Performing Arts

Last updated 2/16/2006

Note: The following courses are offered as part of the fine arts curriculum at Austin-East Performing Arts and Sciences Magnet High School.

3529 Dance Survey

This course introduces dance as an art form to the student who has never taken dance or is at the beginning level in one or more of the styles included in the course. Students learn contemporary dance history while exploring basic modern, ballet, jazz, and/or West African techniques. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Ballet I

This course is a dance elective for the beginning/intermediate dancer. Students learn ballet technique, vocabulary, and history. Dance clothes and ballet shoes are required. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Ballet II

This course is for students wishing to continue in ballet. Dance clothes and ballet shoes are required. Student may begin to work on pointe if teacher gives the recommendation. (Prerequisite: Ballet I or equivalent)

3529 Ballet III

This course is for students with advanced ballet technique. Student is expected to work on pointe. Dance clothes, ballet shoes, and permission of instructor required. (Prerequisite: Ballet II)

3529 Ballet IV

This course is for advanced Ballet dancers wishing to pursue Ballet in college and/or as a profession. (Prerequisite: Ballet III)

3529 Tap

This course is a dance elective in which students learn tap dance techniques and styles. Tap shoes are required. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Jazz I

This course is a dance elective for intermediate/advanced dancers. Students learn jazz dance techniques and styles, and examine the use of jazz dance in contemporary choreography. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: Dance Survey, Ballet I or Modern I or equivalent)

3529 Jazz II

This course is a dance elective for those students wishing to continue their study of jazz technique. (Prerequisite: Jazz I)

3529 West African I

This dance elective focuses on the culture and dance of West Africa. Students learn West African dance and drum technique and the customs surrounding its use. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 West African II

This dance elective prepares the advanced West African dancer to perform in the West African dance style. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

3529 Modern Dance I

This course exposes the beginning dancer to modern dance technique, compositional forms, and history in the traditions of Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Jose Limon, Merce Cunningham, and Lester Horton. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Modern Dance II

This course is for continuing dance students and follows Modern Dance I. Students are introduced to choreographic principles and dance analysis in addition to continuing study of technique and contemporary dance history. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: Modern I or equivalent)

3529 Modern Dance III

This course is for students in their third year of modern dance. Students continue to study technique, history, critical analysis, and composition. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: Modern II)

3529 Modern Dance IV

This course is for students in their fourth year of modern dance and who have achieved an advanced level of technique ability. Students continue to study technique, history, critical analysis, and composition. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: Modern III)

3529 Dance Company

This course is for students performing in the Dance Company for the school and is open only by audition. Students split their class time between advanced dance technique classes and rehearsals for performances. Students are expected to perform and conduct themselves as professionals. Dance clothes are required. (Prerequisite: selection by audition)

3529 Social Dance

This course is designed to appeal to the dancer and non-dancer alike. It serves as an introduction to folk and social dances. Dancers learn to dance with a partner in ballroom dances as well as folk dances from around the world. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Modern Dance Accompaniment

This course is for student musicians who wish to learn to apply their musical ability to accompanying dance. A high level of achievement in percussion, piano, or other instrument is required, as well as permission of instructor. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Djembe Orchestra

This course is for students accomplished in West African drumming and who will accompany the West African dance class or West African choreography by the Dance Company. This course is open only by audition. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

3529 Independent Study in Choreography

This course is for upper-level students in their junior or senior year who have a deep interest in choreography. The student will develop a piece of choreography and complete all aspects of its production in the student concert (from rehearsals to costuming and lighting). Written artistsÕ statements are required at appointed times throughout the semester. Students are also expected to produce a short work in ÒLifeforms,Ó an elaborate computer software program that allows the choreographer to choreograph on virtual dancers, on a virtual stage. (Prerequisite: Dance Company and permission of instructor)

3529 Stage Tech I

This is an introductory course for students interested in the technical aspect of theater. Students are required to pass a written safety test within 10 days of enrollment. Units of study include: Safety, Professionalism, Electricity, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Intercom and Basics of Theater. This course is only offered in the Fall semester and requires a minimum of 30 hours after school time. Maximum enrollment is 10 students. (Prerequisite: none)

3529 Stage Tech II

This course is a continuation of Stage Tech I with students becoming more involved with the design and implementation of artistic lighting and sound design. In addition to a more in-depth coverage of the units from Stage Tech I, students will also study stage management. This course is offered in the Spring semester and requires a minimum of 30 hours after school time. Maximum enrollment is 10 students. (Prerequisite: grade of a C or better in Stage Tech I)

3529 Stage Tech III

This course meets concurrently with Stage Tech I and is a mentoring/independent study program for the more advanced tech student. Tech III students will be matched with Tech I students to facilitate and reinforce learning. Students will be expected to write cue sheets, produce lighting plots, call shows and assist with activities for Stage Tech I. In addition, students will learn more advanced lighting with the Intelligent Lighting system and Scene Design on the Light Board. This course requires a minimum of 20 hours after school time. Maximum enrollment is 4 students. (Prerequisite: grade of a B or better in Stage Tech II and permission of instructor)