A Parent’s Instruction Guide to Dance Aptitude Identification:

Advanced Dance Aptitude is exceptional capability or potential in the area of Dance.

Identification in Dance Aptitude is assessed through a body of evidence. 

STEP 1: Begin by reviewing the Parent’s Guide (this web-page) below for more specific information on this identification process. 

STEP 2: After reviewing this guide, make a referral.

Español
русский
中文
Tiếng Việt

STEP 3: Download any forms/information from the guide below for your future information and reference.

STEP 4: Upload/Email portfolio/product submissions by following the "How to Submit Your Portfolio/Evidence" guide at the bottom of this page.

 

Types of CDE approved, qualifying information for a Body of Evidence (BOE) in Dance Aptitude in Jeffco:

Performance/Portfolio/ Product Evaluation
  • Top place or ranking at a state or national contest related to Dance
  • Expert juried performance at the advanced/distinguished level
  • Portfolio/product review at the advanced/distinguished level

Norm-Referenced Observation

95th percentile or above on norm-referenced observation scale in the area of Dance

Research based checklist/scale (Haroutounian Scale)


Criterion/Norm-Referenced Test

95th percentile or above on an approved norm-referenced or criterion-referenced test for Creativity (Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, PCA, etc.)

95th percentile or above on an approved cognitive assessment (KBIT, CogAT, WISC, WPPSI, etc.)


Dance Considerations:

The considerations for a Gifted Dance identification will include multiple artifacts demonstrating  interpretation and use of dance elements, expressive and innovative performance, and confidence and dynamics.

 

Identification in Dance Aptitude is not limited by the style of dance included in a portfolio.  Students also need not be masterful with multiple styles of dance.  For example, a student who is talented in both Irish step dance and ballet could be identified and a student who is talented only in ballet could also be considered.


What kind of evidence are we looking for?

  • The type of evidence we are looking for relates to the skills and abilities observed in their dance performances.  Not all students will have all of the following, these are just examples.
  • Student can: 
    • Dance with expressiveness
    • Master dance elements
    • Demonstrates a sense of time and rhythm
    • Express ideas and emotions through dance
Work in any or multiple domains of dance such as but not limited to: ballet, ballroom dance, step dance, jazz dance, hip-hop, breakdance, etc

What goes inside a portfolio?

Due to the varied nature of performance and disciplines within dance it is difficult to define what a portfolio must be.  We are looking for evidence of advanced dance ability as referenced above.  A dance portfolio must be electronic and must include at least 5 artifacts.  Beyond that, some examples of dance media are:

  • Video of dance performance
  • Letters of recommendation for exceptional dance ability from directors, teachers, or other experts in the field of dance
  • Unique, individual plans for performance, choreography, or other evidence of dance thinking and problem solving
  • Self reflection on dance experiences
  • Works created in or outside class  
  • Solo or small group performances in formal or informal settings
  • Free improvisation
  • Structured audition activities
  • Works performed that were choreographed by the student 
  • Dance Honor Society
  • CHSAA

Steps for the ID process:

  1. Review the considerations on this document and reach out to others who may have a specific understanding of your child's Dance Aptitude.
  2. Fill out the online referral form for Dance Aptitude.
  3. Begin to build/document a Dance portfolio.  Review the rubric here.
  4. Submit the portfolio to the GT Department (directions are below in the “How to Submit Your Portfolio” section).
  5. GT Resource teachers and/or expert jurors will evaluate the portfolio and continue to build the body of evidence if necessary. 
  6. If additional information is needed, a GT Resource teacher may perform cognitive/creative testing and/or Dance behavior scales with your student (such as the GRS or other research based observation scales).
  7. The GT Review team will review the BOE and inform parents of the status/decision within 30 school days of the BOE review.
  8. Reach out to your school’s GT Resource teacher if you have any needs/questions throughout the process.

How to submit your portfolio:

  1. We require digital portfolio submissions.  The GT Department is unable to house and manage physical portfolios or items.
  2. We recommend utilizing your student's Jeffco google account for online portfolio submission.  You and/or your student can create a folder in their google drive called "Dance Portfolio".  Inside the folder you can house any variety of artifacts (as listed above).  Then, copy the link to the folder and email it to [email protected] 
    1. Videos could also be uploaded privately to YouTube and then a link to the video submitted as a piece of the portfolio (please consider appropriate sharing settings if you do not want these to be publicly available)

If you are unable to submit a portfolio via the above methods, please reach out to your school's GT Resource Teacher for questions/assistance.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.