Dance History

Recommended Prerequisite:  None

Grades Offered:  9 – 12

Credits:  ½ - 1

SDE Course Code:  3599

MNPS Course Code:  PAR2560

 

Course Description

 

This course is an in-depth study of dance from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century.

 

Course of Study

 

·        Identify movement elements

o       Demonstrate consistency and clarity in identifying technical skills involved in dance throughout history

o       Identify movement combinations to music in a variety of dances

o       Critique a live or taped dance productions based on given criteria

 

·        Understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures

o       Identify choreographic principles, processes, and structures

o       Identify a variety of dances

o       Evaluate movement based on choreographic structures and principles dance

 

·        Creativity and Communication

o       Compare and contrasts communication properties of dances throughout history

o       Manipulate and combine images, sounds and experiences to convey meaning in a dance study

o       Identity and discuss a dance study with projection

 

·        Criticism and Analysis

o       Synthesize solutions to a variety of movement problems

o       Interpret dance choreography from a viewpoint other than one’s own

o       Establish a set of aesthetic criteria and use it to evaluate dance choreography

o       Appraise how skills learned in dance are  used in other disciplines or careers

 

·        Cultural/Historical Contexts

o       Assess reasons for the differences dance expression throughout the world and throughout history

o       Assess reasons for using expressive body movements that demonstrate the human experience

o       Categorize characteristics of dance works in classical, theatrical and contemporary forms

o       Identify possible motives for using forms of dance in the media

o       Analyze issues of ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, age, and or physical conditions in relation to dance

 

·        Health

o       Identify and write about images of the body in various historical periods

o       Identify and relate basic principles of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology

 

Reading: In addition to reading teacher handouts, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including articles and biographies on history and terminology. Students are expected to gain literal understanding of readings and also to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from the readings.

 

Writing: Students are expected to apply correct dance terminology in written and oral communication. Suggested written assignments include journals, critiques and document‑based questions.

 

Standards

 

TN State Department of Education Standards

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/music/cifadance68.htm

 

Textbook

 

No MNPS purchased textbook

 

Recommended and/or Required Resources

 

Appreciating Dance, A Guide to the World’s Liveliest Art – Harriet R. Lihs

Dance Film and Video Guide – Deirdre Towers

The Dancing Master – Robert M. Keller

Ballet Russes Chronology – An Artslynx Original

Live performances of dance