@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
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Learn how visual images can inspire dance
Learn how visual images can inspire dance
Student dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 3 to 6 dance
What will I learn?
What will I learn?
You will:
explore and develop movement combinations in relation to an idea
create a movement narrative by looking at visual images
perform and communicate intent using a range of expressive qualities
reflect on the process of making dance.
Welcome to the class
Duration: 00:29Before you begin
Before you begin
You will need:
space to move around and dance safely
writing equipment.
Safety tips for online movement classes if you wish to participate
Safety tips for online movement classes if you wish to participate
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.
1. Warm up
1. Warm up
Watch the video of the warm-up and follow the teacher's instructions.
Photo credit: Anna Warr
2. Explore and create
2. Explore and create
Look at the artworks created by students as part of the Operation Art program.
Choose the artwork that you like best.
Brainstorm the ideas the artwork is trying to communicate.
Write a short story about what is going on in the artwork. This only needs to be 2-3 sentences.
Imagination
Katelyn Peters Mullion Creek Public School
Me, my book and my imagination
Emily Chanjin YunHornsby Girls High School
Four-square self portrait
Lily CollisMaitland East Public School
The dancer
Martin Son Nhan TranSefton High School
Create your own movement sequence
Create your own movement sequence
Create some movement ideas that you could use to communicate your story.
Use these steps to help you:
Improvise 1 gesture (a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning) that you believe could represent the artwork and your story.
Embellish (add detail to) each gesture, making the gesture smaller or larger, adding levels, or changing the direction of each gesture.
Place them in an 8-count sequence where you hit the pose and hold on count 8.
Repeat steps 1-3 to create a second movement sequence.
3. Perform
3. Perform
Perform and record your movement sequence and share it with your teacher.
Repeat steps 1-4 from Activity 2 above to create a new movement sequence.
Join your 2 movement sequences together using a transition. A transition could include: run, walk, melt, travel or turn.
Perform and record your movement sequences and share it with your teacher.
Watch the video of the cool-down and follow the teacher's instructions.
Photo credit: Anna Warr
4. Reflect
4. Reflect
Reflect on your dance-making process.
Write down your thoughts.
What was the most challenging part?
How did you feel creating movement inspired by an artwork?
Describe the movement that you created. What levels did you use? What shapes did you use? Was the movement fast or slow? What emotions were you trying to communicate to the audience?
What would you do differently next time?
Well done!
You have finished this @The Arts Unit Creative Class.
We hope you enjoyed learning how visual images can inspire dance.
Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Operation Art student artworks from The Arts Unit media library, reproduced and communicated with permission.
Imagination, © Katelyn Peters, 2020, reproduced and communicated with permission.
Me, my book and my imagination, © Emily Chanjin Yun, 2020, reproduced and communicated with permission.
The dancer, © Martin Son Nhan Tran, 2020, reproduced and communicated with permission.
Four-square self portrait, © Lily Collis, 2020, reproduced and communicated with permission.
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