An open space( auditorium, gym, classroom with desks and chairs moved) and outlet
I can listen to and identify different kinds of Afro Beat music. I can work with friends to teach and learn new moves to form a new dance. I can tell you new things about different cultures and also point out similarities and differences between that new culture and mine.
On day one of the program I introduce myself and the concept of Afro Beat through a brief discussion During this discussion I get a feel for who the students are and what they know. I also allow the students to interact with me and ask questions. Once that's all done we stretch and I introduce the material. Once I see they have a grasp of the moves, I split them up into groups of usually 3 or 4. I then have each student pick their favorite move and with their group members come up with their own routine using each student's favorite move, which they end up performing for their peers during the last 10 minutes of class
On day Two, we start off with a brief review of day one and discussion on how they feel and open the floor for any questions they may have. I have the students get back into their groups and go over their dances. Once they have reviewed what they did the day before I merge the groups into 3 or 4 larger groups and have them work on combining what they have into a new bigger piece. During this portion we work on different variations of the dance moves, adapting them to bigger groups ,teaching others the moves and having the students use their own creativity to come up with their own Afro Beat moves. The different groups get to perform their pieces for their peers at the end of the class and get to make observations on how their dances have evolved. That concludes the workshop.
Depending on grade level the moves are simpler or more complex and our groups are smaller the younger the students.
Caregivers are allowed to be audience members on the last day of workshop.
Grade 6
Grade 6: Geography:Human-Environment Interaction: Places, Regions, and Culture: 6"“7.4 Analyze the cultural and environmental characteristics that make places both similar to and different from one another.
Grade 6: Geography:Global Interconnections : 6"“7.9 Analyze the ways in which cultural and environmental characteristics vary among various regions of the world.
Grade 6: Dance: Performing:Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation: Refine partner and ensemble skills in the ability to judge distance and spatial design. Establish diverse pathways, levels, and patterns in space. Maintain focus with partner or group in near and far space
Grade 6: Dance: Performing:Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation:Embody technical dance skills (for example, alignment, coordination, balance, core support, kinesthetic awareness, clarity of movement) to accurately execute changes of direction, levels, facings, pathways, elevations and landings, extensions of limbs, and movement transitions.
Grade 7
Grade 7: Civics:Processes, Rules and Laws: 6"“7.3 Compare historical and contemporary means of changing societies and promoting the common good.
Grade 7: Economics:Economic Decision-Making : 6"“7.1 Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
Grade 7: Dance: Performing:Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work:Recommend changes to and adapt movements to performance area. Use performance etiquette and performance practices during class, rehearsal and performance. Maintain journal documenting these efforts. Postperformance, accept notes from choreographer and apply corrections to future performances
Grade 7: Dance: Connecting:Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding :Compare, contrast, and discuss dances performed by people in various localities or communities. Formulate possible reasons why similarities and differences developed in relation to the ideas and perspectives important to each social group.
Grade 8
Grade 8: Economics:Economic Decision-Making : 8.1 Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
Grade 8: Geography:Human-Environment Interaction: Places, Regions, and Culture: 8.2 Analyze the combinations of cultural and environmental characteristics that make places both similar to and different from other places.
Grade 8: Dance: Responding:Anchor Standard 8: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work: Select a dance and explain how artistic expression is achieved through relationships among the elements of dance, use of body, dance technique and context. Cite evidence in the dance to support your interpretation using genre specific dance terminology.
Grade 8: Dance: Connecting: Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding: Analyze and discuss, how dances from a variety of cultures, societies, historical periods, or communities reveal the ideas and perspectives of the people.