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Press the following tabs to access today’s vocabulary.

A portable object used in dance to support or enhance a performance. A prop may be used in dance as a creative stimulus or as an extension of the body and/or movement.

A movement that involves travelling from one place to another across a space (e.g., walking, galloping, rolling).

Props are often used in dance pieces. For example, Indigenous dancers use coloured hoops in the Hoop dance, Highland dancers use a sword in the Sword dance, and some Fosse-style jazz dances use bowler hats as part of the choreography.

An Indigenous dancer is circling two coloured hoops on their arms.

A Highland dancer dances over and across the sword.

A jazz dancer holds the brim of a bowler hat between their thumb and forefinger.

Some props may have cultural significance, while others are incorporated into the dance piece for stylistic or choreographic purposes. Props that are of cultural significance should not be replicated.

Check out this video to learn more about how a Highland dancer dances over and across the sword.

Consider the following questions:

Can you think of any other dances that use props?
Why might a dancer incorporate a prop into their dance piece?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

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Action

Get ready, get set…

Task 1: Exploring props in dance

Press ‘Prop’ to access its definition.

Prop

A prop is a portable object used in dance to support or enhance a performance. A prop may be used in dance as a creative stimulus or as an extension of the body and/or movement.

An orange ball against an orange background.

A dancer, holding a baton in their right hand.

A white sheer fabric against a blue-sky background.

Props might be used individually, with a partner, or in a group to create emotions such as excitement, sadness, or joy by the way we interact with the object.

A dancer is holding a pink umbrella in their left hand. Their right leg is outstretched behind them.

Two dancers are pulling a blue piece of fabric between them, as if in a tug of war.

Two adults are holding a ribbon in a straight line off the ground. Two children bend backwards to walk under the ribbon.

Let’s explore the type of movements that could be performed using a prop.

	How might someone use a small ball or another object like an eraser to create a side-to-side action?
How could you create a locomotor movement with the ball?
	How could you create a big shape at a high level with the ball?

What other movements could be created with the ball? Record your ideas using a method of your choice. If possible, share your movements with someone!

Always be sure to do your safety checks before you do an activity.

Safety

Before you begin, consider these safety precautions:

Wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes for the activity. Use the appropriate equipment for the activity. Be sure to check your equipment before use. If you are unsure if the equipment you are using is safe, please check in with a teacher and/or parent/guardian. Complete the activity in a safe environment with enough space, so you aren’t bumping into any objects. Listen to your body. Do the modifications, take breaks or stop the activity if you are feeling unwell.

Go!

Task 2: Using props with a partner

Dancers can also work together to dance with a prop. Consider the following video. Pay attention to how multiple dancers work together to engage with a single prop.

Explore this video entitled “Dance with Two Army Blankets” to learn more about how a group of dancers can use one prop together.

Now, let's think about how two dancers can use a prop in their dance movements.

Portfolio

Consider adding this document to your portfolio.

How could two dancers use the ball together? Record your ideas using the graphic organizer provided, or another method of your choice.

Complete the Two Dancers Can Do A Lot Together… 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.

Two Dancers Can Do A Lot Together…
How could two dancers use a ball to…	Your ideas…
Create one shape that uses both bodies and the ball?
Travel together in a curved pathway?
Rise from the ground up to a high level?
Travel around or over the ball?
Play follow the leader?

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Two Dancers Can Do A Lot Together….

Activity

If possible, try your movements with a partner.

Safety reminder

Always be sure to do your safety checks before any physical activity!

Consolidation

Putting it all together

Use the following questions to reflect on your learning.

What needs to be considered when working with a prop solo? What needs to be considered when working with a partner?
When you were brainstorming movements that could be created using the ball, did you focus on a particular element of dance? Explain your answer.
What might happen if you removed the ball from your exploration? How might the movements change?

Record your responses using a method of your choice. If possible, share your reflection with a partner!

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...

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts   I have a very good understanding of the concepts   I have some understanding but need to review some more  my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

Learning goals

Success criteria

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Action