:
http://fda.fsu.edu/Academics/Academic-Honor-Policy)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should:(1) register with
and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring
a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This
should be done during the first week of class.
For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities,
contact the:
Student Disability Resource Center
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
http://www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu
(This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon
request.)
FREE TUTORING FROM FSU:
On-campus tutoring and writing assistance is available for many courses at Florida
State University. For more information, visit the Academic Center for Excellence
(ACE) Tutoring Services comprehensive list of on-campus tutoring options see
http://ace.fsu.edu/tutoring or contact mailto:tutor@fsu.edu. High-quality tutoring is
available by appointment and on a walk-in basis. These services are offered by tutors
trained to encourage the highest level of individual academic success, while
upholding personal academic integrity.

SYLLABUS CHANGE POLICY (Due 9/4/15):

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation
(grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change
with advance notice.

I, _______________________________, have thoroughly read this syllabus for

DAA 1100-03 (Beginning Contemporary I) and understand the policies and
assignments as well as my responsibilities in order to successfully complete this
course.
STUDENTS SIGNATURE: ______________________________
DATE: ______________________________
INSTRUCTORS SIGNATURE: ______________________________

Introductory Questionaire:

1. Please list any prior or current injuries or physical/structural conditions that may
affect your performance in class.

2. Are you comfortable with receiving physical corrections?

3. Are you a musical theatre major taking this course for less than 3 credits?

4. Please feel free to write below any concerns you would like to share with me in
regards to your participation in the course.