Course Profile   Dance, Grade 9 open, Catholic

 

Unit 1

 

Course Profiles are professional development materials designed to help teachers implement the new Grade 9 secondary school curriculum.  These materials were created by writing partnerships of school boards and subject associations.  The development of these resources was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training.  This document reflects the views of the developers and not necessarily those of the Ministry.  Permission is given to reproduce these materials for any purpose except profit.  Teachers are also encouraged to amend, revise, edit, cut, paste, and otherwise adapt this material for educational purposes.

 

 

Any references in this document to particular commercial resources, learning materials, equipment, or technology reflect only the opinions of the writers of this sample Course Profile, and do not reflect any official endorsement by the Ministry of Education and Training or by the Partnership of School Boards that supported the production of the document.

 

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Acknowledgments

 

Lead Board

 

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Upper Canada District School Board and their coordinating partners.

 

Course Profile Writing Team

 

Ursula Nahatchewitz, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board - Lead Writer

            Kelly Child, District School Board of Niagara

Laurel Brown, Waterloo District School Board

Jane Deluzio, Toronto District School Board

Colleen Friedman, Dance Educator and Choreographer

Laura Libralato, Toronto Catholic District School Board

Carolle Mageau, Rainbow  District School Board

Carmelina Martin, Dufferin-Peel District School Board

Susan McNaughton, Toronto District School Board

 

Brenda Dillon

            Karen Hypes

            Debra Kapp

            Janice Stone

            Betty Telford

            Earl Haig Secondary School

            Etobicoke School of the Arts

            Rosedale Heights

            Unionville School for the Arts

 

Support and Consultation

            Gerry Woodman, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

Catholic Curriculum Cooperative for Central Ontario

Institute for Catholic Education

 

 

Unit #1: Elements of Dance

 

Activity 1½Activity 2½Activity 3½Activity 4½Activity 5½Activity 6½Activity 7½Activity 8

 

Time: 20 hours

 

Unit Developers:

      Mageau, Carolle, Rainbow District School Board

      Nahatchewitz, Ursula, Dufferin-Peel Roman Catholic Separate School Board

 

Development Date: April 1, 1999

 

Unit Description

 

Students will explore and demonstrate their understanding of the basic elements of dance – space, shape, time and energy – and will combine them into sequences.  Students will be provided with opportunities to explore, use and integrate our shared Catholic faith traditions in the creation and critical analysis of their work and that of others.  Students will improvise with these elements. They will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate conventions as they relate to the classroom, as well as to being performers and audience members. Throughout the unit, students must apply safety principles in the dance environment and in the execution of these movement skills.  They will observe and identify a broad spectrum of dance (eg. ritual, religious, social, work-related, theatrical, etc.) as well as begin to reflect on their own work and the work of others.

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:      CGE1a,c,d,f,g,h,i, 2a,b,c,e, 3a,b,c,d,e,f, 4a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h, 5a,b,c,d,e,f,g, 7a,b,c,e,f,g,j.

 

Strand(s) & Expectations

 

Strand(s):    Theory, Creation, Analysis

Overall Expectations:     TTV.01X, TCV.01X, 02X, 03X, 04X, 05X, TAV.01X, 02X, 03X

Specific Expectations:     TT1.02X, 03X, 04X, TT2.01X, 05X, TT3.01X, TC1.01X, 02X, 03X, 04X, TC2.01X, 03X, TC3.01X, 02X, TA1.01X, TA3.02X

 

Activity Titles (Time + Sequence)

 

Activity 1

Defining Dance

 75 minutes

Activity 2

Foundation Element – Shape

150 minutes

Activity 3

Foundation Element – Space

150 minutes

Activity 4

Foundation Element – Time

150 minutes

Activity 5

Foundation Element – Energy

150 minutes

Activity 6

Stimuli for Improvisation

150 minutes

Activity 7

Composition with the Fundamental Elements

300 minutes

Activity 8

Reflection & Self-Evaluation of Compositional Work

 75 minutes

 

Unit Planning Notes

 

General: Teachers may wish to illustrate the fundamental elements with appropriate video clips from a variety of sources and to collect book resources for all activities.  Teachers may wish to emphasize a thematic context for choreography, e.g. the human condition through social justice issues.  Suggested sources for this work are: the Gospels (i.e. parables), current and historical events/people, e.g. holocaust/Cambodia, Ghandi,  Martin Luther King.  It is within these powerful contexts that the Catholic Expectations may be introduced, developed and presented.  The teacher may decide on a theme based on the liturgical calendar, such as Easter, Christmas, etc. 

Activity 1:   Obtain visual examples of dance, order videos and book video player.

Activity 2:   Collect and prepare a variety of stimuli, lists of action words, moving image cues and concrete objects.

Activity 3:   Prepare cards of action words/directions and obtain exploration tools, eg. hula hoops, scarves, elastics, fabric.

Activity 4:   Obtain a variety of sound-making instruments and prepare visual reference material of dance/music terminology.

Activity 5:   Prepare energy scale, cards of energy action words (Laban) and obtain set of coloured markers.

Activity 6:   Collect and prepare two single visual stimuli; three groupings of visual stimuli, four to five pictures, posters, books, four to five examples of tactile stimuli, four to five examples of auditory stimuli and four to five examples of olfactory stimuli.

Activity 7:   Prepare assignment, obtain blank videos, and book video player.

Activity 8:   Order videos and book video player, prepare a class set and the self-evaluation rubric.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

 

Successful completion of the grade eight program.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

 

Diagnostic assessment should occur at the beginning of this first unit so that the teacher can adapt the teaching/learning strategies to the entry level of the students. Formative assessment in this unit consists primarily of teacher observation with the aid of checklists/rubrics for task completion, creative problem-solving, understanding of dance terminology, technique, composition, classroom protocol, safe practices etc. As well, the teacher will assess writing contained in reflective journals. A quiz may take place in Activity 5.  Throughout the unit the students will engage in self-assessment as well as receive feedback from their peers.  Evaluation of dance pieces and the creative process will take place at the end of the unit according to the rubrics provided to the students in advance.  Students will engage in self-evaluation at the end of the unit using the same rubrics.     

 

Assessment/evaluation strategies suggested in this unit:

 

1.   Checklists may be devised for the diagnostic assessments which should take place at the beginning of the unit.

2.   Checklists for assessment through teacher observation of technique, classroom protocol, composition, safe practices etc. are suggested in Activities 2 – 6. 

3.   Rubrics are provided for evaluation through teacher observation of the compositions at the end of the unit and of the process for creating the compositions.  Students should self-evaluate their creative process and their compositions using these same rubrics.

4.   Understanding of concepts is assessed through a written assignment in Activity 4. 

5.   Understanding of concepts is assessed through entries made in a reflective journal in Activities 1, 5 and 6.

6.   A quiz is suggested in Activity 5 in order to assess understanding of knowledge and terminology.

 

Resources

 

1.   Blom, Lynne Anne and Chaplin, L. Tarin.  The Moment of Movement – Dance Improvisation.  (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1988).

2.   Cheney, Gay.  Basic Concepts in Modern Dance – A Creative Approach.  (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton Book Company, Publishers, 1989).

3.   Dance, Film and Video Guide.   (New Jersey:  Princeton Book Co., 1991).

4.   Dance Ontario Directory–1999.  (Toronto:  Dance Ontario, 1999).

5.   Edwards, Harvey.  The Art of Dance.  (Boston, Toronto:  Little, Brown/A Bulfinch Press Book, 1989).

6.   Eisner, Elliot W.   The Art of Educational Evaluation – A Personal View.  (London and Philadelphia: The Palmer Press, 1985).

7.   Eisner, Elliott W.  The Enlightened Eye–Qualitative Inquiry and the Enhancement of Educational Practice.  (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1991).

8.   Ewing, William A.  Breaking Bounds: The Dance Photography of Lois Greenfield.  (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1992).

9.   Franklin, Eric.  Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance.  (Windsor:  Human Kinetics, 1996).

10. Gardner, Howard.  Frames of Mind–The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.  (U.S.A.:  Basic Books, 1983).

11. Gordon, Suzanne. Off Balance: The Real World of Ballet. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., 1984. ISBN 0070237700.

12. Harris, Lesley E.  “Copyright and Dance Editorial”.  Dance in Canada, (Spring, 1989). 

13. Humphreys, Doris.  The Art of Making Dances. (New York: Grove Press Inc., 1959).

14. Kurath, Gertrude Prokosch.  Dance and Song Rituals of Six Nations Reserve,   (Ontario:  National Museum of Canada Bulletin 220, Ottawa, 1968).

15. Morgan, Barbara.  Martha Graham: Sixteen Dances in Photographs.  (New York:  Morgan & Morgan Inc., 1980).

16. Penrod, James and Plastino, Janice Gudde.  The Dancer Prepares:  Modern Dance For Beginners. (Toronto:  Mayfield Publishing Company, 1998).  

17. Schrader, Constance A.   A Sense of Dance: Exploring Your Movement Potential.  (Windsor:  Human Kinetics, 1996).

18. Smith, Jacqueline M.  Dance Composition & Practical Guide for Teachers.  (Princeton:  Princeton Book Company, 1987).

19. The Ethnocultural Directory of Canada. Montreal:  Monchanin Cross-Cultural Centre, 1990.

20. The Metropolitan Toronto School Board.  DanceMetro: A Curriculum Handbook Grade 7 – OAC. (Toronto:  The Metropolitan Toronto School Board, 1994).

21. Videos:  Dancing, 1993.  Programs 1 – 8:  ISBN 0-7800-13409.

22. Von Tiedemann, Cylla.  The Dance Photography of Cylla Von Tiedemann.  (Ottawa:  National Arts Centre, Toronto:  McClelland & Stewart, 1991).

 

Note: TheatreBooks and  Dance Collection Danse, located in Toronto, are wonderful sources of dance resources and information.  Both have websites.

 

Catholic Resources:

 

23. This Moment of Promise, Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1989.

24. Catholic Bible, New Revised Standard Version.

25. Groome, Thomas.  Educating for Life: A Spiritual Vision For Every Teacher and Parent.  (Thomas More Press, 1998.)

26. Cameron, Julia & Bryan, Mark.  The Artists Way: A Spiritual Guide to Creativity.  (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992.)

27. Cameron, Julia & Bryan, Mark.  Prayers for a Creatively Spiritual Life.  (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992.)

28. Curriculum Matters: A Resource for Catholic Educators, Institute for Catholic Education, 1996.

29. Blueprints, Catholic Curriculum Cooperative, 1998.

30. Trafford, Larry.  Educating The Soul: Writing Curriculum For Catholic Secondary Schools.  (Toronto:  Toronto Catholic District School Board, 1998.)

31. Verbel, D.  Dance and Prayer: Meaningful Methods With High School Students and With Adults, 1986.

32. Winton-Henry, H.  Dancing God’s People into the Year 2000: A Critical Look At Dance Performance In The Church, 1997.

33. Tataryn, M.  Praying With Icons.  Ottawa: Novalis, 1988.

34. USCC (United States Catholic Conference) Environment and Art in Catholic Worship, 1978.

35. National Bulletin on Liturgy #87, “Liturgical Movement” by National Gallery Office, Ottawa.

 

Appendices

Appendix A:   Movement Activities & Exercises

Appendix B:   Rubric – Evaluation of Composition

Appendix F:    Rubric – Evaluation of Creative Process Within a Group

 

 

Activity #1: Defining Dance

 

Time:  75 minutes

 

Description

 

In this introductory lesson students explore, define and expand their understanding of dance.  By observing a variety of examples, students will begin to perceive the role dance plays in their lives and in the world around them.  Students will write and develop personal expectations and goals for themselves within the dance course.

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:            OCE 2c, 3b,c, 4g.

 

Strand(s) and Expectations

 

Strands:     Theory, Creation, Analysis  

Overall Expectations:     TTV.01X, TCV. 05X, TAV. 01X

Specific Expectations:     TT2.01X*, 05X, TC3.01X, TA1.01X

 

Planning Notes

 

     Teacher can expect that students will need to learn what is appropriate as dance attire for class.

     Teacher makes accommodations for exceptional students.

     Teacher prepares visual examples of dance (eg. pictures, magazines, books, videos, etc.), orders and cues videos, obtains course textbooks, materials, TV, VCR, computer with internet access  and appropriate cords, plugs, etc.  Ensure that choices are inclusive in nature without bias.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

 

     This unit is designed for students from a variety of differing dance backgrounds.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

 

I     Introduction & Discussion

Teacher creates an atmosphere utilizing dance visuals, ie. video clips, pictures, books, etc.

Students write a short definition of what they think dance is. Time is limited to one minute.

Students share aloud.  Teacher facilitates discussion and shows the wide range of possible definitions.

Students discuss the following points: What is your first memory of dancing? Why do you dance? Where and when do you dance? Why do people dance? What are some of the issues, concerns, etc. concerning dance? How do you and others feel about the issues, concerns, etc.?  What evidence in the Bible refer specifically to dance?  What is our calling?

Teacher introduces visual examples highlighting the diversity of dance:  religious, historical, cultural, media, forms and styles, and discusses as necessary.

Students reflect and write their expectations of the course and for themselves with a focus on their own Catholic faith journey.  Teachers may wish to have the students develop a reflective journal which will be used at appropriate times throughout the course.

 

II    Getting Acquainted

Name/Movement Group Building Game (Appendix A).

Teacher presents students with material to explore, (eg. Lord’s Prayer, poetry “Lord of the Dance”, passage from Scripture, etc.).

Students interpret and explore passage using gestures and movements.

 

III  Teacher Talk

Teacher explains traditional practices surrounding dance class attire, personal hygiene, safety factors and daily preparation and warm-up. Teacher explains structure of course and evaluation criteria.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

 

1.   Students’ personal reflective journal writing is assessed for completion and information provided, i.e. Catholic faith journey; integration of faith and life; respect for the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others (OCE 2c, 3b,c, 4g). 

2.   Teacher assesses students’ background knowledge through observation to assist in developing appropriate level for the technique contained in the activities.

 

Resources

 

#5, 8, 13, 14, 15, 19,  20, 21, 22 – 34.

 

Accommodations

 

1.   Teachers will obtain information concerning students registered in the dance course in order to make appropriate student accommodations.  It is suggested that teachers elicit the assistance of the support and resource personnel in the Special Education and Students Resources Departments.

2.   In the case of experienced, talented, or highly motivated students, the teacher may need to adjust teaching  strategies. For example, students’s assignments may be modified to become more challenging, students may play a leadership role in class, etc.

 

Appendices

      Appendix A: Movement Activities & Exercises

 

Activity #2:  Foundation Element – Shape

 

Time: 150 minutes

 

Description

 

A variety of visual and auditory stimuli will be presented to explore and expand students’ creative thinking skills and physical movement vocabulary.  Students will apply problem-solving and cooperative learning skills to create a short dance study based on the element of shape.

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:            CGE 2a, 3c, 4a,b,c,d,f,h, 5c,f,g, 7b.

 

Strand(s) and Expectations

 

Strands:     Theory, Creation, Analysis

Overall Expectations:      TTV01X, TCV.01X, 02X, TAV.02X, 03X