STAGE & BODY MOVEMENT LEVEL I

Grades  9 10, 11, 12  

This course offers an exciting study of physical stage and body movement for both performing and non-performing students.  Learning to relax and feel comfortable with one’s body, in front of others, is essential for all students.  Choreography, construction, and quality of movement are covered.  Some detail is spent on different styles of movement, dance, mime, musical theatre and various ethnic styles.  Students may repeat this course and will continue to receive credit. Students will be invited to participate in one evening performance at the end of the school year.  This course meets the recommendations for an Arts class outlined in MassCore and may be repeated for credit.

Unit

Timeframe

Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Unit 1

BREAK THE ICE!

Exploring the "TIONS!" of  Dance & Theatre

 

  

     4 Weeks

  • Learning to Create a positive Body Image

  • Building a Character Library and using those characters within a Dance, while building Confidence in one’s Physical Movement. 

  •  One Book Connection  

Basic Dance and 

Theatre Skills;


How to use your>

Imagination , Relaxation

Coordination,

Improvisation

Observation, Pattern Memorization,Dance Combinations,

Imitation.


How to Develop Character,

Sensory Awareness &

Group Choreography

 

       

         Unit 2

Machines, Mime and More Advanced Dance

  

    2 Weeks

  • Gaining fluency in Theatre and Dance vocabulary through an Intermediate Dance Combination and Non Verbal Communication & Movement Skills

  • Rhythmic Acuity

How to use your body as>

Machines

Non-Verbal Communication inc.

Mime Technique


How to identify>

Ballet Positions

Stage Directions

Dance Terminology

Abstract Movement

Intermediate Dance Combination

          Unit 3

A Thematic Approach to Music/Dance Videos

    3  

  Weeks

 

 

  • Creating a Music/Dance Video, with Beginning, Middle, End structure, Story and Choreography all based on a Social, Cultural or Personal Belief. 

  • Appreciation for Equity



How to create>

Theme &

Dance Structure



How to work with>

Teams/Smaller Groups 

   To create & refine;

Choreography

Rehearsal Process

Videography

Critique







    

        Unit 4

 Broadening our        Dance Horizons

 

       2

  Weeks 

  • Increasing overall Dance Ability and Skills while being given the opportunity to express one’s own unique  Culture/Historical Time Period through Dance.

  • Respect for Diversity









How to increase>

Flexibility

Strength

Agility Balance

Dance Vocabulary


How to experience & appreciate>

Multicultural Dance

Period Dance







Unit 5

     The Audition Process to Product!

    

     2

   Weeks

   

  • Interpretation of the larger concept of the Process of Selection, not just through the Audition Process but Society in general. 

  • Learning to Interpret Feedback 





How to Develop>

Confidence, Rhythmic Acuity, Role Playing, Direction,ChoreographyVerbal Communication,


How to>

 Preparare for Live         Performance







         UNIT 6

Preparing for Main Stage Performance

 

     4

  Weeks 

  • Creating a Final Class Performance piece that is Coherent and possesses Aesthetic Unity. 

  • Experiencing Theatre Process to Product  

  • Technical Production Staff


How to develop>

Confidence in Movement


How to expand>

Choreography &

Choreographic Principles

Teamwork/Spacial Awareness

Rehearsal Discipline

Audience Etiquette

Accountability and Pride

IF TIME PERMITS!

UNIT 7

Broadway  Musical Theatre

       2

  Weeks

  • Appreciation of the Musical Theatre Art Form and the evolution of Technology within the Theatre.

How to appreciate &

experience>

Musical Theatre

Libretto Reading

Stylistic Influences in Choreography

Listening, Watching

Performance