Social Dance TEDed - Grade 7/8

Grade 7/8 Dance:

The history of African-American social dance - Camille A. Brown

Outcomes:

CH7.1: Investigate how artists’ relationship to place may be reflected in their work.

CR7.3: Examine and describe how arts expressions of various times and places reflect diverse experiences, values, and beliefs.

CR8.2 Investigate and identify ways that today’s arts expression often reflect concern for social issues.

CR8.3 Investigate and identify how arts expressions can reflect diverse worldviews.

WATCH: TEDed video

Go to keensklassroom for the video link to social dance or go to

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-history-of-african-american-social-dance-camille-a-brown#digdeeper

THINK:

1.     Which description(s) below best describe social dance? 1. It is choreographed by one person. 2. It is form of expression from a group. 3. It changes with time and different inputs. 4. It can be traced to one particular moment. 5. It often spreads through communities.

A)    1, 3, 5

B)     2, 3, 4

C)     2, 3, 5

D)    All of the above

2.     Which social dance was born from slaves’ experience on the plantation?

A)    Minuet

B)     Stomp dancing

C)     Bop

D)    Juba Dance

3.     In social dance, the present always contains the past. Describe two examples of this from the lesson.

4.     Social dance conveys emotion. It could be past emotions or emotions present at this time. Watch the participants for a few moments. Provide descriptions of how social dancers convey joy, despair, connection, and defiance.

5.     Participants communicate directly with one another through social dance without ever speaking. Give some examples.

6.     Social dance allows cultural traditions to be kept alive despite what is going on in the world. Why is this important? Provide an example of this from the lesson.

7.     The Cakewalk Dance became wildly popular in the late nineteenth century. Why was this ironic yet empowering at the same time?

8.     The Charleston started in a tight knit community in South Carolina in the 1920’s. But by the 1930’s it had an impact on women everywhere. Why?

9.     Watch the Twist, the Jerk, and the Monkey. Wordless communication is being shared between the participants. In your opinion, what is being “said” or conveyed?

Social dance can be empowering. Reflect on and discuss this statement.