Dance Talent Area

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.

Types of evidence

The type of evidence Jeffco Public Schools is looking for relates to the skills and abilities observed in a student's dance performances. Not all students will have all of the following; these are just examples.

• Dance with expressiveness
• Master dance elements
• Demonstrates a sense of time and rhythm
• Express ideas and emotions through dance

Students may work in any or multiple domains of dance including but not limited to ballet, ballroom dance, step dance, jazz dance, hip-hop or breakdance.

The Colorado Department of Education has approved different types of qualifying information for a body of evidence in dance aptitude within Jeffco.

Performance, portfolio and product evaluation

• Top place or ranking at a state or national contest related to dance
• Expert juried performance at the advanced or distinguished level
• Portfolio or product review at the advanced or distinguished level

Norm-referenced observation

• 95th percentile or above on norm-referenced observation scale in the area of dance (SIGS, GRS, GES)
• Research-based checklist or scale (Haroutounian Scale)

Criterion or norm-referenced test

• 95th percentile or above on an approved norm-referenced or criterion-referenced test for Creativity (such as Torrance Test of Creative Thinking or PCA)
• 95th percentile or above on an approved cognitive assessment (KBIT, CogAT, WISC, WPPSI)

1. Fill out the dance aptitude identification referral form.
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2. Review the dance portfolio rubric.
3. Assemble the portfolio.
4. Submit the portfolio by the deadline on the timeline for talent identification.
5. GT resource teachers or expert jurors will evaluate the portfolio and build a body of evidence.
6. A GT resource teacher may perform cognitive-creative testing or performing arts behavior scales, such as research-based observation scales, with the student.
7. The GT review team will review the body of evidence and inform parents of the status or decision within 30 school days of the review.

Assemble the portfolio

Portfolios must be electronic and submitted online. Submissions can be annotated to help the review team understand the student’s thinking and process.

Due to the varied nature of performance and disciplines within dance, it is difficult to define what a portfolio must be. Jeffco is looking for at least five artifacts that evidence advanced dance ability.

Portfolios could include:

• 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