DANC A205: Dance as a Profession Seminar

Course Outline of Record
Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/08/2021
Top Code	100810 - Commercial Dance
Units	2 Total Units
Hours	36 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S), Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

For students planning a career in dance, including dance-related career options, auditions, resumes, photos, video presentations, contracts, choreography and performance fees, resources, and other aspects of professional dance. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

Successfully write resumes and cover letters for dance-related employment and develop a personal plan for pursuing a career and healthy lifestyle in dance.

Course Objectives

1. Improve ability to write a resume specific for the dance or dance-related job.
2. Improve ability to write a cover letter to a potential employer in dance or a dance-related job.
3. Improve audition skills by improving performance and technical skills.
4. Coordinate and produce a good dance audition video.
5. Research a variety of dance-related subjects in the library and on the internet, including dance company employment information.
6. Research alternative dance and conditioning methods in a specific geographic area.
7. Develop a personal dance and wellness program to keep the body conditioned and healthy for job opportunities.

Lecture Content

Lecture: Orientation to the class Class requirements Students current and future goals Course objectives and syllabus Topic 1: Lecture So you want to be a professional. Professional behavior and responsibility Commitment Punctuality Attitude and working relationships Topic 2: B. How to write an appropriate resume Dance performance> commercial, concert Dance teaching> studio, recreation Choreography> commercial, concert stage Topic 3: C. Photos Head shot/composite Finding a good dance photographer What makes an exciting photo for publicity Topic 4: D. Videotape for auditions and marketing Making a good dance audition videotape Making a good dance marketing video Using a video-montage to present your dance performance/choreography Topic 5: E. Auditions How to find out about dance auditions Dance audition skills What are they looking for in a dancer/performer What if you arent successful at auditions. Topic 6: F. Should you have an agent. Agents Agent-client relationship: expectations and responsibilities Professional unions: advantages/disadvantages of joining a union: Equity, AGMA, etc. What are your legal rights Topic 7: Now you have a dance job, what should you expect. Contracts, rehearsals, insurance Rehearsal days/times: pay, when will you get paid Medical coverage. Injury/disability coverage Topic 8: H. Performance considerations Stage experience Performance anxiety Competitiveness Mental and/or physical anxiety Tools for better performance: self-talk, visualization Stress reduction methods: meditation, yoga Dance partnering dynamics Continuing your training after you have the dance job Topic 9: I. Stress management Burnout prevention Support systems – family, colleagues, community resources Stress management techniques Topic 10: J. Dance injuries/treatment and prevention How to take care of yourself Self-treatment methods that work for dancers Alternative training/conditioning methods: Pilates, Alexander, Feldenkrais, Bartenieff; Gyrotonics Expansions System, Zero Balancing, Body Mind Centering, etc. Topic 11: K. Nutrition for dancers Healthy Lifestyle Healthy nutrition Healthy weight Recognizing eating disorders Topic 12: Healthy sexuality STDs Contraception Sexual assault Topic 13: Drug free lifestyle Performance and substance abuse Workplace substance abuse Dependency, recovery, and treatment Topic 14: L. Resource directory Using the internet to research companies and auditions Bibliography of available resources Topic 15: M. How to start your own dance company: Why do you want to. 5 year plan Board of Directors Financing a dance company Becoming “non-profit” Grant writing Publicity Live music vs. recorded music Money Music rights Topic 16: Is there life after dance. Career Transition Options and Survival Jobs The older dancer/the tired/injured dancer What do you want to do. Where do you want to do it. How do you get the necessary training and experience. The “letting go” and “mourning” process O. SCANS Skills – vocational education accountability

Method(s) of Instruction

Lecture (02)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture, Discussion, small group exercises, research assignments, written assignments, video taping of “mock audition”, peer feedback

Reading Assignments

Assigned reading from instructor handouts.

Writing Assignments

Resume, cover letter, written documentation of research assignment, written paper

Out-of-class Assignments

Practice for skill development.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

1. Written work, including a resume, cover letter and other written assignments.2. Class participation and attendance.3. Completion and quality of assigned research projects.4. Performance ability and skills in a “mock audition.”

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration