1.8.2 - Space
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Aims of Learning Dance
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Today, we'll discuss the aims of learning dance in the MYP. Can anyone tell me what they think the main aim is?
I think it's about exploring our personal identities through movement.
Great point! Exploring personal and cultural identities is a key aim. It helps us express ourselves. What about developing skills?
We learn technique and how to choreograph dances.
Exactly! We develop technical skills and choreographic thinking. Lastly, how does dance connect to social and historical contexts?
Dance can show us how people express their experiences in different times and places.
You are all getting it! Dance connects us across cultures and histories. Remember, we can think of this acronym to remember the aims: I-S-C-E, which stands for Identity, Skills, Critique, and Expression.
I like that! I can remember it now.
To wrap up today, the aims of learning dance help us engage creatively and understand ourselves better.
Types and Styles of Dance
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Let’s dive into the different types of dance. Can anyone name a classical dance style?
Ballet!
Correct! Ballet is known for its grace and storytelling. Can anyone tell me about another classical dance?
What about Bharatanatyam?
Yes! Bharatanatyam is rich in expression and is a beautiful Indian classical dance form. Now, let’s talk about contemporary dance. How does it differ?
It focuses more on natural movement and emotions.
Exactly! Contemporary dance breaks away from classical forms. To remember these concepts, think of the acronym 'C-F-S-P' for Classical, Folk, Social, and Popular dance types.
I like how that fits all the styles!
Great! Remember, each style has its unique characteristics that reflect various cultures.
Elements of Dance
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Next, we'll discuss the elements of dance. Who can tell me what the first element is?
Is it the body?
Correct! The body is our main instrument of expression. Next, can anyone explain what 'space' refers to in dance?
It’s about where and how we move in the space around us.
Excellent! How about the concept of time in dance?
It’s the tempo and rhythm of the movements.
Great job! We can remember the elements using the acronym 'B-S-T-E-R,' representing Body, Space, Time, Energy, and Relationship. Why do you think understanding these elements is important?
Because it helps us create and analyze choreography better!
Exactly! Understanding these elements significantly enhances our dance appreciation and creativity.
Choreography and Composition
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Now, let’s talk about choreography. What do you think choreography involves?
It’s about creating dance routines, right?
Yes! Choreography is the craft of creating dance routines. What are some elements we can use in choreography?
We can use motifs and repeat them or change them!
Exactly! Motifs are important for structure. Can anyone name a choreographic device?
What about 'canon'?
Right! Canon adds depth to choreography. Let's remember this with the acronym 'M-C-R,' which stands for Motif, Canon, and Reflection. Why is audience consideration important in choreography?
So they can connect with the performance!
Great understanding! These elements make our dance not just movements but stories.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section delves into dance as a medium of expression and communication, emphasizing its diverse styles, cultural connections, and the role of choreography and performance in storytelling and identity exploration. It highlights the collaborative nature of dance and its interdisciplinary links to history, science, and technology.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
Dance is presented as a vital form of expression and creativity, fundamental to cultural identity and social connection. The MYP framework encourages students to not only perform but also analyze and reflect upon dance. The section outlines the objectives and key concepts in learning dance, including aesthetics, identity, change, and communication.
Key Points Covered:
- Aims of Learning Dance: Personal identity exploration, skill development, performance critique, social context connection, and creativity fostering are the core aims of studying dance within the MYP.
- Types and Styles of Dance: Various dance styles, from classical forms like Ballet and Bharatanatyam, contemporary styles that emphasize natural movement, to folk dances tied to cultural celebrations, are discussed.
- Elements of Dance: The section emphasizes the five key elements: body, space, time, energy, and relationship, which are fundamental to understanding choreography.
- Choreography and Composition: Students learn to create dance routines, exploring motifs and choreographic devices.
- Collaboration and Reflection: Importance of ensemble work, sharing creative leadership, and peer feedback are highlighted.
- Interdisciplinary Links: Dance as a subject interconnects with history, science, technology, and literature.
- Assessment Criteria: A breakdown of how students' dance knowledge, skills, creative thinking, and responsiveness are evaluated.
This layered approach to dance education in MYP reflects its deep ties to cultural expressions and its evolving nature through collaboration and innovation.
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Understanding Space in Dance
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
- Space – Direction, level, pathway, size, and focus.
Detailed Explanation
In dance, 'space' refers to how dancers utilize the physical area around them. It includes several key components: direction (the way a dancer faces), level (high, medium, or low), pathway (the route a dancer takes through the space), size (the expanse of the movement), and focus (the intended gaze or attention in performance). Together, these elements help create a visual story and engage the audience effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a painter on a canvas; just as a painter chooses where to place each stroke and color, a dancer carefully chooses their movements and how they interact with the space around them. For instance, when a dancer leaps high, they are using the 'high' level of space, which can convey joy or triumph.
Directional Movement in Dance
Chapter 2 of 5
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Chapter Content
Direction refers to the way a dancer moves through space, including forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally.
Detailed Explanation
Direction in dance is crucial as it defines the path of the movement. Dancers can move in various directions, and each direction can evoke different emotions and indicate different meanings in a performance. For instance, moving forward might symbolize progress or confidence, while moving backward could suggest retreat or hesitation.
Examples & Analogies
Consider walking along a path; going straight ahead feels assertive while taking a step back might signal contemplation. Similarly, in dance, the direction chosen by the dancer helps narrate the story being expressed.
Levels in Dance
Chapter 3 of 5
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Chapter Content
Level refers to the height of the dancer's movements, which can be high, medium, or low.
Detailed Explanation
Levels in dance determine how high or low the movements are executed. High levels involve movements such as jumping and leaping, while low levels might include crouching or sitting. Using different levels can add depth to a performance and help create a dynamic visual experience. It also allows for a greater range of expression as movements at varying levels can convey different feelings.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a roller coaster; the highs and lows create excitement and engaging experiences. Similarly, employing various levels in dance can electrify a performance and keep the audience captivated.
Pathways in Dance
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
The pathway refers to the route that dancers take while moving through space.
Detailed Explanation
Pathways in dance can vary widely—from straight lines to curved paths or zigzag patterns. The chosen pathway can greatly impact the character of the dance and influence the audience's perception. For example, a dancer moving in a circular pathway might suggest community or connection, while sharp angles might indicate tension or conflict.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a river flowing through a landscape; its winding path shapes the land around it. In a similar way, the pathways dancers create influence how they relate to their environment and the audience.
Size and Focus in Dance
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
Size refers to the scale of the movements (large or small), while focus is the direction of the dancer's gaze.
Detailed Explanation
The size of movements can indicate the intensity of emotion; larger movements may portray strength or exuberance, while smaller movements often reflect subtlety or intimacy. Similarly, focus is essential as it drives the audience's attention and connects the dancer to their performance. A dancer's gaze can enhance their storytelling, pulling the audience into the emotional core of the piece.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a spotlight on a stage; when the light is bright and large, it draws attention, much as big movements do in dance. Conversely, a soft light creates an intimate atmosphere, akin to the small, delicate movements that convey vulnerability.
Key Concepts
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Aesthetics: The appreciation of beauty in dance and its expressive qualities.
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Identity: Dance as a reflection of personal and cultural identity.
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Change: The evolution and fusion of dance styles over time.
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Communication: Dance as a non-verbal form of expression.
Examples & Applications
Ballet exemplifies classical dance with its structured movements and storytelling.
Hip-hop illustrates social dance that evolves with music trends, showcasing individual styles.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
In dance we learn to twist and sway, / With space and time, we play each day.
Stories
Once there was a dance that told a story of change, where every move mirrored the emotions of the dancers, reflecting their identities and histories.
Memory Tools
Remember the elements of dance with 'B-STER': Body, Space, Time, Energy, Relationship.
Acronyms
For the aims of dance, think 'I-S-C-E' — Identity, Skills, Critique, and Expression.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Aesthetics
The branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and artistic taste in dance.
- Choreography
The art of creating and arranging dance movements and sequences.
- Motif
A recurring movement pattern or idea within a dance piece.
- Canon
A choreographic device where a movement is performed in sequence by dancers.
- Technique
The proficiency and skillful handling of dance movements.
Reference links
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