Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Firebird Forensics
Compose and explore the elements of dance
Student dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 10 dance
What will I learn?
You will:
explore the elements of dance
improvise by using compositional tools
refine movement to communicate an idea
compose and perform a phrase of movement.
Welcome to the class
Duration: 00:22Before you begin
Firebird Forensics was a unique collaborative cross-curriculum composition and performance project to create a dance work that responds to 'The Firebird Suite' by Igor Stravinsky (1919).
Dance students were given individual and group choreographic tasks to devise a new work through problem-solving and manipulation of the elements of dance. At the conclusion of the project, the students presented their work in a public performance.
This Creative Class is a modified version of the original unit of work.
To help you with this class, you'll need:
a clear space to dance
a device to listen to the music and watch the performance
pen and paper for notes
access to software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides to record your answers.
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.
- Explore
What is a Firebird?
The Firebird is a mythical creature from Slavic and Russian folklore. The Firebird is described as being a powerful source of light, and having eyes like crystals and golden feathers. A single enchanted feather from a Firebird can illuminate a room. The Firebird is represented as a bird made of living fire or living light.
In some tales, the Firebird is a powerful sidekick who will fly the hero out of danger. In other tales, characters will try to capture the Firebird for its priceless feathers.
Brainstorm some physical characteristics of the Firebird.
How would it fly?
What would the movement of the bird’s wings look like?
Describe the bird’s habits.
Would it be fast or slow?
Use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides to record your answers.
Listen to the audio stimulus. The orchestra is playing an excerpt from 'The Infernal Dance of King Kastchei'.
Note: This will be the excerpt of music you will use to perform your movement phrases.
Audio stimulus – The Infernal Dance of King Kastchei (excerpt)
Duration: 01:15View the dancers' performance of 'Firebird Forensics', paying particular attention to the movement phrases as inspiration for the tasks ahead.
Movement phrases
Duration: 01:022. Improvise
Improvise movement to create a series of 6 gestures for a firebird.
Use your brainstorm from the first activity as a starting point.
Include movements for a variety of situations the firebird may experience.
Embellish each gesture.
You might like to try making gestures:
larger
more exaggerated
slower (taking 4-8 counts for each gesture).
Manipulate these gestures using the elements of dance (space, time and dynamics).
For example:
add level changes
change direction
change tempo
add moments of stillness
change in dynamic quality.
The elements of dance
For a reminder of the elements of dance, refer to the elements of dance (PDF file, 72KB)
3. Refine
Select and refine the movements that you think best fit the visual stimulus of the firebird.
Link these movements together to form a 'phrase of movement'.
Repeat the above instructions (improvise, embellish, manipulate and link) to create a second phrase of movement.
Create a transition between the two phrases of movement to create a 'sequence of movement'. Decide how your movement sequence will fit with the audio stimulus.
4. Perform
Record a performance of your movement sequence.
Reflect on your choice of movement in relation to the stimulus 'Firebird'.
Record your reflections on your PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Send your recorded performance and reflections to your teacher for feedback.
Audio stimulus – The Infernal Dance of King Kastchei (excerpt)
Duration: 01:15‘The Blaze of Life’
Apon Hakim – Lakemba Public SchoolOperation Art
Congratulations, Firebird!
You have completed this Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Class.
Third-party content attributions
"Firebird" by Nachiii is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The Blaze of Life, © Apon Hakim, reproduced and communicated with permission.