@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
In class with the Mark Morris Dance Group
Explore contemporary training techniques with the Mark Morris Dance Group
Student dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 10 dance
What will I learn?
You will:
explore understanding of safe dance practice to acquire movement skills
combine the elements of space, time and dynamics to personalise dance movement
apply knowledge of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system to the execution of movement and the study and practice of dance technique
manipulate the elements of space, time and dynamics to communicate an idea in performance.
Welcome to the class
Duration: 00:30Before you begin
You will need:
an open space to dance safely
recording device
document or slide presentation program.
Record your findings for each activity in a document or slide presentation to send to your teacher.
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.
Stimulus videos – contemporary training techniques
Watch the excerpt of each of the technique exercises and follow the instructions provided by the teachers to demonstrate the exercise.
Make sure to perform them in order to safely prepare your body for dance.
If you would like to view the videos in full screen, select the vimeo link under each video. It will then open in a separate tab on your browser.
Exercise 1 – warm-up
Duration: 03:25Exercise 2 – standing exercise
Duration: 04:03Exercise 3 – plié
Duration: 02:49Exercise 4 – tendu
Duration: 03:06Exercise 5 – dégagé
Duration: 04:55
Perform each technique exercise.
Record yourself to send to your teacher for feedback.
- Explore – technique
Watch back the recordings of yourself and evaluate your performance. Think about the following statements in your evaluation.
Are you able to:
identify and explain the capabilities and limitations in your own body
identify and name major muscle groups and skeletal structures
identify and demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of anatomical structure
identify and describe the use of the elements of space, time and dynamics in combinations of movement
apply projection, focus and confidence.
Make sure to use appropriate dance terminology when describing dance technique and safe dance practice.
Record your answers in your document or slide presentation.
2. Explore – repertoire
Watch the video – Concept/intent.
Brainstorm the types of movement qualities, shapes, gestures and actions the work may include.
3. Apply
Watch the video – Repertoire breakdown.
Learn the movement following the teacher’s instructions.
Repertoire breakdown
Duration: 04:58Watch the video – Repertoire with music.
Perform the work with the dancers.
Repertoire with music
Duration: 01:08Pay particular attention to the feedback given by the teachers in the video.
4. Perform
Watch the video – Feedback of repertoire.
Physically demonstrate your understanding of the feedback using the video – Repertoire with music 2.
Record yourself performing the repertoire to send to your teacher.
Feedback of repertoire
Duration: 01:20Repertoire with music 2
Duration: 01:04 5. Evaluate
Watch back the recordings of yourself and evaluate your performance thinking about the following statements in your evaluation.
Evaluate whether you able to:
perform dance movement consistently relative to anatomical structure
demonstrate a variety of spatial, temporal and dynamic features in a dance
manipulate the elements of space, time and dynamics to communicate an idea in performance
apply the elements of space, time and dynamics to personalise dance movement
describe how musicality in dance performance contributes to interpretation.
Make sure to use appropriate dance terminology when describing dance technique and safe dance practice.
Record your findings from each activity in a document or slide presentation and send to your teacher.
Send your video recordings to your teacher for feedback.
Congratulations!
You have completed this @The Arts Unit Creative Class.
