Basic Dance I
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Grade offered: 5th
SDE Course Code:
MNPS Course Code: PER0551
Course Description
Students are introduced to the beginning techniques of ballet, tap, and jazz. They will become familiar with dance vocabulary and movement. After learning the basics of choreography, they will create a short combination. Students will study the social, historical, and cultural context of dances. They will learn to evaluate a dance and give an oral critique. Students will be encouraged to appropriately condition their bodies and exercise personal responsibility in preparing for class and interacting with the group.
Course of Studies
· Elements and Skills
o Principles of movement
o Combinations of non-locomotor and locomotor skills
o Range of motion
o Spatial patterns in dance
o Rhythmic patterns
o Ballet and tap vocabulary
· Choreography
o Creation of dances showing contrast
o Partner skills: balance and counter balance
o Choreographic elements (space, time, energy)
o Choreographic structures
o Analysis of choreographic structures
· Creativity/Communication
o Pantomime to abstract movement
o Communicating themes
· Criticism
o Critiquing a dance
o Presenting a critique
· Cultural/Historical
o Folk and social dance
o Ballet as reflection of culture
o Evolution of tap
· Health
o Skeletons and muscles
o Effective health plans
o Wellness through dance
· Interdisciplinary Connections
o Expressing ideas in dance and other art forms
o Connecting dance and academic disciplines
Standards
National and State Dance Standards
http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/standards
Textbook
No MNPS purchased textbook
Recommended and/or Required Resources
Nashville Ballet performances
Videos of Ballet and other forms of dance