To help integrate dance with our Language program, I will be asking students to write critical essays about each style. Each student will keep a personal dance journal in which they will write responses to questions that arise out of our studies and discussions. We will explore each element individually and the students will be given choreographic assignments to assess their comprehension and ability to manipulate each element. Students will also be given the opportunity to create dances individually, with a partner and in small groups. These dances will be performed for the entire class, for the entire school, the public and, possibly, for other schools.
Dance provides a colorful and unique lens through which to understand history.
As mentioned above, we will be performing dance throughout the year, in class for our peers, for the entire school, in public performances and for other schools. Initially, we have only the final culminating performance in May scheduled. However, we will probably have a separate dance performance sometime in the spring. I will ask the class to help me in deciding whether and when to schedule this. We will be constantly be utilizing ideas and concepts from other subjects in our work.