New THE BIG PICTURE · 2019. 7. 22. · That’s okay, too! You don’t have to take a bunch of lessons and perform professionally to enjoy dancing. You can just dance for fun whenever

CREATIVE ARTS | DANCE

THE BIG PICTURE

The Salvation Army Adventure Corps: Rangers 1 Creative Arts | Dance

“ Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.”

-Ted Shawn, American Dancer and Founder of modern dance for men in America

When you see people dancing professionally, on stage or in a music video, have you ever wondered if one day that might be you?

Amar Ramasar may not have, until he saw a video of a famous ballet. His dad was a former Marine. His mom was a nurse. Dance was never on his radar, and no one in his family knew anything about it. But as soon as he saw the ballet, he said, “That’s what I want to do.” And he did! He is now a principal dancer with New York City Ballet. (www.nycballet.com/Dancers/Dancers-Bios/Amar-Ramasar.aspx)

Maybe your response to seeing dance is similar to Amar’s. Or, perhaps you have watched a video of Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, or Gregory Hines, and you don’t think you want to become a dancer. That’s okay, too! You don’t have to take a bunch of lessons and perform professionally to enjoy dancing. You can just dance for fun whenever and wherever you want to, because there is no wrong way to dance. It is an expression of how the music makes you feel. You can also learn to appreciate dance as a spectator and come to enjoy the complexity of the many different styles.

https://www.nycballet.com/Dancers/Dancers-Bios/Amar-Ramasar.aspx



ZOOMING INThere are many different kinds of dance. Let’s take a look at a few that are popular around the world!

BALLETBallet was the first form of professional dance; it began around the 17th century in Europe. The French king, Louis XIV, ordered the formation of the first ballet company in 1661. Ever since that time, ballet has remained one of the most popular forms of dance to learn and watch across the globe. Ballet dancers learn very specific and strict movements and positions, which they must master in order to become professionals. There are three main types of ballet: classical ballet, neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet.

MODERN OR CONTEMPORARYWhile ballet has strict technique and parameters to its performances, some dancers and choreographers branched out from ballet to explore other ways to express themselves through dance. This is how modern dance—dance that develops new forms and movements and incorporates them into a choreographed performance—was developed.

Contemporary dance emphasizes the use of emotion within its work and uses non-conventional motion and positions, such as lying on the floor.

JAZZJazz dance doesn’t follow the conventions of ballet but doesn’t quite fall under the modern dance category, either. Though free of ballet’s stricter techniques and positions like modern dance, jazz dance differs from modern dance in a few distinct ways. The most prominent is that, in jazz dance, there is more of a direct connection with music, as syncopated movements (those that go right to the beat) and rhythmic body isolations are much more prevalent than in a modern dance piece. Jazz dance has similarities to hip-hop and musical theater.

A company is the term used when describing a group of dancers that are hired to perform together for a set period of time. Usually, the company has a home theater they are able to use to perform their dances. In some cases, there is a school that is attached to train younger dancers in the specific style of that company.

ARTIST AND ATHLETEYou could say that dancers are both artists and athletes…and you’d be correct. Yes, we often think of dancers as graceful and rhythmic, but you also have to be strong. Professional dancers utilize their bodies for many hours a day. It is now considered one of the most physically demanding professions. One of the main reasons people take up dancing as a hobby is for the health benefits—dancing can improve your balance, coordination, muscle tone, and cardiovascular system.

And just like those athletes you see on TV, dancers can get injured doing their job, too. According to Dr. James Garrick, a leading doctor of sports medicine, the injury rate for dancers is similar to those who play professional football. Multiple studies have shown, including one from the Center of Sports Medicine at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco, California, that approximately 80% of all professional dancers will have at least one significant injury during their career.



BALLROOMYou don’t have to be in a huge ballroom for your movement to be considered a ballroom dance. Ballroom dance is an umbrella category for a variety of dances from across the globe. Beginning back in the 18th century, many of these dances involve a pair of dancers, with each dance having specific steps and certain music to which it is performed. What falls into this category? The waltz, the cha-cha, the tango, the quickstep, the samba, the jive, and many more! Many ballroom dance styles originated in Mexico and countries in the southern portion of the Americas. These dances are often referred to as Latin Ballroom, and they are some of the most popular ballroom styles in the world.

MUSICAL THEATERYou may be thinking that a performance for most of these dances takes place in a theater, so wouldn’t all of these dances technically be theater dance? Theater dance is actually a specific type of dance! It is similar to jazz dancing based on more stringent technique, kicks, lifts, and turns. This is the type of dancing you would see in a Broadway musical. Theater dancers usually also have to have some form of acting or singing talent to help portray the characters they are called to inhabit on the stage.

HIP-HOPThis is a recent style of dance that many young people know well. Well-known hip-hop dancers include Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Drake, and many other musicians who are often played on the airwaves today. Hip-hop has gained popularity in recent years, though it dates back to the 1970s with funk dancing and in the 1980s with breakdancing. There are many distinct subcategories of hip-hop—locking, popping, b-boying, and krumping. These types of dances often contain highly structured, rigid movements, often performed in athletic shoes such as sneakers. The dancers’ movements are often low to the ground. When more than one dancer is on stage, they tend to synchronize their movements with great precision.

COUNTRY-WESTERNThere are many kinds of moves that are traditionally danced to country music. Some, like line dancing, are performed synchronously, with each line following the same steps. Others, like the two-step, are partner dances. Country music originated in North America, with country-western music, in the nineteenth century, and was originally accompanied by the guitar and fiddle. It has remained, and in fact grown in popularity, as more and more people listen to country music worldwide.

HULAOriginating in the Hawaiian islands, hula is a Polynesian dance that tells stories through the music and chant that accompanies it, often with complex hand and arm motions. There are two main types of hula dancing. Hula kahiko existed before the islands encountered European explorers. It is accompanied by traditional drum instruments and chants. Hula ‘Auana was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, and is often accompanied by the guitar or ukulele. Hula can be done sitting or standing.



TAPAlthough this dance is uniquely North American, the roots of tap dancing are in both African tribal dancing and in Scottish and Irish clog dances and jigs! Tap is performed by striking the tap, or the metal parts attached to the shoes, against the floor. This creates a percussive sound. In fact, syncopation, or rhythmic sounds that are often complex and unexpected, is an important part of the footwork. Tap became especially popular in the 19th and 20th centuries and is often danced to jazz music or in musical theater numbers.

#ONE MORE THING

Think about a defensive lineman from an NFL team doing plies in a ballet class…you may think that it would never happen, but many NFL teams take ballet classes to make them better at playing football. What could ballet offer a football player? Well, you’d be surprised to know that many skills used in ballet are also used by running backs and tight ends. Ballet enhances your flexibility, agility, and balance (among many other things). Think of a wide receiver switching up and pivoting to avoid a tackle—that skill can be worked on in ballet class, which strengthens knees and ankles, which not only makes him faster, but also less prone to injury.


ACTIVITY | DANCE

GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

To earn your Dance Arts emblem, you must complete three of the five exercises listed below. Have fun!

TASK 1Mikhail Baryshnikov

Bob Fosse

Twyla Tharp

Shane Sparks

Fred Astaire

Wade Robson

Ginger Rogers

Michael Jackson

Katherine Dunham

Dalire Kaneohe

Gene Kelly

Gregory Hines

Misty Copeland

Rudolf Nureyev

Martha Graham

Recognize any of the names above? They all have one thing in common: they made (or are still making) a huge impact on the world of dance and are considered some of the most talented and famous dancers in history. Select one of the dancers from the list above and research him or her. Prepare a three-minute presentation for your group that includes interesting facts about that dancer, the style of dance he or she was influential in, how and why she/he made such an impact, and so on. If you can, find some videos to share of your dancer performing to show to your group. If you know of a dancer that isn’t on this list that you want to learn more about, just tell your guide and go for it!

NOTES


ACTIVITY | DANCE

GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

TASK 2With your group, attend a dance performance. It can be any style or genre of dance. Your guide will help organize this. As you watch, take note of how the dance makes you feel, what you liked about the dance, the music, the sets, lighting, and costumes and so on. After the performance, jot down five things you noticed and share it with your group and guide.

NOTES

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TASK 3Invite a dancer or dance teacher to come and talk to your group (or go visit him or her at a dance studio). Prepare at least two questions to ask him or her. As a group, ask your visitor to teach you a few simple moves. Have fun and learn some new dance steps!

QUESTIONS

1.

2.

3.


ACTIVITY | DANCE

GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK!Select a style of dance that interests you and take a class at a professional studio. Many studios have low-cost or free trial class options for new students. Also, some YMCAs and other community centers may offer free classes as well. If you have trouble finding a class to take, ask your guide for help. Report back what you learned to your guide and maybe even show him a few moves!

TASK 4A choreographer is the person who develops and arranges the sequence of moves that, when put together in a certain order, makes up a dance performance. Separate into groups of three. Think of a story, and choreograph a dance to tell that story. Remember to use the styles of dance you have learned about for inspiration. When you present your dance to the group, see if the group can retell the story through observing your dance moves!

TASK 5Each style of dance requires a certain shoe—a tap dancer needs tap shoes, a ballet dancer needs ballet or pointe shoes, and so on. Pick a certain style of dance and explore what kind of shoe is needed. Think about how many shoes a dancer may need each year and the cost that it entails, as well as why that style of shoe is important to that specific dance. Present what you find to your guide and/or group.

The Salvation Army Adventure Corps: Rangers GR-1 Creative Arts | Dance


GUIDE’S RESOURCES


The purpose of this emblem is to introduce the boys to the art of dance. This emblem might best be completed in tandem with the Dance Humanities emblem, as the boys would have a complete picture of dance as an art form as well as the evolution of dance across cultures. This is a fun topic—dance is everywhere and is part of every culture! Some of your boys may love dancing, while others may not like to perform or be a little shy. Be aware of this and make sure the environment is supportive to the group.

X Differentiation point: Some boys may have the sense that dancing is not a masculine activity. This emblem will demonstrate that men and women dance, and dancing often displays strength and agility! Nevertheless, be aware of the dynamic that some boys may be hesitant to embrace all that dancing has to offer.

X Differentiation point: Be sure to preview dances before allowing a demonstration or viewing a production. Some may contain movements that would not reflect the values of the Corps. If you do see a dance, or you see the boys choreographing a dance, that challenges Christian beliefs, be sure to address it in line with the values of the Corps.

X Differentiation point: Consider your local resources when engaging with this emblem. Do you or anyone in the group know a dance instructor or professional performance dancer? Is there a dance company or studio in the area that would host your group? Are there opportunities to see dance performances in the area? Local universities may have dance faculty who would be willing to speak with the boys; there may be university dance departments that stage student performances.

X Differentiation point: Boys who speak other languages or are from particular regions may be knowledgeable in pronouncing certain dances and dance steps. Allow them to take the lead, as appropriate, and teach others how to say terms like an expert!

X Differentiation point: Some of the tasks may include Internet research, if such resources are available. Be sure to monitor and insist on safe Internet search procedures.

X Differentiation point: Although not included as a separate group or individual activity, there are many dance competition shows on television. Oftentimes, the competitor will be assigned a style of dance upon which he or she will be judged. Individually or as a group, the boys could view a television show (make sure they have caregiver approval, and if possible, preview it yourself ) and share their reflections on the different style of dances they saw performed.

The group task will involve reading about the different kinds of dances, and practicing those moves through game. The individual tasks are designed for the boys to research dancers, talk to dancers, and/or view different dance performances. The closing task will consider the role of dancing as an expression of joy in the Old Testament.

RESOURCES

» www.kennedy-center.org/search?q=dance&filter=Multime-dia&submit=Search

» http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/families/at-home/support-ing-young-artists/good-moves-for-young-dancers

» www.lincolncenter.org/dance

» artsedge.kennedy-center.org/multimedia?facet:ArtsSubject-Name=Dance#results

» www.dancemagazine.com/vid-eos/

» www.cosmopolitan.com/en-tertainment/news/a46493/up-town-funk-dancescenes-video/

» www.tapdance.org/Legends

» http://all-that-is-interesting.com/martha-swope-photos

» https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Ramasar

http://www.kennedy-center.org/search?q=dance&filter=Multimedia&submit=Search



http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/families/at-home/supporting-young-artists/good-moves-for-young-dancers




http://www.lincolncenter.org/dance

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/multimedia?facet:ArtsSubjectName=Dance#results



http://www.dancemagazine.com/videos/

http://www.dancemagazine.com/videos/

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a46493/uptown-funk-dancescenes-video/



http://www.tapdance.org/Legends

http://all-that-is-interesting.com/martha-swope-photos

http://all-that-is-interesting.com/martha-swope-photos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Ramasar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Ramasar




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

MATERIALS

¨ Copies of manual

MATERIALS

¨ Copies of manual

¨ Writing tools

¨ Chart paper or board for Zooming In, if desired

¨ Slips of paper

¨ Writing tools

¨ Bags or sacks for game

TOPIC GUIDE: INTRODUCTION1. Welcome students and have them sit down. For this lesson, the boys can sit in

any configuration.

2. Distribute manual and read The Big Picture together. You or a few students can read it aloud, or you can give them a moment to read to themselves.

GROUP TASK: ZOOMING IN & OPTIONAL GAME1. Read Zooming In together. We recommend that you assign a type of dance to

each boy or group of boys. Have them read and summarize the information to the group. If desired, the boys may consult sources outside of the manual to learn more about their assigned dance.

X Differentiation point: As you go through the list of dances, be sure to allow boys to add dances about which they may be knowledgeable. You may wish to keep a list.

2. Optional: Play the following game to provide a fun way for the boys to experience different dances.

1. Create a series of bags with different elements that will be applied to the game as follows:

+ Put the name of each type of dance on a slip of paper, and place them in a sack or paper bag.

+ In a separate bag, place slips of paper with different speeds: fast, slow, medium slow, medium fast, very fast, very slow (or alternatively, you could use musical terms like adagio, allegro, rapido, etc.).

+ In a third bag, place adjectives describing emotions, such as: thrilled, angry, sad, sleepy, etc.

2. You or a boy will draw a slip of paper from each bag. The boys will then have two minutes to dance in the style, speed, and emotion. Consider having different kinds of music on hand to accompany the different styles. Allow them to be a bit humorous as they try out dances. This might be a great opportunity for boys to show each other steps that they might know!




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

INDIVIDUAL TASKS

TASK 1Each boy will research a famous dancer. They may choose a dancer on the list or pursue research of their own. This task should take about 20 minutes once a topic is chosen and research is accessed.

1. Have each individual select a dancer of interest. You may assign a dancer if the boys have trouble deciding. Encourage each boy to choose a different dancer.

2. Once a dancer is selected, help them locate resources to do the research. You may wish to bring in, or have them bring in, print and online resources.

X Differentiation point: The boys are directed to show a video clip of the dancer performing. If Internet is not widely available, or if the boy chooses a dancer who does not have videos easily accessed, this step may be eliminated.

3. Circulate as the boys complete research and prepare for their presentation, providing one-on-one help as needed.

X Differentiation point: The presentation could be in the form of either an oral presentation with accompanying notes, or a written report that the boys read aloud. If a boy struggles with reading or writing, or if he is learning English, you may choose to allow him to work with a partner.

4. Have the boys present their work to the group.

TASK 2This task requires the boys to attend a dance performance.

X Differentiation point: You may organize this trip as a group or the boys may do so individually.

1. You (and/or the boy[s]) must locate a place to see a dance performance.

X Differentiation point: Consider your resources. Do you or anyone you know have connections to a dance company or dance school? You might consider a recital or a performance by a local dance school, which may offer free or low-cost tickets.

a. Be sure to arrange transportation to and from the site for yourself and the boys if travelling as a group. Determine precise times and places for drop-off and pick-off.

a. Verify that all proper procedures are followed for gaining parental permission and obtaining all necessary information to be prepared in case of a medical emergency or accident while on the field trip.

2. At the end of the trip, debrief with the boys according to their notes or prompts in the manual.

MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper

¨ Devices for Internet research

AND/OR

¨ Texts for research

¨ Video clips of dancer, if available




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper

¨ Devices for Internet research

AND/OR

¨ Texts for research

TASK 3This task involves inviting a dancer or dance instructor to speak to the boys. You could consider inviting a panel of dancers or dance instructors that specialize in different genres. They might even consider having the boys try some dance steps!

1. When you contact the person/panel members, set a date and time for the visit. Confirm the visit a few days before the scheduled time.

2. Before the visit, have each boy prepare a few questions to ask the speaker(s), as directed in the manual. There may be some repeat questions depending on the size of the group, but be sure that there are a variety of questions.

X Differentiation point: If you have boys that tend to misbehave, be sure to set ground rules for proper decorum when welcoming speakers. Some include: sitting still, looking at the speaker, speaking loudly and clearly when asking questions, and being quiet while a speaker is talking.

3. Once the visit concludes, debrief with the boys.

a. Give them a few minutes to write notes as directed in the manual.

a. Have each boy share what he writes.

4. Finally, have the boys write a group thank-you note to the speaker(s).

X Differentiation point: If you have a boy or boys who is/are artistically inclined, you may wish to make a homemade card. Otherwise, you may have them all sign a card.

TASK 4This task asks boys to gain insight into choreography and performing by telling a story through dance in groups. The story may be a familiar story, like a fairytale, or an original one.

1. Split the boy groups of three. You may wish to assign groups if the boys have difficulty forming groups, or if they tend to form groups that do not change.

2. Facilitate as each boy choreographs an original dance. They should be given approximately 20-30 minutes to create a dance.

3. Have them present their dance, and try to have the groups retell the story. Praise them for their hard work as they share!

TASK 5Each boy will research a type of shoe necessary for dancing. This can be completed in small groups or individually, and should take about 20 minutes once shoe is selected and research is accessed.

1. Have each boy/group select a shoe. They may choose based on the style of dance they prefer, or one they want to learn more about. You may assign a shoe if the boys have trouble deciding.




GUIDE’S RESOURCES2. Once a shoe is selected, help them locate resources to do the research. You may

wish to bring in, or have them bring in, print and online resources.

3. Circulate as the boys complete research, providing one-on-one help as needed.

X Differentiation point: Because this task does not require group presentation, it will most likely be easiest to collect findings on paper. However, they could share their findings with you orally. You could have them share with the group if you and/or they wish.

CLOSING TASK: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DANCE IN THE BIBLE?Have the boys open their Bibles, or read to them the following verses:

Psalm 149:3, NIVLet them praise His name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.

Psalm 150:4, NIVPraise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe.

2 Samuel 6:14, NIVDavid was dancing before the LORD with all his might.

Lamentations 5:15, NIVThe joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Lead them in discussion about what dancing might mean. Guide them to notice that dancing is an expression of praise and joy. {For more advanced boys, you might direct them to the fact that this can work against people of the Lord as well; in the book of Exodus (see 32:19, for example), dancing in front of a false God will attract God’s ire.} You might also point out that as Lamentations shows us, the absence of dancing signifies sadness and grief. Take a moment to thank God for the gift of dance as a way to keep our bodies healthy, express our joy at the gift of life, and most of all, to praise Him.

Documents

New THE BIG PICTURE · 2019. 7. 22. · That’s okay, too! You don’t have to take a bunch of lessons and perform professionally to enjoy dancing. You can just dance for fun whenever