Course Profile   Dance (ATC4M), Grade 12, University/College Preparation, Catholic and Public

 

Unit 4:  Performance

Time:  30 hours

Unit Description

This unit constitutes a culminating performance task whereby students rehearse, produce, and perform dance works as part of their own titled performance. Students use their own group pieces created in
Unit 3 and rehearse and refine them to be presented on stage. Students learn, rehearse, and perform a class piece. Students are responsible for the promotion and production of the final performance. Finally, the performance is videotaped. Following the performance, the videotape serves to initiate discussion, reflection, and analysis as well as appropriate portfolio material for college/university entrance.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Time

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

1.
Rehearsal and Refinement of Genre Composition Pieces

3 hours

THV.02, TH2.04, CRV.01, CRV.02, CRV.03, CR1.02, CR1.03, CR4.03, ANI.03
CGE1c, CGE1d, CGE2a, CGE2b, CGE2c, CGE4a, CGE4b, CGE4c, CGE4d, CGE4e, CGE4f, CGE4g, CGE4h, CGE7b

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Application

Rehearsing/ Refining Preparation for Performance

2.
Choreograph or Set Class Piece and Rehearse/ Refine for Performance

16 hours

THV.02, TH2.04, CRV.01, CRV.02, CRV.03, CR1.01, CR1.02, CR1.03, CR2.01, CR2.05, CR2.06, CR3.01, CR4.03, ANI.03
CGE3b, CGE3c, CGE3d, CGE3e, CGE4a, CGE4b, CGE4c, CGE4d, CGE4e, CGE4f, CGE4g, CGE4h, CGE5a, CGE5c, CGE5e, CGE5f, CGE5g, CGE7b, CGE7j

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

Choreographing or Setting class piece based on a Bible passage Rehearsing/ Refining

3.
Production and Performance

7 hours

THV.02, TH2.04, CRV.01, CRV.03, CRV.04, CR1.01, CR1.02, CR1.03, CR2.06, CR3.01, CR3.02, CR3.03, CR4.01, CR4.02, CR4.03, CR4.04, ANI.03
CGE4a, CGE4b, CGE4c, CGE4d, CGE4e, CGE4f, CGE4g, CGE4h, CGE7b

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

Promotion/ Production Roles Prepare Cue Sheets Performance

4.
Reflection and Analysis

4 hours

THV.01, THV.02, TH1.01, CRV.04, CR2.06, CR4.02, ANV.01, AN1.01, ANI.02, ANI.03, AN1.04, AN2.04
CGE2a, CGE2c, CGE2b, CGE2d, CGE2e, CGE7b

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

Reflection and Analysis

Career Correlations Video editing Portfolio

Activity 1:  Rehearsal and Refinement of the Genre Composition(s)

Time:  3 hours

Description

This unit constitutes a culminating performance task whereby students rehearse, produce, and perform dance works as part of their own titled performance. Students use their own group pieces created in
Unit 3 and rehearse and refine them to be presented on stage. Students learn, rehearse and perform a class piece. Students are responsible for the promotion and production of the final performance. Finally, the performance is videotaped. Following the performance, the videotape serves to initiate discussion, reflection, and analysis as well as to provide appropriate portfolio material for college/university entrance.

Strand(s):  Theory, Creation, Analysis

Refer to the Expectations Chart at the beginning of the unit.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Units 1, 2, and 3

·         In Unit 3, students created original dance compositions based on three genres of dance. It is assumed that these composition pieces are fully choreographed and complete to the point where they can be rehearsed and refined for presentation/performance “onstage” for an audience.

Planning Notes

·         Prepare Appendix 4.1 – Evaluation of the Rehearsal Process.

·         Prepare Appendix 4.2 – Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices.

·         Prepare Appendix 4.3 – Self-Assessment of the Rehearsal Process.

·         Arrange for rehearsal space.

·         Arrange for CD/cassette players.

·         Arrange for a video camera(s) and blank video cassettes (1 video cassette per group).

·         Provide a handout on the production roles in dance (see Public Dance Course Profile for Grade 10, Open, Appendix 4.6, p. 18 and/or Catholic Dance Course Profile for Grade 11, University/College Preparation, Appendix 3.3, p. 12).

Teaching/Learning Strategies

·         The teacher informs the students that their genre composition pieces created in Unit 3 are to be rehearsed and refined for performance “onstage” and preferably outside the classroom for an audience that encompasses more than the Grade 12 dance classes.

Note: If the classroom is the only performance space available consider transforming this space into a performance space. (Interesting lighting effects can be created with an overhead projector by covering the lens with plastic wrap and dropping or smearing food colouring on top. Lamps and lights brought from home can also be used effectively. (Check them for safety.) Sets and backdrops can be created using old sheets or material, paper, etc. Be creative. Teachers must be sensitive to safety precautions when using a variety of materials.

·         The teacher presents the requirements of this culminating performance unit valued at 30% of the course, and reviews the methods of assessment and evaluation with the students.

·         The teacher hands out copies of Appendix 4.2 – Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices to the students and conducts an oral review of these practices/procedures.

·         The teacher organizes/structures the rehearsal sessions for the students with the following considerations in mind:

·         the unique aspects of the various groups involved;

·         the number of groups involved;

·         the number of adequate rehearsal spaces.

·         The teacher explains to the students that they as dancers are required to rehearse their own dance piece.

·         The teacher emphasizes that rehearsal sessions must be well organized with a specific focus/intent in mind.

·         The teacher outlines the following areas of focus during the rehearsal sessions:

·         accurate representation of choreography (style, characterization);

·         musicality (timing, phrasing);

·         technique;

·         performance quality/expression.

·         The teacher informs the students that they have three one-hour sessions to rehearse and refine their dance pieces.

·         The teacher chooses dancers from each group to conduct the rehearsal, i.e., act as rehearsal captains. Every dancer in the group should at some point have the opportunity to act as rehearsal captain, depending upon the size of the groups.

·         The teacher leads the students in a 10-minute warm up at the beginning of each rehearsal  (refer to Appendix 4.2 – Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices regarding warm up).

·         Rehearsal captains lead the rehearsal focusing on the outlined areas of focus (four in total) as well as dance and rehearse the dance piece several times during the rehearsal session. During every rehearsal, the dance piece needs to be rehearsed with all of the dancers involved.

·         The teacher provides students with the opportunity to act as servant leaders using Jesus as a role model, assisting, helping, and coaching each other in pursuit of a common goal, e.g., the rehearsal and refinement of their genre dance pieces.

·         The teacher instructs the rehearsal captains that at various points during each rehearsal (at least once per one-hour session) they are to ask the teacher or a dancer from another group to videotape a rehearsal performance of their dance piece. (Dancers will probably have to share the use of a video camera. However, it would be helpful if each group had their own videocassette.)

·         Rehearsal captains and their dancers take at least five minutes of each rehearsal session to view, analyse, and critique their dance piece with the four focus areas in mind.

·         Rehearsal captains and dancers function as a cohesive group to address and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their group piece. They discuss ways to effectively deal with any areas of concern and work towards further refining their dance piece.

·         The teacher observes, and whenever necessary, assists in the rehearsal refinement processes, conferencing with the various groups and offering suggestions.

·         The teacher and students collaboratively make decisions regarding the technical aspects of their upcoming performance, e.g., costumes, sets, and lighting.

·         The teacher makes anecdotal comments throughout this activity to assist in the evaluation process.

·         The teacher leads all dancers in a short cool down. (Appendix 4.2 – Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices)

·         The teacher instructs students to evaluate their own involvement in the rehearsal and refinement process i.e., the genre dance piece(s), and hands out copies of Appendix 4.3 – Self Assessment of the Rehearsal Process.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The teacher assesses the rehearsal refinement process throughout the activity and provides the students with ongoing feedback, Appendix 4.1 – Evaluation of the Rehearsal Process.

·         The teacher assesses the students’ ability to demonstrate leadership and work collaboratively.

·         The teacher collects students’ self-assessment of their involvement in the rehearsal refinement process of the genre dance piece(s), Appendix 4.3 – Self Assessment of the Rehearsal Process.

Accommodations

Students with physical limitations can adapt movement as necessary.

Resources

Anderson, Jack. Ballet and Modern Dance. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Book Co., 1992.
ISBN 0-87127-172-9

Beatty, Patricia. Form Without Formula. A Concise Guide to the Choreographic Process. Toronto: Press of Terpsichore Limited, 1985. ISBN 0-929003-17-9

Hawkins, Alma. Creating Through Dance. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Book Co., 1988.
ISBN 0-916622-66-5

Howse, Justin and Shirley Handcock. Dance Technique and Injury Prevention. London, U.K.: A&C Black Ltd., 1992. ISBN 0-7136 –3601-7

Lawson, Joan. Teaching Young Dancers. London U.K.: A&C Black Ltd., 1984.
ISBN 0-7136-2414-0

Martins, Peter. New York City Ballet – Workout. New York, N.Y.: William Morrow and Co. Inc., 1997. ISBN 0688-14843-3

Watkins, Andrea and Priscilla M. Clarkson. Dancing Longer Dancing Stronger. Princeton NJ: Princeton Book Co., 1990. ISBN 0-916622-98-3

 

Baryshnikov The Dancer and The Dance, Kultur International, 121 Hwy. 36 W. Long Branch New Jersey 07764

Lestor Horton: Warm Up.

Paul Taylor: Dancemaker, a film by Mathew Diamond (Available through Teacher's Video Co. P.O. Box ADAB4455, Scottsdale, Arizona 85261)

 

Dance Collection Danse – http://www.web.net/dancecol

Dance Ontario – http://www.icomm.ca/danceon/indexphp3

Dancer Transition Resource Centre – http://www.interlog.com/-dtrc/

Dance Teacher – http://www.dance-teacher.com

Dance Magazine – http://www.dancemagazine.com

Footnotes – http://www.bravo.ca/footnotes/

 

Activity 2:  Learning, Rehearsing, and Refining a Class Piece

Time:  16 hours

Description

Students learn, rehearse, and refine a dance piece for presentation onstage. This dance piece is choreographed to include the entire dance class, using Bible passages as a stimulus or theme. Through the process of learning and rehearsing increasingly complex dance movements found in this class piece, students gain increased technical proficiency, and further develop expressive skills which can be directly applied to the performance setting. Students focus on developing skills that allow them to work as interdependent group members and self-reliant performing artists. Students strive for the achievement of excellence and integrity in their own work as dancers/performers and learn to support these qualities in the work of others.

Strand(s):  Theory, Creation, Analysis

Refer to the Expectations Chart at the beginning of the unit.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Units 1, 2, and 3

Planning Notes

The class piece should be choreographed to suit and include all members of the class. It should be appropriate for the class in terms of their maturity, technical proficiency, and compositional experience. Accommodations should be made for students with physical or learning limitations. This class piece should be both interesting and challenging, and allow for the further development of technical and performance skills.

Several options or approaches can be taken in terms of creating this class piece:

Option 1 – The teacher choreographs the class piece.

Option 2 – A guest artist choreographs the class piece.

Option 3 – The teacher, in collaboration with the students, choreographs the class piece.

(In all three options it is advisable to include the students as much as possible in the choreographic process. This activity uses Option 3.)

·         Research the Bible for appropriate passages to act as a stimuli/theme for the class piece.

Compile a list of appropriate Bible passages (6-10) to choose from and make photocopies for the students. Examples include:

The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2: 8-20, Matthew 1:1

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:25

The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10: 25-37

The Sermon on the Mount (The Beatitudes) – Matthew 5: 1-7. 29

The Crucifixion  – Luke 24:8 Mark 15: 16-20, Matthew 27: 33-56

The Passion and Resurrection – Matthew 26:25

The Ascension – Luke 24: 36-51

·         Research and compile music to accompany the list of Bible passages. Examples include:

Bach Mass in B Minor, Bach Christmas Oratorio, Barber Adagio for Strings, Best of Koto The Music of Japan, Best of the Caribbean (Madacy Entertainment Group), Beethoven Ode to Joy, Brahms Requiem, Eleanor Davis Requiem, Debussy Noel des Enfants, Delirium Karma and Poem. Devotion The Spiritual Music of India, Durufle Requiem, Faure: Requiem, Peter Gabriel The Last Temptation of Christ, “Green Planet: Cuba Music of Peace for the Earth,” S.I. Glick The Hour Has Come, Handel’s The Messiah, Kutash Ukrainian Instrumental Guitar, Mahler Resurrection Symphony, Mozart Requiem, Mozart’s Ëxsultate Jubilate, Native American Music P&C World Music Network, Orff’s Carmina Burana, River Water, Shanghai Film Chinese Orchestra Hugo Productions, “Roumanie Musique des Tsiganes de Valachie”, Shankar Eternal Light, Moment Records, Spirit of India Wagram Label, Sufi Music “The World Music Network,” Stravinsky’s Le Sacre Printemps, John Michael Talbot’s Light Eternal.

·         Prepare a sufficient number of copies of Appendix 4.4 – Evaluation of the Choreographic and Rehearsal Process Rubric.

·         Arrange for rehearsal space, preferably a large open space with a sprung floor.

·         Make arrangements for CD/cassette tape players, video camera, television/VCR, blank video and audiotape cassettes, extension cords, plus any other equipment required

·         Research and compile any other materials to assist in the choreographic process, e.g., pictures, newspaper, and magazine articles, etc.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

I     Preparations Before Choreographing (2 hours)

·         The teacher explains to the students that they will be learning, rehearsing, and refining a class piece in preparation for performance on stage, and that they will have 16 hours to do this.

·         The teacher explains that he/she will assume the role of choreographer in collaboration with the students, and that everyone involved is expected to take an active role in the creative choreographic process.

·         The teacher explains that compositional structures and forms studied in the past, e.g., Motif, Theme and Variation, etc. are to be considered and incorporated where appropriate in the creation of this class piece.

·         The teacher explains the concept of interdependence and discusses the importance and consequences of working as “interdependent team members.”

Example:          Coming together is a beginning,

Keeping together is progress,

Staying together is success.

·         The teacher explains that a Bible passage will be used as the stimulus for this class piece and that teacher and students must collaboratively arrive at a decision as to which passage would best suit the class.

·         The teacher provides the students with a compiled list of appropriate Bible passages from which to choose and instructs the students to review the list of Bible passages.

·         The teacher and students collaboratively choose a passage to act as the theme for their class piece. Students and the teacher should take ample time to arrive at a decision as to which passage would work best. The next task is to identify some ideas as to how to best express this theme. Examples: Narrative approach or Impressionistic approach.

·         The teacher and students brainstorm, analyse, discuss, and eventually decide collaboratively upon a method of approach in the creation of their class piece. It is important that all students be allowed to express their ideas and opinions.

·         Once a passage/theme and choreographic approach have been decided upon, the teacher provides students with various musical recordings that might best express/reflect the chosen theme. Students should be encouraged to bring in music of their choice for consideration as well.

·         Students and the teacher collaboratively choose music for the class piece.

·         The teacher provides students with a copy of Appendix 4.4 – Evaluation of the Choreographic and Rehearsal Process Rubric and explains the evaluation criteria.

·         The teacher discusses the importance of students’ having a specific focus/intent in mind during the choreographic and rehearsal sessions.

II   The Choreographic Process (11 hours)

·         The teacher leads the students in a 10-minute warm up at the beginning of each choreographic session (Appendix 4.2 – Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices).

·         The teacher and students begin the process of choreographing their class piece, making any necessary adjustments along the way.

·         The teacher and students collaboratively create movement phrases that express/reflect the theme and coincide with the chosen music. Students may work individually or in small groups to create these movement phrases. Movement phrases should be created with the premise/intent that they are technically challenging for the dancers involved.

·         Compositional forms and structures previously studied are discussed, reviewed, and incorporated where appropriate.

·         Students and the teacher use improvisation as a means of generating movement phrases/ choreography.

·         Movement phrases are shared with the entire class.

·         The teacher provides students with the opportunity to act as servant leaders, using Jesus as a role model, assisting and coaching each other in pursuit of a common goal, such as learning, rehearsing, and refining their class piece.

·         The teacher, in discussion and collaboration with the class, chooses movement phrases to be incorporated into the piece.

·         The teacher acts as the visionary/guiding force in bringing this class piece to fruition.

·         At the end of each choreographic session, the teacher videotapes students rehearsing the sections they have learned. This video can be viewed by the teacher to monitor the group’s progress, and can be viewed by the students and the teacher at the beginning of the next choreographic session for analytical purposes.

·         The teacher leads the dancers in a cool down at the end of each choreographic session.

·         The teacher makes anecdotal comments throughout the choreographic process in order to assess the students’ progress.

·         The teacher and students collaboratively choreograph a three- to seven-minute class piece.

III  Refining the Completed Work (3 hours)

·         Once the class piece is complete, the teacher spends the last three hours rehearsing, refining, and polishing the class piece and working on problem areas with a particular focus on:

·         spacing, e.g., patterns, interrelationship of small groups, etc.;

·         cleaning the choreography, e.g., accuracy of movement, attention to style and characterization, musical accuracy, timing, etc.;

·         refining the performance quality of individual students, e.g., dynamics, accents, characterization, etc.

Note: Videotaping rehearsal performances should be more frequent at this point and students and the teacher should continue to use these videotapes for analytical purposes.

Much of the work created in this activity could be adapted for use in liturgies and masses, e.g., liturgical dance.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The teacher assesses student progress; making anecdotal notes, using video documentation, and providing ongoing verbal feedback and conferencing.

·         The teacher assesses the students’ ability to work co-operatively and interdependently.

·         The teacher evaluates students’ achievement at the end of Activity 2 on the basis of criteria found on Appendix 4.4 – The Evaluation of the Choreographic and Rehearsal Process Rubric.

Accommodations

Students with physical limitations adapt movement as necessary.

Resources

Beatty, Patricia. Form Without Formula. A Concise Guide to the Choreographic Process. Toronto: Press of Terpsichore Limited, 1985. ISBN 0-929003-17-9

Cameron, Julia and Mark Bryan. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992. ISBN 0874776945

Catholic Book of Worship 3. ISBN 0-8889997-301-6

Cooper, Susan. Staging Dance. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1998. ISBN 0878300813

DuPont, Betty and Joan Schlaich. Dance. The Art of Production. Princeton: Princeton Book Company, Publishers, 1988. ISBN 0871272075

Gather: Volumes 1-3. Chicago, Illinois: GIA Publications, September 14, 1994. ISBN 0-941050-61-0

The Holy Bible, The New Revised Standard Version

Humphrey, Doris. The Art of Making Dances. New York: Grove Press Inc., 1991.
ISBN 0871271583

Smith, Jacqueline M. A Practical Guide for Teachers. London: A&C Black, 1985.
ISBN 0-7136-27-92-1

Tufnell, Miranda and Chris Crickmay. Body, Space, Image: Notes Towards Improvisation and Performance. Toronto: Virago Press Ltd., 1992. ISBN1853811319

Cyberdance – http://www.cyberdance.org/

Dance Links – http://www.dancer.com/dance-links/

Voice of Dance – http://www.voiceofdance.org

– http://www.yahoo.com/arts/Performing_Arts/Dance

** Guest Artists may be available from a variety of sources, often at a minimal cost to the school. Suggested Sources include:

·         Artists in Residence Program, an Ontario Arts Council funded program

·         Professional Dance Companies–at times professional dancers who have an interest or desire to choreograph enjoy working with students.

·         University and College Dance Programs – often students have composition pieces, which they have created and would be willing to provide students for a minimal fee.

·         Schools for the Arts – senior students with extensive choreographic experience may have a piece suitable for Grade 12 students.

·         Private Dance Studios – often teachers and choreographers from private studios are willing to choreograph for school programs.

 

Activity 3:  Production and Performance

Time:  7 hours

Description

Students learn from promoting and producing a performance of their “genre” piece(s) and a repertory piece. Through performing, students demonstrate increased technical proficiency in dance. Challenges to solve problems effectively as a class allows students to draw on Christian leadership and collaboration skills. As in Activity 1, students are required to take initiative and demonstrate Christian leadership based on Jesus as the model of servant leadership. Students are required to work as interdependent group members who demonstrate sensitivity, caring, and respect for others. Students learn effective organizational and cooperative skills. Resourcefulness and self-direction skills are highlighted to assist students to put on a successful performance. Students demonstrate an understanding of the increasingly complex technical skills of stagecraft and production management as well as the technical aspects of rehearsals and performances. Students use technology effectively in their performance. Students synthesize their understanding in order to arrive at their collective artistic voice.

Strand(s):  Creation

Refer to the Expectations Chart at the beginning of the unit.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Units 2, 3 and Unit 4 – Activities 1 and 2

Planning Notes

·         Survey students to determine prior learning levels. Provide a handout on the production roles in dance (Public Dance Course Profile for Grade 10, Open, Appendix 4.6, and/or Catholic Dance Course Profile for Grade 11, University/College, Appendix 3.3).

·         Provide students with a large, safe, open space, preferably with a sprung floor.

·         Identify the best performance area of the school and implement modifications, if applicable, to create a suitable and safe performance environment. Note: If it is the gym, the teacher needs to ensure that there is a sound system and a stage lighting system available. It may be necessary to liaise with the audiovisual and/or multi-media departments or for the school to rent equipment.

·         Arrange for CD/cassette tape players, video camera, extension cords, blank audio and videocassette tapes and any other technical support needed. If these items are not available in the school, the school may need to rent them.

·         Copy the Promotion/Production Checklist (Appendix 4.5 – Promotion/Production Checklist). Note that for a performance of this size it may be unrealistic for students to fulfill all of the promotion/production roles. Some of the roles may be done in a hypothetical fashion.

·         Copy Appendix 4.6 – Technical Information Form.

·         Appendix 4.7 – Assessment of Promotion/Production Roles

·         Appendix 4.8 – Evaluation of Performance for the class.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

I     Production Roles

·         The teacher leads a review discussion on the promotion and production aspects of dance focusing on the duties and responsibilities of each role.

·         The teacher provides students with a copy of the Promotion/Production Checklist
(see Appendix 4.5 – Promotion/Production Checklist).

·         Students decide who will fulfill each production role based on the students’ strengths and interests. If students experience difficulty in reaching a consensus, there could be a blind voting process. The collaborative process in this project is critical to the success and enjoyment of the work. Once the roles have been clearly established, students are accountable to their teacher and their group.

·         Note that for a performance of this size it may be unrealistic for students to fulfill all of the promotion/production roles, some of the roles may be done in a hypothetical fashion. Example: What would you do if you had an unlimited budget and resources for the performance?

·         Students begin to complete their promotion and production tasks. Many of these responsibilities are self-directed and completed outside of class time. The teacher, therefore, checks that these tasks are completed via the Teacher Tracking Sheet (see Appendix 4.7 – Teacher Tracking Sheet). The teacher monitors and provides oral and anecdotal feedback. Students refine their progress and continue the process.

II   Technical Rehearsal

·         The teacher provides students with Appendix 4.6 – Technical Information Form.

·         Students complete the form and prepare for aspects of the technical rehearsal.

·         Students submit the form to the teacher for evaluation.

·         The teacher evaluates progress and provides feedback and/or conferencing (see Appendix 4.7 – Teacher Tracking Sheet).

·         The teacher discusses the importance of key lighting principles, e.g., colour, direction, mixing, fading.

·         Students set the sound and lighting cues for the “genre” piece(s) using the example template below.

Example:

Choreographer _________________________

 

Title of Dance Piece ______________________

Order in Program ____________________

 

Music _____________________________

Cue

Description/Movement/Notes

Sound Cue

Time
In

Time Out

Transition Description

1

Lighting begins with music

2 dancers begin on stage downstage centre

0:01

0:01

0:32

10 sec. fade in

2

4 dancers in a diagonal line

0:32

0:32

1:10

5 sec.
 cross fade

þ

þ

þ

þ

þ

þ

 

·         Students submit the form to the teacher for evaluation.

·         Students work out spacing, exits, and entrances in the performance space.

·         The teacher sets the sound and lighting cues for the repertory piece. (Note: Some students may be adept with sound and lighting cues and wish to collaborate with the teacher on this aspect of the performance.)

·         The teacher monitors and provides oral and anecdotal feedback.

·         Students refine their progress and continue the process.

III  Dress Rehearsal

·         The teacher ensures safe practices are applied in all sites, e.g., tighten loose fixtures, wash performance surface, tape down cords, etc.

·         Students warm up their bodies for performance, put on costumes, apply make-up, cue tapes/CDs, and set up technical support equipment.

·         The teacher reinforces appropriate audience etiquette and behaviour as well as performance behaviour and etiquette, e.g., quietly entering and exiting site, staying focused.

·         The teacher oversees that students are doing their jobs for a smooth run of the performance.

·         The teacher advises students of the importance of planning the technical rehearsal two days prior to the actual performance.

·         The teacher collects Appendix 4.6 – Technical Information Sheet and distributes them to the appropriate technical crew member. A technical crew may be organized through a drama class. If this is not possible, members of the dance class can make up the technical crew.

·         Students run the performance in the correct program order on the prearranged date with sound and lighting cues in place.

·         Students collaboratively solve problems that arise.

·         The teacher monitors and provides oral and anecdotal feedback.

·         Students refine the performance and continue the process.

IV  The Performance

·         The teacher provides students with a copy of Appendix 4.8 – Evaluation of Performance and reviews the Learning Expectations.

·         The teacher leads students in a discussion of the importance of documenting and archiving their dance performances for the future, e.g., for audition purposes, for remounting their choreography, for university/college entrance, etc.

·         The teacher reviews appropriate and applicable copyright law and discusses issues concerning artistic responsibilities.

·         The teacher provides an example of a talent release form and discusses the legalities and responsibilities of its use.

·         The teacher arranges to have the performance recorded. (Note: It may be useful to solicit the help of a multi-media student/teacher/reliable senior student.)

·         Students work in teams to create an editing log for the rough video footage. Extension: The students create a storyboard prior to editing their footage.

·         Students select from the rough video footage (collected in the performance) to create their Personal Performance Portfolio in Activity 4.

·         Students may wish to connect with the Yearbook/Website Committee to document and promote their work.

·         Throughout this activity, the teacher provides students with opportunities to act as servant leaders using Jesus as a role model.

·         The teacher facilitates the students in an advisory capacity, i.e., helpful hints/suggestions from the teacher will assist/guide students.

·         Students run the performance for an audience.

·         The teacher monitors and provides oral and anecdotal feedback.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The teacher monitors the students’ progress and provides oral and anecdotal feedback, conferencing during the learning process.

·         The teacher assesses students on completion of tasks and provides feedback for refinement using Appendix 4.6 – Technical Information Form.

·         The teacher evaluates the promotion/production skills using Appendix 4.7 – Teacher Tracking Sheet.

·         The teacher evaluates the final performance using Appendix 4.8 – Evaluation of Performance.

Accommodations

Students with physical limitations can adapt movement as necessary.

Resources

Beatty, Patricia. Form Without Formula. A Concise Guide to the Choreographic Process. Toronto: Press of Terpsichore Limited, 1985. ISBN 0-929003-17-9

Cameron, Julia. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992. ISBN 0874776945

Catholic Book of Worship 3. ISBN 0-8889997-301-6

Cooper, Susan. Staging Dance. New York, NY: Theatre Arts Books/Routledge, 1998. ISBN 0878300813

Hayes, R.R. Dance Composition and Production. New York: Ronald Press, 1955.

The Holy Bible, The New Revised Standard Version

Hoggett, C. Stagecraft. A&C Black Publishers. 1975. ISBN 0-713-615575

Humphrey, Doris. The Art of Making Dances. New York: Grove Press Inc., 1991. ISBN 0871271583

Schlaich, Joan and Betty DuPont, eds. Dance: The Art of Production. Princeton, NJ: Dance Horizons/Princeton Book Company, 1988. ISBN 09166226681

Smith, Jacqueline M. A Practical Guide for Teachers. London: A&C Black, 1985.
ISBN 0-7136-27-92-1

Tufnell, Miranda and Chris Crickmay. Body, Space, Image: Notes Towards Improvisation and Performance. Toronto: Virago Press Ltd., 1992. ISBN1853811319

– http://www.dancer.com/dance-links/

– http://www.danceronline.com/htm/linksnew/links6.html

– http://www.voiceofdance.org

– http://www.yahoo.com/arts/Performing_Arts/Dance

 

Activity 4:  Reflection and Analysis

Time:  4 hours

Description

Students use video technology to analyse, interpret, and evaluate the genre piece(s) and the class piece. Students develop oral and written evaluation skills to discuss the formal structure and the meaning of the choreographic works. Students explain and support their artistic decisions in relation to their own compositions and what they observe and interpret in the other student pieces. Students develop an increased sensitivity to, and understanding of, the ideas/feelings of the other dancers/choreographers in the class. Students develop an understanding of the relationship between aspects of performance and production and evaluate the process and results from the performance. Students compile a personal performance video portfolio in dance and appropriate audition materials for college/university and other career-related options.

Strand(s):  Theory, Analysis

Refer to the Expectations Chart at the beginning of the unit.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Unit 1, 2, 3, and Unit 4 – Activities 1, 2, and 3

Planning Notes

·         Survey students to determine their knowledge/understanding of concepts in terms of how to review/critique dance works.

·         Provide a review handout of dance review/critique criteria (see Catholic Dance Course Profile for Grade 10, Open, Unit 5, Activity 4, p. 11-13).

·         Survey students’ IEP’s in preparation for discussion on work/career-related correlations.

·         Review criteria for evaluation of the video portfolio (Appendix 4.9 – Checklist of the Contents of the Performance Video Portfolio).

·         Ascertain and organize scheduling for use of video-editing equipment and where necessary review how to edit rough footage to create the final product.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

I     Viewing and Analysing their own Performance

·         The teacher leads a discussion on the dance review process and discusses each of the criteria, namely:

a)   first impressions;

b)   description/analysis;

c)   interpretation;

d)   judgement (their opinion).

·         Students watch the first piece two to three times making notes based on the criteria.

·         The teacher leads the class in a discussion to share their reviews of the first composition piece.

·         Students systematically view each choreographic work using the same process noted above.

·         Students submit their written reviews to the teacher for evaluation.

II   Post-production Discussion

·         The teacher facilitates discussion, and students take notes focusing on post-production aspects, e.g., collaboration, artistic elements of the choreography, and personal performance experience.

·         The teacher writes these points on the board and students discuss their experience and feelings about:

a)   the rehearsal process;

b)   publicity;

c)   the technical aspects of the performance, e.g., sound, lighting, etc.;

d)   the costumes, props, and backdrops/sets;

e)   the program;

f)    the performance and audience response.

·         Students discuss their experience, their feelings, and the value of the project.

·         Students make suggestions for improvements to be included in future considerations.

·         The teacher reads and responds to students’ observations and comments.

III  Creating a Personal Performance Video Portfolio

·         The teacher discusses the purpose and importance of a video portfolio/archive, e.g., auditions, grant proposals and submissions, entrance to university/college, etc.

·         The video portfolio will consist of two components.

·         Component 1: Rough video footage to make the student’s individual video portfolio. Note: Students will not all have the same video portfolio because they are in different pieces.

·         Component 2: A final edited video documentation of the performance.

Note: Students may wish to transfer their work into digital format, e.g., CD-ROM. If this performance will be included on a website, the teacher will need to review issues surrounding copyright and the use of permission and talent release forms.

·         The teacher provides a calendar of video editing time.

·         Each student arranges for editing time and begins to construct their video portfolio.

·         Students title and date the portfolio and catalogue each piece presented on the videotape.

·         Students title and date the outside of the videotape/CD/DVD.

Note: Students may need to edit using two TV/VCRs if an editing suite or computer equipment/software is not available.

·         Students submit the video portfolio to the teacher for evaluation.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The teacher assesses the students’ video portfolio using Appendix 4.9 – Checklist of the Contents of the Performance Video Portfolio.

Resources

Beatty, Patricia. Form Without Formula. A Concise Guide to the Choreographic Process. Toronto: Press of Terpsichore Limited, 1985. ISBN 0-929003-17-9

Cameron, Julia. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 1992. ISBN 0874776945

Catholic Book of Worship 3. ISBN 0-8889997-301-6

Cooper, Susan. Staging Dance. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1998. ISBN 0878300813

DuPont, Betty and Joan Schlaich. Dance. The Art of Production. Princeton: Princeton Book Company, Publishers, 1988. ISBN 0871272075

Hayes, R. R. Dance Composition and Production. New York: Ronald Press, 1955.

Hoggett, C. Stagecraft. A&C Black Publishers, 1975. ISBN 0-713-615575

The Holy Bible, The New Revised Standard Version

Horst, L. and C. Russell. Modern Dance Forms in Relation to Other Modern Arts. New York: Dance Horizons, 1961.

Horst, Louis and Carroll Russell. Modern Dance Forms. In Relation to the Other Modern Arts. Princeton Book Company, Publishers, 1987. ISBN 916622525

Humphrey, D. The Art of Making Dances. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Book Company, 1987.

Schlaich, Joan and Betty DuPont, (eds.). Dance: The Art of Production. Princeton, NJ: Dance Horizons/Princeton Book Company, 1988. ISBN 09166226681

Smith, Jacqueline M. A Practical Guide for Teachers. London: A&C Black, 1985.
ISBN 0-7136-27-92-1

Tufnell, Miranda and Chris Crickmay. Body, Space, Image: Notes Towards Improvisation and Performance. Toronto: Virago Press Ltd., 1992. ISBN 1853811319

– http://www.dancer.com/dance-links/

– http://www.dancehorizons.com

– http://www.danceronline.com/htm/linksnew/links6.html

– http://www.voiceofdance.org

– http://www.yahoo.com/arts/Performing_Arts/Dance


Appendix 4.1

Evaluation of the Rehearsal Process

Name: ______________________________

 

Criteria

Level 1
Limited Success
(50-59%)

Level 2
Moderate Success
(60-69%)

Level 3
Considerable Success
(70-79%)

Level 4
High Degree of Success
(80-100%)

Knowledge/Understanding Rehearsal/Refinement Process Expectations: (wears proper attire, is punctual, warms up safely) CRV.03

 

 

 

 

Thinking/Inquiry

Concentration/Focus: (ability to recall dance sequences, applies corrections, stays on task, and displays self discipline) CRV.02

 

 

 

 

Communication

Group Work: (collaborates, co-operates, works as an interdependent team member, is sensitive towards others) CR4.04

 

 

 

 

Application

Leadership: (takes initiative/ demonstrates Christian leadership)
CR4.04, CR3.01

 

 

 

 

Technical Skills: (demonstrates increasingly difficult movement skills to the dance form, co-ordination, strength, flexibility, control, etc.) CR4.03

 

 

 

 

Rehearsal Skills (works safely, accurately depicts choreography with attention to style and detail)
THV.02

 

 

 

 

Performance Skills (uses facial expression, dynamics, proper musical phrasing and timing) CRV.04

 

 

 

 

Artistic Scope (focuses on the development of artistry and artistic integrity, and recognizes these qualities in various dance works)
CR1.03

 

 

 

 


Appendix 4.2

Safe and Effective Rehearsal Practices

 

Come Prepared

·         Students should be punctual and come prepared for active participation. They should arrive mentally and physically prepared (proper rest, nutrition, etc.).

·         Proper dance attire is essential (dance clothing, footwear, hair up and out of the way, no jewellery or excessively loose fitting clothing).

·         Bring a water bottle, juice, or healthy snack (especially for long rehearsals).

 

Structure of the Rehearsal  (based on a one-hour session)

 

Warm up (10-15 minutes)

Every rehearsal session should begin with a proper warm up that includes the following three components:

·         Whole Body Movement to increase heart rates. This should be low-impact aerobic activity.

·         Once the heart rate is up and the body temperature has been raised, stretching should take place. Begin with gradual, static stretching where you allow the body to relax into a stretch position for
10–20 seconds. Never bounce stretch. Partner/facilitative stretching should not be undertaken at this point. It is a safe and effective method of stretching but only when the dancer is very warm, i.e., after a full class.

·         Specific movements found in the type or style of dance to be performed should now be incorporated into the warm up. For example, a dancer warming up to perform a modern dance would incorporate some modern dance movements into the warm up; whereas a dancer warming up to perform a ballet pointe dance would focus on movements suited to the pointe piece.

 

Rehearsing: Portion 1 (20 minutes)

During the first portion of the rehearsal dancers begin by marking movements, working out problem areas, cleaning and spacing, etc. This allows more time for the dancer to get fully warmed up, and physically prepared. Dancers should not be asked to dance full out: no big jumps, lifts, or contact work.

 

Portion 2 (20 minutes)

During this portion of the rehearsal session dancers should dance the piece full out. Allow for breaks during these run throughs to analyse, clean, and refine the choreography. It is counter productive to keep rehearsing a piece when there is no time for reflection, or individual and small group refinement.

 

Cool down (10 minutes)

At the end of rehearsal portion two dancers should cool down with some slow movements, as well as some stretching. Stretching should take the form of either gradual/static stretching or partner/facilitative stretching.


Appendix 4.3

Self Assessment of the Rehearsal Process

 

Student’s Name: _________________________                  Group Name: ____________________

 

Instructions: Assess your involvement, achievement, and effectiveness in the rehearsal process by checking the level which best applies to you.

 

Criteria

Level 1
Limited Effectiveness
(50-59%)

Level 2
Moderate Effectiveness
(60-69%)

Level 3
Considerable Effectiveness
(70-79%)

Level 4
High Degree of Effectiveness
(80-100%)

Demonstrates proper rehearsal practices (is punctual, wears proper attire, warms up and cools down)

 

 

 

 

Concentration/Focus (is able to recall dance sequences and stay on task)

 

 

 

 

Group work (collaborates, co-operates, works well as group member)

 

 

 

 

Sensitivity to the feelings and ideas of others

 

 

 

 

Technical skills (demonstrates increasingly difficult movement skills)

 

 

 

 

Initiative taken to review and refine work on their own.

 

 

 

 

Rehearsal skills (works safely and effectively, accurately depicts choreography with attention to style and detail)

 

 

 

 

Performance skills (uses facial expression, dynamics, proper musical phrasing and timing)

 

 

 

 

Demonstration of leadership qualities

 

 

 

 

Contribution to the rehearsal/refinement process

 

 

 

 


Appendix 4.4

Evaluation of the Choreographic and Rehearsal Process Checklist

 

Student’s Name: ______________________

Criteria

Level 1
Limited Effective-ness
(50-59%)

Level 2
Moderate Effective-ness
(60-69%)

Level 3
Consider-able Effective-ness
(70-79%)

Level 4
High Degree of Effective-ness
(80-100%)

Knowledge/Understanding

Choreographic/Rehearsal Process Expectations: wears proper attire, warms up safely

 

 

 

 

Thinking/Inquiry

Concentration/Focus: is able to recall dance sequences, applies corrections, stays on task, and displays self discipline

 

 

 

 

Communication

Group Work: collaborates, co-operates, works as an interdependent team member, is sensitive towards others

 

 

 

 

Application

Composition/Choreographic Skills: demonstrates good composition structures and principles, and is able to create movements and sequences effectively

 

 

 

 

Technical Skills: demonstrates increasingly difficult movement skills in the dance form, shows evidence of co-ordination, strength, flexibility, control, etc.

 

 

 

 

Rehearsal Skills: works safely and effectively, accurately depicts choreography with attention to style and detail, takes initiative to review and refine work on own

 

 

 

 

Performance Skills: use of facial expression, use of dynamics, proper musical phrasing and timing, ability to express the theme or intent of the choreography

 

 

 

 

Artistic Scope: focuses on the development of artistry and artistic integrity, and is able to recognise these qualities in various dance works

 

 

 

 

Appendix 4.5

Promotion/Production Checklist

Job Title

Description

Student Assuming Role

Due Date

Completion Date

A. Budget

Current operating budget

 

 

 

Possible donations to the performance

 

 

 

Allocation of funds (publicity, costumes, technical)

 

 

 

B. Publicity

Poster - design

 

 

 

Posters - printing

 

 

 

Banners

 

 

 

P.A. announcements

 

 

 

Newspaper advertisements

 

 

 

Tickets - printing

 

 

 

Tickets - selling

 

 

 

C. Program

Program order

 

 

 

Gathering information from choreographers

 

 

 

Design and Layout

 

 

 

Photocopying and Folding

 

 

 

Programs to box office

 

 

 

D. Reception Coordinator

Co-ordination of all details of reception

 

 

 

E. Master of Ceremony

Speech

 

 

 

Special needs - microphone, podium

 

 

 

F. Theatre Bookings

Technical rehearsal Q-Q (cue-to-cue)

 

 

 

Dress rehearsal

 

 

 

G. Lighting

Completion and Collection of the Technical Information Form

 

 

 

Lighting Design submitted (from Technical Information Form)

 

 

 

H. Sound

Recordings of audio cassettes/CDs made; labelled appropriately

 

 

 

Collection of recordings (ensure consistency)

 

 

 

I. Backstage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager (someone to call dancers for each piece)

 

 

 

J. Costumes

Purchase or creation

 

 

 

K. Props/ Backdrops/ Sets

Arranging for the cleaning of dance floor

 

 

 

Spiking (marking) of stage floor; prop positions

 

 

 

Hanging of backdrops

 

 

 

Strike of set, clear and clean stage at end of performance

 

 

 

Appendix 4.6

Technical Information Form

Choreographer __________________________

 

Title of Dance Piece _______________________

Order in Program _____________________

 

Music ______________________________

 

 

1.   Dancer’s Starting Position

 

Audience

____ On stage

____ Off stage

____ Some on stage, some off stage

 

2.   Sound Cue

____ Before lights come up

____ At the same time as lights

____ After lights come up

____ Other

 

3.   Blackout               ___ Before piece        ___ At end of piece

 

4.   Props/Backdrops/Sets

 

Item

 

Location on Stage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audience

 

 

5.   Main Lighting Colour

(Assuming that stage lights are available to complete the following.)

___ Red

___ Green

___ Blue

___ Yellow

___ Purple

___ Magenta/Pink

___ Orange

 

6.   Additional Lighting Requirements

____ Gobo

___ Black Light

___ Spot

___ Strobe

____ Cyclorama, etc.

___ Other: ____________

 

7.   Special Effects

____ Dried Ice       ____ Smoke     ___ Other: ____________


Appendix 4.7

Teacher Tracking Sheet

Student: ____________________________             Role: ____________________________

Completion Date: ____________________________

 

Checklist for Completed Roles

Completion Date

YES 3

NO 3

A

Budget submitted

 

 

 

B

Publicity work completed

 

 

 

C

Program completed

 

 

 

D

Reception co-ordinated

 

 

 

E

Master of Ceremony

 

 

 

F

Theatre bookings made

 

 

 

G

Lighting completed

 

 

 

H

Sound completed

 

 

 

I

Backstage Manager secured

 

 

 

J

Costumes completed

 

 

 

K

Props/Backdrops/Sets completed

 

 

 

Appendix 4.8

Evaluation of Performance

Achievement Categories
and Criteria

Level 1
Limited Success
(50-59%)

Level 2
Moderately Successful
(60-69%)

Level 3
Considerably Successful
(70-79%)

Level 4
Exceptionally Successful
(80-100%)

Application

Technique

(Demonstrates strength and technical precision, flexibility, coordination, full range of movement)

Musicality

(Demonstrates accuracy of counts and timing, rhythmic sense)

 

 

 

 

Communication

Performance Skills

(Exhibits focus, stage presence, is able to communicate the message of the choreography to the audience, demonstrates accurate quality of movement to express the theme)

Group Work

(Is able to perform as a group effectively, co-operatively)

 

 

 

 

Appendix 4.9

Checklist of the Contents of the Performance Video Portfolio

 

Contents of Performance Video Portfolio

YES 3

NO 3

Comments

Content

·         Quantity/quality of rough video footage

 

 

 

Technical Aspects

·         Consistent and smooth transitions

·         Consistent audio quality

·         Clarity and timing of titles and credits

 

 

 

Overall Presentation

·         Best representation of students’ work

·         Effective/organized order, e.g., chronological, thematic, etc.

·         Accurate labels

 

 

 

 

 

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