Famous New Zealand Dancer Literacy
Exploring the life and career of Michael Parmenter Year 6 English/Literacy New Zealand Curriculum
Vocabulary - Key Terms
{"left":"choreographer (noun) - a person who creates dance movements and routines\nExample: The choreographer spent weeks planning the ballet performance.\ncontemporary (adjective) - belonging to the present time; modern\nExample: Contemporary dance combines classical and modern techniques.\ninnovative (adjective) - introducing new ideas; creative and original","right":"Example: The innovative dancer created a completely new style of movement.\nexpressive (adjective) - showing thoughts and feelings clearly\nExample: Her expressive movements told a story without words.\ncollaboration (noun) - working together with others\nExample: The collaboration between dancers and musicians was amazing."}
Vocabulary - Synonyms
{"left":"choreographer: creator, designer, director\ncontemporary: modern, current, present-day\ninnovative: creative, original, groundbreaking","right":"expressive: emotional, meaningful, communicative\ncollaboration: teamwork, partnership, cooperation"}
Vocabulary - Antonyms
choreographer: follower, copier, imitator contemporary: traditional, old-fashioned, historical innovative: conventional, ordinary, unoriginal expressive: reserved, emotionless, blank collaboration: competition, opposition, isolation
Cloze Passage - Fill the Gaps
Complete each sentence with the correct vocabulary word: 1. The talented _______ created beautiful dance routines for the show. 2. _______ dance allows performers to express emotions freely. 3. Her _______ approach to movement surprised the audience. 4. The dancer's _______ face told the entire story. 5. The successful _______ between artists resulted in an amazing performance.
Reading Passage - Michael Parmenter
Michael Parmenter is one of New Zealand's most celebrated contemporary dancers and choreographers. Born in 1956, he has spent his career creating innovative performances that blend traditional dance with modern expression. Parmenter founded the dance company Commotion in the 1980s, which became famous for its expressive and creative performances. His collaborative approach brought together dancers, musicians, and visual artists to create unique shows. Throughout his career, Parmenter has been recognised for his contribution to New Zealand's cultural heritage. His contemporary style has influenced many young dancers and helped establish New Zealand as an important centre for modern dance. Today, Parmenter continues to teach and inspire new generations of performers, sharing his innovative techniques and expressive storytelling through movement.
Review Vocabulary - Match Definitions
Match each definition to the correct vocabulary word: 1. A person who creates dance movements and routines 2. Belonging to the present time; modern 3. Introducing new ideas; creative and original 4. Showing thoughts and feelings clearly 5. Working together with others
Sentence Scramble - Unscramble These!
Unscramble these sentences from the text: 1. Michael | Parmenter | is | one | of | New Zealand's | most | celebrated | contemporary | dancers | . 2. His | collaborative | approach | brought | together | dancers | , | musicians | , | and | visual | artists | . 3. Parmenter | founded | the | dance | company | Commotion | in | the | 1980s | . 4. His | contemporary | style | has | influenced | many | young | dancers | . 5. Today | , | Parmenter | continues | to | teach | and | inspire | new | generations | .
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about Michael Parmenter: 1. When was Michael Parmenter born? 2. What is the name of the dance company he founded? 3. What makes Parmenter's approach collaborative? 4. How has Parmenter influenced New Zealand's cultural heritage? 5. What does Parmenter continue to do today? 6. Why do you think contemporary dance is important for New Zealand culture?