Source: Great Performances
Explore the discipline, craft and intricacies of elite male ballet dancing in America and develop a one- to three-minute dance performance.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, The Arts
Topics: Organizing Information & Ideas. Writing: Composition. Critical Thinking Skills. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: South Carolina ETV: Artopia
Work collaboratively to create a group piece of choreography based on Dan Wagoner's dance Plod. Identify how choreographers base their work on inspiration from the choreography of others.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Creative Thinking. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: South Carolina ETV: Artopia
Determine the importance of a descriptive title to a choreographed dance. Consider whether an understanding of the title and background of a dance adds to the critical appreciation of the work.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: South Carolina ETV: Artopia
Learn about Dan Wagoner and his contributions to modern dance. Identify the tools and principles of the art of choreography and use the dance elements of shape, weight, balance and rhythm to create a dance study.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Creative Thinking. Critical Thinking Skills. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: South Carolina ETV: Artopia
Identify several examples of pedestrian movements and movement qualities employed by watching video excerpts of performances of the dances "Esplanade" and "Plod" and participating in a class discussion.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Critical Thinking Skills. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: South Carolina ETV: Artopia
Distinguish a powerful entrance into the space versus a weak entrance and explain how each is used in choreography. Compare and contrast previous performance experiences with those seen in Dan Wagoner's choreography of Plod.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Creative Thinking. Critical Thinking Skills. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Great Performances
Create a pantomime, work cooperatively to conduct and share research, and identify and discuss how movement is used in dance to develop character.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Reading & Language Arts, The Arts
Topics: Organizing Information & Ideas. Writing: Composition. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Black Grace: From Cannon's Creek to Jacob's Pillow
Learn how dance is used by Pacific Islanders to tell stories, communicate feelings and transmit culture.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Dance. Storytelling.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: American Masters
Understand the basic techniques of modern dance choreography through the work of Merce Cunningham. Observe movement by creating a movement journal, and experiment with the observations to create a unique movement vocabulary.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Great Performances
Compare and contrast the rights of U.S. citizens to those of people who lived in communist Russia and consider what Nureyev gained and lost when he defected. Investigate and report on one aspect of life in Russia during the Cold War.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Social Studies, The Arts
Topics: Civics: Civil and Human Rights. World History: 1945-1990. Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting: Art Beat at School
Examine elements of dance and movement using improvisation, self-expression and collaboration. Analyze and discuss dance, lighting and music, and work as a group to create a presentation.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Great Performances
Identify the elements of a ballet, and explain how a piece of music can be used to express a mood. Critique "The Nutcracker", tell the story of "The Nutcracker" to a younger child and write a letter to the person who first reviewed "The Nutcracker."
Grade Level: 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Dance.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting: Art Beat at School
Learn about the many aspects involved with creating a fair using vaudeville as the main performing art. Create characters made from papier mache, learn about parades and organize a school event.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: The Arts
Topics: Dance. Drama/Dramatics. Visual Arts.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
