Embedded Files
Goals
Goals
- Experience a piece of music and dance performance
- Deepen the experience through reflection, movement, and art-making
- Explore the theme of swing dance
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Video
Video
In this video, a 14 piece all female band performs a piece of swing music. This performance was part of Lincoln Center’s A Midsummer Night Swing in 2018. In the video, you can see the musicians performing as well as the public dancing along to the music. Swing was popularized in the 1930s. Some distinct characteristics of swing are that the music features improvised solos, as seen in this clip. Some of the famous dances were created in this era including The Jitterbug, Lindyhop, St. Louis Shag, and The Charleston.
Artists in this Performance
Artists in this Performance
Bandleader, Trumpeter, Singer - Bria Skonberg Lead trumpeter - Jami Dauber
Trumpeter - Linda Briceno Trombonist, Singer - Emily Asher
Saxophonist - Sharel Cassity Alto Saxophonist - Lakecia Benjamin
Baritone Saxophonist - Chloe Feoranzo Tenor Saxophonist, Singer - Camille Thurman
Clarinetist - Anat Cohen Violinist - Regina Carter
Percussionist - Savannah Harris Pianist - Champion Fulton
Bassist - Endea Owens Dancer - Michela Lerman
Warm Up
Warm Up
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
Listen to the music. Take a deep breath in for two counts and out for two counts. Take a deep breath in for four counts and out for four counts.
As you inhale, stretch your arms above your head and slowly bring them down as you exhale through your mouth.
Continue to inhale and exhale. Rock and swing your body from side to side. Rock and swing your body forward and back.
Move your body to the music any way you like.
Reflection / Discussion
Reflection / Discussion
1. What do you notice about the musicians?
What instrument do the musicians play? Which instruments stand out? Why?
How do the musicians move their body while they play? How would you describe their facial expressions?
What do you notice about the space the musicians are in?
2. What do you notice about the music?
How would you describe the music?
How does the music make you feel?
What effect does the music have on the audience? What effect does the music have on you?
Activity Video
Activity Video
This video will take you through the extension activity below with a facilitator. You can choose to watch the video and do the activity along with it. Or, you can read the activity and participate by scrolling down.
Movement
Movement
In this activity, we will participate in some swing inspired dance movement. You can rehearse the movements below. A key element of swing is the idea of improvisation, or making things up on the spot. You are also encouraged to take these movements and improvise to make them your own.
In this activity, we will participate in some swing inspired dance movement. You can rehearse the movements below. A key element of swing is the idea of improvisation, or making things up on the spot. You are also encouraged to take these movements and improvise to make them your own.
- Move your arms from high to low, as you swing your torso.
2. Move and swing your arms from side to side. Make big swings, then small swings.
2. Move and swing your arms from side to side. Make big swings, then small swings.
3. Point one toe and then the other toe. Point one finger as you do this.
3. Point one toe and then the other toe. Point one finger as you do this.
Optional Extension Activity
Optional Extension Activity
Solos and partners are a key element of swing dance. Work with a partner to explore solo and partner dance.
Solos and partners are a key element of swing dance. Work with a partner to explore solo and partner dance.
- Pick who will be partner A and who will be partner B.
- Partner A will do a movement, while partner B watches. You can pick a movement from the exercise above or create your own movement.
- Partner B will do a movement, while partner A watches.
- You can do this as many times as you like, taking turns having solos.
- Create a Finale.Partner A and B dance together at the same time.
Art-Making
Art-Making
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
In the 1930s and 1940s, flowers were very popular to wear in one’s hair. Therefore, we will make some flower accessories today in honor of a popular trend in the swing era. You can listen to the music for inspiration as you create your art.
In the 1930s and 1940s, flowers were very popular to wear in one’s hair. Therefore, we will make some flower accessories today in honor of a popular trend in the swing era. You can listen to the music for inspiration as you create your art.
- Draw a flower with a stem and leaves.
- Cut out your flower or leave it on the paper. You can color it in if you like.
Optional Extension Activity
Optional Extension Activity
Materials: Household materials (i.e. toilet paper and aluminum foil)
Materials: Household materials (i.e. toilet paper and aluminum foil)
- Gather the ends of your material so that it comes together at a point at the bottom. I used toilet paper. You can use any household material that is flexible.
- Take your other material to cinch the point at the bottom. I used aluminum foil. You could use another material or tape.
- Add color if you’d like. You can use any material that you like. I used nail polish.
Explore More
Explore More
Extension Questions:
Extension Questions:
Was it impactful to see an all female band perform? Why?
What is your experience with swing dance? Do you have a favorite swing dance movement?
What other trends or moments in history do you know of from the 1930’s? Do these connect to swing? Why or why not?
Additional Links:
Additional Links:
To learn more about the bandleader Bria Skonberg, click here.
To learn more about A Midsummer Night Swing, click here.
To watch more videos from Lincoln Center at Home clips, click here.
Share:
Share:
Tell us what you think! Email us at access@lincolncenter.org to share your thoughts on the activities and website. Post photos of your art projects using the hashtag #LincolnCenterAtHome.
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