Minds On
Today’s vocabulary
Press the following tabs to access today’s vocabulary.
Let’s get started!
Access this video entitled “Creating Awareness of Climate Change Through Dance” to learn more about an excerpt of a dance piece by Tribhangi Dance Theatre.
Consider the dance piece itself and the description by Jayesperi Moopen, the artistic director. What are your initial impressions of this dance piece? Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Action
Get ready, get set…
Task 1: Interpreting dance
The critical analysis is a framework that will guide you to develop an informed interpretation about a dance work.
An illustration that explains the critical analysis process. There is a bubble labelled “Critical Analysis Process” in the middle of the illustration. Around the “Critical Analysis Process” bubble, there are 4 other bubbles. The first is “Initial Reaction” at the top followed by an arrow leading to the second bubble that is labelled “Description” on the right side. Then, there is an arrow leading to the bottom bubble that is labelled, “Analysis and Interpretation” and a last arrow leading to the bubble labelled, “Expression of an Informed Point of View”.
Teacher A and Teacher B will walk you through the critical analysis process in this learning activity.
Revisit the dance explored in the Minds On section.
Describe how the dancers used the elements of dance and the sets and costumes to communicate their message about climate change.
What is climate change?
The term climate change refers to significant changes in average weather patterns (i.e., precipitation, temperature, wind, and other indicators) that persist within a climate system, caused directly or indirectly by human activity. While there has always been variation in the Earth’s climate, there is consensus in the scientific community that human activity has increased the number of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere; and that this is leading to a statistically significant increase in the Earth’s temperature — hence the expression “global warming.” Climate change is happening now.
Press ‘Elements of Dance’ to access different prompts that might guide you.
| Element of Dance | |
|---|---|
| Body |
What is the dancer’s body doing? Consider the following questions: What different body bases is the dancer using to create shapes with their body? What different body parts is the dancer using? How many different locomotor and non-locomotor movements are used in the dance? Is the dancer creating symmetry or asymmetry with their body? What kinds of angular shapes are being used (e.g., angular, geometric, curved, organic)? |
| Space |
Where is the dancer’s body moving? Consider the following questions: Is the dancer moving at a high, middle, or low level? What different pathways are being used in the dance piece (straight, zigzag, backward)? If there are multiple dancers, are they dancing close together or far apart? What formation are they dancing in (e.g., a line, circle, scattered formation, etc.)? |
| Time |
When is the dancer’s body moving? (in relation to time) Consider the following questions: What speed is the dancer moving at (e.g., fast, medium, slow)? Is the dancer dancing to music? What kind of music (e.g., a solo drummer, instrumental music, a popular song, etc.)? Did the dancer use pause, freeze, or a moment of stillness in their piece? |
| Energy |
How is the dancer’s body moving? Consider the following questions: How was the dancer moving? (e.g., lightly as if they were a balloon floating through the sky or heavy as if they were pushing a big piece of furniture across the floor)? Did the dancer use sudden movements? Did the dancer use sustained movements? |
| Relationship |
Who or what is the dancer’s body moving with? Consider the following questions: If there is more than one dancer in a piece, how are the dancers interacting with each other (e.g., do they meet and part, are they moving in unison, etc.)? How did the dancer use emotions or facial expressions to enhance their movements? Was the dancer using props in their piece? |
Portfolio
Portfolio
Consider adding this document to your portfolio.
Record your ideas in the left and middle columns of the following graphic organizer.
Complete the How is the Message Communicated? 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.
How is the Message Communicated?
Use dance vocabulary, where possible.
| What did the dancers do? | How did the set/ lights/ costumes contribute to the message? | How did the description or explanation from the artistic director contribute to your understanding? |
|---|---|---|
|
Consider one or more of the following: What shapes are the dancers making? Are they using mostly locomotor or non-locomotor movements? What formation(s) are they using? What level(s) are they using? What do you notice about the relationship between dancers? |
Consider one or more of the following: What images/motifs were projected on the cyclorama (white screen at the back of the stage)? What colour lights were used? What style and/or colour were the costumes worn by the dancers? |
Consider one or more of the following: How did Moopen’s cultural background provide inspiration for the movements? What were some of the challenges Moopen faces when trying to translate ideas into movement? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the How is the Message Communicated? activity.
Task 2: Consideration of the cultural context
Revisit the dance piece again, this time paying particular attention to artistic director Jayesperi Moopen’s explanation about how she drew inspiration from her own cultural and religious background to inform her artistic choices. Moopen also draws on Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dancing and African music in the choreography. How might this contribute to the overall message of the piece?
Portfolio
Portfolio
Consider adding this document to your portfolio.
Add your ideas about how the description added to your understanding of the piece, using the column on the right in the graphic organizer, or a method of your choice.
How is the Message Communicated?
Use dance vocabulary, where possible.
| What did the dancers do? | How did the set/ lights/ costumes contribute to the message? | How did the description or explanation from the artistic director contribute to your understanding? |
|---|---|---|
|
Consider one or more of the following: What shapes are the dancers making? Are they using mostly locomotor or non-locomotor movements? What formation(s) are they using? What level(s) are they using? What do you notice about the relationship between dancers? |
Consider one or more of the following: What images/motifs were projected on the cyclorama (white screen at the back of the stage)? What colour lights were used? What style and/or colour were the costumes worn by the dancers? |
Consider one or more of the following: How did Moopen’s cultural background provide inspiration for the movements? What were some of the challenges Moopen faces when trying to translate ideas into movement? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access How is the Message Communicated?
Go!
Task 3: Communicating a response
Consider your response to this dance piece. Use the following prompts to guide your thinking.
- How effectively do Moopen and the dancers draw on the elements of dance to communicate the message?
- Has your perspective shifted from your initial reaction? If so, how has it changed?
- Have your thoughts or feelings about the work changed since your first impressions? If so, how have they changed?
- What made you change your mind?
- If you have not changed your mind, can you now explain your first reaction more fully or precisely?
- Is this an important dance piece? Why?
There are many ways to communicate a response to dance (e.g., through writing, through art, discussion, etc.) Select one of the following mediums to communicate your thoughts on this dance piece.
A mind map showing different ways through which we can communicate our thoughts. Mediums are: video, music, drama presentation, audio recording, writing, visual Art.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Portfolio
Portfolio
Review your learning
Use the following questions to reflect on your learning.
- Is dance an effective medium to bring attention to the climate crisis? Explain your thinking.
- How can the critical analysis process help someone interpret a dance piece?
- What medium do you prefer to use to communicate your ideas? (e.g., writing, audio recording, art, etc.) Explain your thinking.
Record your responses using a method of your choice. Consider adding your work to your portfolio.
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.