Assessments
Foundations Program Level 1 NEXT STEP: Foundations Program Level 2
We are really proud of our programs. We have spent years developing the concepts and movements that we teach and still continue to explore even the most basic ideas. Please enjoy!
Routine Evaluation If you would like to check to see if you are doing a routine well (by our standards), you can request an evaluation. We have have evaluations at the end of a course.
What do I need to know for an evaluation: - The speed of the music will always be 80 bpm. The music will be similar to the selection of songs on the music page.
- You will do the movement individually and with a teacher.
- You will receive a list of some suggested technical improvements and a grade of proficiency
Grading: Can you do the movement? Can you execute it with most partners? Can you do it every time? Do you use it in the social?
Attending the social is part of the program
What do I need to know for the full assessment? Select one or two songs of your choice from one of the list of songs on our music page (www.mazouka.com/music). One dance to a song of your choice where you will perform the routines with a teacher combining all the Level 1 routines while adhering to the technical principles. One dance to a song of your choice where you will perform the routines without a partner to demonstrate complete understanding of the principles.
You will be assessed by both a teacher you are dancing with and with an observing teacher based on the list of technical concepts below.
| Follower’s Technique | Leader’s Technique | Foot | Activated, placement in alignment with frame, creating clear connection to the floor before moving on, ball-heel transition always | Activated, placement in alignment with frame, creating clear connection to the floor before moving on | Frame | Steady, level, open, clear orientation and shape, supported by the lats | Steady, level, open, clear orientation and shape, supported by the lats | Hips | In alignment with the Frame, clearly position of hips, obliques supporting each hip swing | In alignment with the Frame, clear position of hips, obliques supporting each hip swing | Hands | Steady, level, open / alive, clear orientation and shape, moving in coordination with your movement | Steady, level, open / alive, clear orientation and shape, moving in coordination with the Follower’s movement | Head | Level, open, dictating the orientation of the Frame | Level, open, following the orientation of the Frame | Hair | Following the Frame’s movement, clear position of the hair | N/A | Rhythm | Following the 1 345 78 count, maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” | Following the 1 345 78 count, transitioning after two bars of 8, maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” | Connection | Clear transitions during connection changes, connecting comfortably | Clear transitions during connection changes, connecting comfortably | Breath | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, breathing used to coordinate movement | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, breathing used to coordinate movement |
Sample Assessment: Diana (Solo) |
What we’d like to see: |
What we really liked seeing: | Foot | Activated during Basic steps | Foot placed consistently in alignment with the Frame throughout the dance | Frame | Frame shape preserved during Bonus | Frame supported by the lats during the Basic, Corridor and Basic Turns | Hips | Obliques being used to support each hip swing | Hips in alignment with the Frame throughout the dance | Hands | Activated when in contact with partner’s hands, moving in coordination with your movement during Lateral | Hands steady, beautiful shapes during the Yoyo | Head | Kept level during the Side Turn | Head orientation excellent for the Spiral Turn | Hair | Hair position more clearly indicated |
| Rhythm |
| Maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” | Connection | Clear transitions between during connection changes | Very comfortable connections | Breath | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, |
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Sample Self-testing questions: Please list all the Open Position Traveling Movements below. What large muscle group do we want supporting our frame? When the hands are “activated”, will it feel like you are being “pulled towards” your partner or “kept away”? Please draw the Level 1 flow diagram.
I’ve passed the assessment now what?! Time to move on… to LEVEL 2!! Wahooo!! - Mazouka Dance Company
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