@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Student dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 10 dance
You will:
utilise a variety of spatial, temporal and dynamic features in a dance
perform a variety of combinations, sequences and dances with increasing fluency, precision and articulation
explore dance technique in the performance of a specific dance style
apply the language of dance to describe movements in space, time and dynamics.
Welcome to the class
Duration: 01:23Today you will be learning from renowned choreographer and performing artist, Neale Whittaker.
Neale has been dancing professionally for the past 10 years, developing his own unique fusion of contemporary and hip hop.
Neale is part of the choreographic team for the Schools Spectacular, working with the Hip Hop Ensembles to create innovative, challenging and engaging works for the show.
For this lesson, you will need:
an open space to dance safely
a device to watch and record videos.
When you decide to take part in these activities you agree to the following:
You have been given approval from your parent/caregiver prior
You will clear a spot big enough to give you space to move around. Be sure there are no coffee tables, plants or chairs in the way.
Be aware of any pets or small humans that may sneak into your dance space.
Check the height of ceiling fans and light fittings so the area is clear as you reach above your head.
You will wear comfortable clothing that allows a full range of movement.
This will include appropriate footwear:
Sneakers, socks, ballet slippers, jazz shoes or bare feet.
You may have to adjust based on the flooring you are dancing on.
Bare feet may be better than ballet slippers on a slippery floor. Socks may be better on carpet.
Be careful if you are on a rug on a slippery floor.
If you have an injury or a medical condition please follow the advice of your health professional. It is suggested you view the exercises beforehand and adjust according to your limitations. Ask your parent/caregiver if you are unsure.
Please stay safe, listen carefully to all the instructions.
If you study dance, please think about your knowledge of safe dance practice as you execute the instructions.
Research the style of ‘litefeet’ and prepare a report on its origins, stylistic features and movement vocabulary.
Watch the following video of the hip hop sequence you are about to learn.
Devise and perform your own warm-up specific to this sequence. Think about what major muscle groups you will need to engage while you are learning and performing the sequence.
Full sequence with music
Duration: 00:54Learn the 3 phrases of the hip hop sequence by following the instructional videos below.
Stop, rewind or pause the videos as required to assist you in learning each phrase.
Record your performance of each phrase to the music.
Phrase 1 instructions
Duration: 05:38Phrase 1 with music
Duration: 00:30Phrase 2 instructions
Duration: 05:44Adding phrase 2 with music
Duration: 00:44Phrase 3 instructions
Duration: 01:46Adding phrase 3 with music
Duration: 00:55Create your own movement sequence by incorporating the movement vocabulary you have used today and any you learned in your research task from Activity 1.
The sequence should be 2 counts of 8.
Perform and record this movement sequence. You can add this to the movement sequence you have learned from Neale and use the music track to accompany you.
Devise and perform your own cool-down specific to this sequence.
Think about the major muscle groups you have used in the sequence and perform stretches to release the lactic acid from these muscles.
Watch the 2019 Schools Spectacular Hip Hop Ensemble performance, '90s Flashback', choreographed by Neale Whittaker and Pete Evans.
Be sure to take notice of the choreography that you have just learned!
Schools Spectacular 2019 – 90s flashback
Duration: 04:40How did you prepare yourself physically for the movement sequence and style you learnt today? Was this different from a warm-up you would complete for contemporary dance? Why?
How important is coordination in performing ‘litefeet’?
How did you use the elements of dance to realise Neale’s intent?
How are dance technique and the elements of dance influenced by performance and choreographic or theatrical style?
Outro – Neale Whittaker
Duration: 00:35Congratulations!
You've mastered the hip hop sequence!
You have completed this @The Arts Unit Creative Class.
Schools Spectacular 2019 images, photographer: Anna Warr.