Take-home portion due at final exam time

Applying the information presented in this course, please respond to the questions below in an essay format. Your response may be neatly written or typed, using one side of the paper only. Your response will be evaluated for content, application of course concepts, and writing skills. This portion of the exam is worth 50 points.

QUESTIONS:

Identify your conditioning strengths and weaknesses:

• Which elements of conditioning (muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, etc.) are easiest for you to maintain and build?
• Which are most difficult for you to maintain and build?
• Do you have any specialized conditioning needs based on the dance repertory you are currently performing? Be sure to give specific examples from dance technique and performance repertory.
• Design a day-by-day, realistic conditioning program for yourself that addresses your specific needs. This part may be done in narrative or chart form. Explain which Reformer exercises you chose to add and why.
• Discuss ideas that you have for “sticking” to your plan.

In addition to the take-home final essay we will also have a practical component to the exam. Please report to the conditioning room a few minutes before your scheduled time dressed in leotards and tights or a unitard so that I can clearly see alignment. I will ask you to perform one reformer exercise, one Pilates mat exercise, and one theraband exercise for which you have received instruction and directions are included in your coursepack. You will be evaluated on how you prepare for the exercises, how you perform the exercises and how you complete the exercises. Correct and safe use of the equipment will also be considered. There will be no additional written portion beyond the take-home essay final.