Dance 387 Course Outline
Ballroom Dance Choreography
Course Information & Policies
Course Overview
Prerequisite: None. This class introduces students to the creative process of ballroom dance choreography. Students will study choreographic principles, explore movement design, and apply techniques for creating original routines within the standards of formation and competitive ballroom.
Mission Alignment: This course supports BYU’s mission to educate students spiritually, intellectually, physically, aesthetically, artistically, and emotionally.
For Dance Majors (BA & BFA)
This course contributes to the following Dance Program Learning Outcomes:
- BA in Dance: Students will demonstrate advanced technical and artistic skills in one dance genre, and intermediate skills in another.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed the following skills:
- Apply movement fundamentals with coherence in the context of ensemble and competition dance choreography.
- Create ballroom formation and competition choreography that reflects foundational compositional skills.
- Analyze musical elements—phrasing, dynamic structure, rhythm, and meter—and integrate them into choreographic choices.
- Edit and prepare music tracks suitable for ballroom choreography.
- Incorporate movement patterns effectively into ensemble and competition choreography.
Learning Activities
- Response Papers: Discuss and write multiple one-page response papers with reference to: videos of competition and exhibition ballroom formation choreography, and observation of BYU Ballroom formation choreographers.
- Live Concert Dance Review: Write a review of a live concert dance, using choreographic vocabulary to identify and describe elements of ballroom dance formation composition.
- Practical Application: Choreograph in specially arranged situations, experiencing various options for formation composition.
- Final Presentation: Present individual and collaborative choreographic works through research via media, concerts, and other approved methods.
Dress Policy
- Students must follow BYU Dress & Grooming Standards.
Attendance Policy
- A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass the course.
- Exceeding 20% absences will result in automatic failure.
- Up to 4 unexcused absences are permitted; each additional unexcused absence will result in a 1/3 letter grade deduction.
Consent to Touch and Partner Rotation
Ballroom dance requires appropriate physical contact to ensure correct execution, technique development, and safety. At times this includes light torso-to-torso contact as well as contact through hands, arms, shoulders, and back. The course also includes regular partner rotation. Students who have concerns should speak privately with the instructor.
Course Policies
- All cell phones turned off
- No text messaging during class
- No eating during class
- No babies or small children in class
- Please be prompt
Grading Breakdown
| Grading | 940 points |
|---|---|
| Attendance and Participation | 100 points |
| Assignments | |
| Ensemble Formation Design | 20 points |
| Sound Editing | 20 points |
| Costume Design | 20 points |
| Theater Stage Definitions | 20 points |
| Final Exam | 40 points |
| Response Papers | |
| BYU World of Dance | 20 points |
| Choreographer Observation (Adult Formation) | 20 points |
| Choreographer Observation (Youth Formation) | 20 points |
| Choreographer Analysis (Roberto Albanese) | 20 points |
| Competition vs Exhibition Choreography | 20 points |
| Beginning vs Advanced Choreography | 20 points |
| Projects | |
| Waltz/Foxtrot Choreography | 100 points |
| Cha Cha/Swing Choreography | 100 points |
| Ballroom/Smooth Novice Level Individual Choreography | 100 points |
| Latin/Rhythm Novice Level Individual Choreography | 100 points |
| Final Choreography | 200 points |
| Grading Scale | |
|---|---|
| 93.0-100% = A | 73.0-76.9% = C |
| 90.0-92.9% = A- | 70.0-72.9% = C- |
| 87.0-89.9% = B+ | 67.0-69.9% = D+ |
| 83.0-86.9% = B | 63.0-66.9% = D |
| 80.0-82.9% = B- | 60.0-62.9% = D- |
| 77.0-79.9% = C+ | Below 60.0% = E |
Department Policies
Department of Dance Attendance Policy
The department, in consultation with the University Accessibility Center (UAC), has carefully considered the role of attendance in certain courses. It has been determined that, for some classes, regular attendance constitutes an essential component of the learning process and cannot be substituted without compromising the pedagogical or accreditation standards of the program.
The department remains committed to supporting students with documented disabilities, including those whose conditions may involve episodic or unpredictable flare-ups. However, in the courses where attendance is identified as an essential requirement, the accommodation of flexible attendance may not be feasible.
Therefore, the attendance policy outlined in the course syllabus will be applied as written. Students who wish to request consideration for individual circumstances are encouraged to consult with your UAC coordinator promptly to discuss possible options. The attendance provisions described in the syllabus will remain available to all.
Student Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge and assume all inherent risks associated with participation in this class. These risks may include, but are not limited to: injuries or death resulting from dance movements, injuries from collisions with other participants, objects, or equipment, blows to the body, face, or head, exhaustion, dehydration, physical or emotional distress, injuries from misuse, failure, or malfunction of equipment, damage to clothing or personal items, risks arising from the actions or inattention of myself or others, and other hazards, whether foreseen or unforeseeable.
