High school dance class is more than just learning steps; it’s an exploration of diverse cultures, historical periods, and artistic expression. One key aspect of dance education in high school is understanding the historical and cultural relevance of dance. This means students delve into the rich tapestry of dance from around the world and across time.
In a high school dance class, you will learn to appreciate and understand dance as a reflection of different societies and eras. This involves several key components:
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Diverse Cultures and Historical Periods: You will explore dance styles and traditions from various cultures around the globe and different periods in history. This could range from traditional African dances to classical ballet, from the dances of the Renaissance to modern contemporary forms. You’ll learn how dance varies across cultures, each with its unique movement vocabulary, music, and purpose.
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Historical and Social Contexts: Understanding dance goes beyond just the steps. You’ll learn about the historical and social contexts that shaped different dance forms. For example, understanding the social conditions of the Swing era provides context for the energetic and improvisational nature of Jitterbug. You’ll discover how societal values, political events, and cultural exchanges influenced the evolution of dance.
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Historical Figures in Dance: Dance history is populated by influential figures who have shaped the art form. You will learn about significant dancers, choreographers, and dance educators throughout history and their contributions. Knowing about figures like Martha Graham or Alvin Ailey provides crucial context for understanding modern dance.
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Significance in Dance History: You’ll analyze the significance of different dance forms and movements within the broader context of dance history. This includes understanding how dance has evolved, how different styles have influenced each other, and the lasting impact of dance on societies and cultures.
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Various Media and Content Areas: Dance education in high school also incorporates various media to enhance learning. You might analyze dance through videos, films, written texts, and even explore connections between dance and other content areas like history, social studies, and music.
For example, a lesson focusing on historical and cultural relevance might start with a discussion about community. Think about your school community, your town, or your city. What are the different cultural groups represented? Then, you might watch videos of dances that reflect these cultures.
Two dancers jitterbugging at a juke joint, November 1939 via wikimedia
By observing these dances, you’ll start to identify specific movement characteristics associated with each cultural group. You might compare and contrast how different cultures use space – do they move in large or small ranges? How do they utilize time – is the rhythm fast or slow? What about energy – are the movements sharp and sudden or fluid and continuous?
Through activities like creating short dance phrases that represent different cultural groups within your community, you can synthesize your understanding. By applying elements of space, time, and energy, you can create a dance study that communicates something about your community to an audience.
Discussion in dance class might revolve around questions like:
- How does dance reflect the demographics and historical influences of a community?
- In what ways are different cultural dances similar or different in their movements?
- What movement patterns are unique to specific cultural dances?
- How can the elements of space, time, and energy in dance communicate cultural identity?
- Why is understanding the cultural context of dance important?
Ultimately, high school dance class offers a journey beyond physical movement. It’s an engaging way to learn about history, culture, and community through the expressive art of dance. You’ll develop not only your physical skills but also a deeper understanding of the world around you and the diverse ways people express themselves through movement.
