Elements of Dance

Objective

Students will explore and understand the basic elements of dance, focusing on the aspects of body, energy, space, and time.

Curriculum Area

The Arts: Dance
Level 3, Year 7

Big Ideas

• Dance is shaped by culture and represents culture.
• Ākonga (students) can express and share their culture through movement.
• Dance encourages collaborative and cooperative skills.

Key Competencies

• Thinking: Encouraging creative and critical thinking through movement.
• Participating and Contributing: Working together and appreciating group dynamics.
• Using Languages, Symbols, and Texts: Understanding non-verbal communication.

Materials Needed

• Open space for movement
• Music player and variety of music tracks
• Large paper for mind mapping
• Markers
• Chart paper and pens

Lesson Breakdown

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

1. Introduction to Dance Elements:

   • Briefly introduce the four elements of dance: Body, Energy, Space, and Time.
   • Explain that these elements are the building blocks of dance.

2. Physical Warm-Up:

   • Lead the students through a series of simple stretches and movements to get them warmed up.
   • Focus on different parts of the body (e.g., head, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet).

Main Activity (20 minutes)

1. Body (5 minutes):

   • Explain that the "Body" element focuses on what body parts are used in dance and how they move.
   • Have students experiment with isolating different body parts (e.g., only moving their arms, legs, head).
   • Introduce simple movements like bending, stretching, twisting, and shaking.

2. Energy (5 minutes):

   • Discuss how "Energy" refers to how a movement is performed (e.g., smooth vs. sharp, strong vs. light).
   • Play different types of music (e.g., classical, rock, hip hop) and ask students to move their bodies in ways that match the energy of the music.
   • Encourage them to experiment with dynamics and quality of movement.

3. Space (5 minutes):

   • Explain that "Space" involves the area in which dance takes place and how dancers use that area.
   • Demonstrate and have students try movements that explore levels (high, medium, low) and directions (forward, backward, sideways).
   • Have students move within the space, making wide and narrow shapes with their bodies.

4. Time (5 minutes):

   • Introduce "Time" as the element that deals with rhythm, tempo, and duration of movements.
   • Use clapping rhythms or a drum to demonstrate different tempos.
   • Have students move to a rhythm and then change tempos as they move, experimenting with fast, slow, and syncopated movements.

Closing (5 minutes)

1. Group Activity:

   • Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
   • Each group will create a short dance sequence incorporating all four elements: Body, Energy, Space, and Time.
   • Encourage creativity and emphasise collaboration.

2. Reflection and Cool Down:

   • Have each group perform their sequence for the class.
   • After each performance, engage students in a short discussion about which elements were used and how.
   • Finish with some gentle stretches to cool down.

Assessment

• Participation: Monitor active engagement and willingness to explore the elements.
• Observation: Informally assess students' understanding of each element during group activities and performances.
• Reflection: Encourage students to share what they learned about dance elements and how these can be used to create meaningful dance pieces.

Extension Activity

• Cultural Exploration:
  • For future lessons, link the dance elements to specific cultural dances from Aotearoa and the Pacific.
  • Invite local dance practitioners or community members to share traditional dances and explain the cultural significance behind them.

This structured yet creative approach to teaching the elements of dance ensures that Year 7 students in New Zealand gain a well-rounded understanding of dance, aligning with the curriculum guidelines while fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and personal expression.