Minds On
Today’s vocabulary
Let’s get started!
Let’s begin by thinking about how movement and expression can be used to communicate ideas in dance.
Explore the following video “Galumpha: The Human Jungle Gym” to learn more.
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Answer the following questions to reflect on the video.
- What were some of the ideas or themes communicated in the video?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample answer.
The dancers used their bodies to create a caterpillar.
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- What were some examples of the element of relationship you noticed in the video?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample answer.
The dancers use each other’s bodies to support the weight of their own body and create a connected shape
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- How did the dancers use relationship to communicate ideas?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample answer.
They used their bodies together as if they were one.
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Action
Get ready, get set…
Relationship
Relationship is one of the five elements of dance. Relationship explores the connection between things. For example, the relationship between dancers, between two body parts, or between a dancer and a prop.
Test Your Skills!
Thinking about relationship
Answer the following questions using a method of your choice.
- What are some ways the element of relationship might be used when working solo?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample response.
The dancer could explore the relationship with the audience. For example, they could make eye contact, travel towards or away from the audience, or go “off screen” if working virtually.
- What are some ways the element of relationship might be used when working in a duet?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample response.
The pair could mirror or shadow each other.
- What are some ways the element of relationship might be used when working with a group?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample response.
The dancers could change with various formations, or they could all follow one “leader.”
- What are some of the ways a dancer might explore the element of relationship when working with a prop?
Press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal a sample response.
A First Nations' dancer doing a Hoop dance uses hoops, and a Highland dancer dances with their swords.
Dancing with a prop
The element of relationship is often used to communicate a dancer’s connection to another dancer, the audience, or a prop.
Select a prop of your choice to complete this next activity. You can use any prop, just make sure it is light and easy to move with. Some examples include a stuffed animal, a chair, or a laundry basket.
After selecting your prop, think about the following prompts:
- How could you move in relationship to your prop?
- How could you go around your prop?
- How could you go over your prop?
- How could you go under your prop?
- What ways could you change the distance between you and your prop?
Record your answers to the prompts using pictures or a detailed written or audio description.
If possible, try the movements yourself! If you are going to do these movements yourself, do a safety check before you begin.
Safety
Before you begin, consider these safety precautions:
Go!
Creating a dance piece
Part 1: Brainstorm
The elements of dance, including the element of relationship, can be used to communicate an idea or message. Let’s explore how the elements can communicate by creating a short dance piece.
Consider the prop you selected for the previous activity. What is this object? What is it used for? Why is it useful or important to you?
Brainstorm a list of all the things you think are related to your prop. For example, if you are using a laundry basket, you could say that it is used to carry dirty or clean laundry, you can carry the basket on your hip, and the basket can be used to sort laundry.
Record your ideas in the following fillable and printable Brainstorm Web graphic organizer. You may also record your ideas using another method of your choice.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Brainstorm Web.
Activity
(Open PDF in a new window)
Part 2: Three ideas
From your list of brainstormed ideas, select three that you would like to explore further. How might we translate each of these ideas into a movement?
The following image shows an example:
Part 3: Make your movements
Using your list of ideas, imagine or create 3 movements to illustrate the function or importance of your prop. Your movements will be three separate actions. For example, “melt,” “spin,” “wiggle,” or “turn” are possible movements.
Determine how you might sequence the 3 movements together into one cohesive movement piece. You will need an opening pose, closing pose, and transitions between your movements.
You can record your ideas in the following fillable and printable “Movement Piece” organizer. You can also complete this activity using another method of your choice.
| Opening pose | |
|---|---|
| Movement 1 | |
| Transition 1 | |
| Movement 2 | |
| Transition 2 | |
| Movement 3 | |
| Closing pose |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Movement Piece.
Record your answers using movements, pictures, or as a detailed written or audio description.
If possible, share the dance sequence with someone!
Safety reminder
If you are going to perform the sequence, complete a safety check before you begin.
Student Tips
Example movement piece
Want to explore an example of a movement sequence? Check out the following chart!
Press the ‘Example’ button to reveal the example of a movement piece.
| Opening pose | Frozen in a standing position behind a chair. |  |
|---|---|---|
| Movement 1 | Walk in a circle around the chair. |  |
| Transition 1 | Skip to the front of the chair. |  |
| Movement 2 | Sit down on the chair. |  |
| Transition 2 | Jump up onto the chair. | 
|
| Movement 3 | Stand on the chair with arms up in the air. |  |
| Closing pose | Sit on chair backwards (back is facing the audience). |  |
Portfolio
Portfolio
Consider adding your brainstorm web and movement piece to your portfolio.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Portfolio
Review your learning
Let’s reflect on this learning activity by answering the following questions.
- What were some of the ways you used (or thought about using) the element of relationship?
- How is relationship the same or different from the other elements of dance?
- How do the elements of dance work together to communicate an idea?
You can record your answers and ideas using a method of your choice. Consider adding your work to your portfolio.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Learning goals
We are learning to…
- use the element of relationship in short dance pieces to communicate an idea
Success criteria
I am able to…
- explore the element of relationship in a variety of ways
- use appropriate movements to communicate ideas
- create a short dance piece