Minds On
Today’s vocabulary
Press the following tabs to access today’s vocabulary.
Important ideas in dance, which include the following:
- Body: The instrument of dance. The term body may also describe the body’s position or shape (e.g., curved, straight, big, and small); also, how the body is moving (e.g., using locomotor or non-locomotor movements).
- Energy: The force or power with which the body moves (e.g., heavy/light, sharp/smooth, tight/loose).
- Relationship: The way in which dancers move with other dancers, objects, or props (e.g., together, in front of, behind, inside, or around).
- Space: The space in which the body moves; includes the area around the body and the larger dance space.
- Time: An element of dance which includes rhythm, tempo, accent, and duration.
- rhythm–patterns of movement and rest
- tempo–how fast or slow a movement is performed
- accent–a strong movement or gesture used to create emphasis or focus
- duration–how long a movement lasts
The route or movement taken from point A to point B; or a pattern or design created on the floor or in the air by movements of the body (e.g., the arm moving in a circular motion creates a circular air pathway; galloping across the general space in a zig zag motion creates a ground pathway). The following are some examples.
- air pathway
- ground pathways
Directions are used to describe the position of the body or how it moves (e.g., forwards, backwards, sideways, or diagonal).
The position the body takes in space (e.g., angled, curved, or straight). It can refer to body zones, the whole body, body parts, and levels.
Let’s get started!
People move every day for lots of different reasons.
Think about a regular day in your life. When do you move?
Explore the following brainstorming web.
A brainstorming web. At the centre, it says, “Movements in Daily Life.” Around the outside are smaller bubbles that say the following: playing sports in Phys. Ed class, hopscotch, tag or other recess games, walking to school, yoga, other ideas, dance or fitness classes, martial arts, and bike riding.
Think about the following questions:
- Which of these movements do you do in your life?
- Are there other movements you do regularly that you would add?
Action
Get ready, get set…
Task 1: Exploring pathways, shapes, and directions
Two teachers are talking. The first teacher says, “Even everyday movement use the elements of dance!” The second teacher responds, “Let’s explore how the elements of dance are used in the movements you chose to explore.”
A pathway is a route you take to get from one point to another.
Pathways can be done on the ground, such as walking in a zigzag.
Pathways can also be done in the air. For example, making circles in the air with your arms.
Shape is the position of a person’s body in space, like a curved or an angular shape.
A dancer might use only one part of their body, like only the upper body, to make a shape or only one body part, like using just the arm.
Two people are making different shapes with their bodies. One person is standing on their left leg, their right leg bent and in the air. Their right arm is pointing diagonally upwards, and their left arm is pointing diagonally downwards. The other person is on both feet, squatting in a wide stance. Their body is bent sideways to the left with their left hand reaching down to the ground. Their right hand is outstretched to the side.
Direction is how you are traveling in space (backwards, diagonally, or sideways).
Go!
Task 2: Creating a dance phrase
Revisit the brainstorming web from the Minds On section.
Select two movements you would like to explore further.
A brainstorming web. At the centre, it says, “Movements in Daily Life.” Around the outside are smaller bubbles that say the following: playing sports in Phys. Ed class, hopscotch, tag or other recess games, walking to school, yoga, other ideas, dance or fitness classes, martial arts, and bike riding.
Portfolio
Portfolio
Record your choices using the column on the left in the following graphic organizer.
Think about the two movements you chose.
- What pathway does the movement take?
- What shape is being made?
- Which direction are you facing or traveling in?
Using the graphic organizer, write or draw an image of what each movement might be.
Complete the My Own Movement Phrase activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts. Consider adding your work to your dance portfolio.
|
Movement 1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Write or draw your ideas: |
Pathway
|
|
Shape
|
|
|
Direction
|
|
|
Movement 2 |
|
|
Write or draw your ideas: |
Pathway
|
|
Shape
|
|
|
Direction
|
|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the My Own Movement Phrase activity.
Two teachers are talking. The first teacher asks, “What order would you put your movements in?” The second teacher asks, “How would you put your movements together, so they create a short dance phrase?”
Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
If possible, rehearse your short dance phrase and share it with a partner!
Safety
Let’s get our bodies moving!
Always be sure to do your safety checks before you do an activity.
Before you begin, check:
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Portfolio
Review your learning
Use the following questions to reflect on your learning.
- What combinations of movements and pathways did you include in the movement phrase?
- Did your movements change at all as you planned your dance piece? Explain your thinking.
- How might your dance phrase change if you change one of the elements (e.g., travelled using a different pathway or changed the direction of your movement)?
- What pathways, shapes, or directions would you like to continue to explore?
Record your responses using a method of your choice. Consider adding your work to your portfolio.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.