Download Rhythms Unit

Rhythms Unit
The Rhythms Unit will introduce rhythms and dance movements and will provide an opportunity to
experience different types of movement patterns and activities. We will learn about three types of dance
experiences: rhythmic experiences; folk, ethnic or square dances; and creative dance. In rhythmic
experiences, you will learn about different rhythms as you develop an awareness of rhythm and the ability to
move in relation to various beats. The unit will reinforce and improve the basic skills needed to promote fit,
joyful lifelong movers and learners, and hopefully, the learning experience will help you make a connection
between dance and healthful living.
Dance is both a movement form and a form of physical activity that provides health and fitness benefits. It’s
uniqueness as a physical activity, however, is that it is also an art form, affording opportunities to create,
communicate meaning, and interpret cultural issues and historical periods. Dance is defined as any
patterned, rhythmic movement of the human body in space and time as a means of expression. Different types
of dance include: Country-Western, Ballroom, Swing, Latin Dancing, Disco, Hip-Hop, and even Aerobics.
The history of dance is varied. It was first observed in cave paintings found in Spain and France dating from
30,000 to 10,000 B.C. Ballet is known to have begun in 1581. The different centuries have brought the following
dance styles to us in the U.S.:
1920’s and 1930’s: Rumba, Tango, Samba, Cha Cha, Lindy-hop, Jitterbug
1940’s: Swing dancing and big band music
1950’s: Twist
1960’s: Freestyle dance
1970’s: Disco dancing
1980’s: Break dancing
1990’s: Hip-hop and Line dancing
Folk dancing is the oldest form of dance. Cultures have their own specialties. Widespread dance is in community
social halls in Latin countries such as Argentina and Brazil.
There are many benefits to dance. It is energizing and an excellent
cardiovascular workout. Dance improves flexibility. It can be done alone or
with friends. Dance is an expressive way to have fun and learn about other
cultures.
Dance marks cultural ceremonies. The Native Americans had prayer dances and dances for rain. Orthodox societies
that separated boys and girls used dance as a way for them to flirt and show off their talents. The power of dance is
demonstrated by Russian men doing lifts in ballet. Movies that have brought certain types of dance into our cultural
include: Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Flashdance, White Nights, Tap Dance, Shall We Dance, Dirty Dancing, Strictly
Ballroom, and Footloose.
The purpose of dance is as follows:
*Ability to use your body to express feelings and attitudes
*Sense of self satisfaction derived from effectively using one’s body as an instrument of expression
*Enjoyment and appreciation of dance as a worthwhile experience for all
*Appreciation of dance as an art medium
*Ability to interpret and move to different rhythms
Rhythmic experiences will include aerobics and kickboxing. Dr. Kenneth Cooper published
a book in 1968 called Aerobics. His research studies in the 1960’s determined that the key
to human fitness was the ability of an individual to take in and deliver oxygen to the entire
body. His book brought national awareness to the importance of aerobic conditioning.
Aerobic conditioning results in improved conditioning of the circulatory and respiratory
system which results in:
* A lowered risk of cardiovascular disease
* An improved ability to relax
* Stronger joints
* improved postural alignment
* Better digestion
* develops coordination, balance, memory
* better handling of stress
* greater energy and vitality
* firmer muscles
* decrease in body fat
* alleviates depression
Other rhythmic concepts we will learn include: 4/4 meter- four beats to the measure, phrase of music- 32 beats, beats per minute-tempo or rate
at which music is performed, and the size, speed, and flow of a movement sequence.
Aerobics and Kickboxing
Learn basic moves: Step touch, hamstring curl, heel taps, double step, grapevine, v-step, mambo, Charleston,
box step, pivot turn, jab, cross, upper cut, front kick, roundhouse kick, boxer shuffle, side kick, hook, and
punching bag.
Folk, Ethnic, and Square Dancing
We will learn sequences of movements, formations and rhythmic patterns that have been created by people of
different cultures. The stylization and the purposes for these particular dances are what add to the rich cultural
expression of each dance. The following will be introduced:
 basic dance formations- line, circle, square, file
 basic dance positions- two hand joined and facing, promenade, open social dance, closed social
dance
 basic square dance calls: circle, promenade, swing, do-si-do, allemande, grand right and left, star
 basic dance steps: two step, polka waltz, schottische, mazurka
 Partner responsibilities-leading, following, going home, counter balancing
 Etiquette and courtesy
Country/Western Line Dance
Development of skills and techniques in country/western line dancing; Foot patterns and body movements required for single/group performance.
Ballroom Dance
Instruction in Latin-American dances which range from familiar social dances popular in past decades.
Rumba, Cha-Cha, Tango, Samba, Meringue to the pulsating and physically exciting contemporary Hispanic
dances, such as Lambada,Salsa and the Macarena.
Dance Hip-Hop Funk Styles
Fundamentals of choreography of hip hop funk styles. Challenging and complex routines will be introduced.
Students will also perform a hip hop routine reflecting their own style and interpretation.
Rhythms Vocabulary
Accent- a string movement gesture
Beats- a pattern of strong and weak pulsations that have an even rhythm
Choreography- creation and composition of dances by arranging or inventing steps, movements and patterns
of movements.
Genre- a particular kind or style of dance
Rhythm- a structure of movement patterns in time
Tempo – the rate of speed at which a musical composition is played
Isolated movement- movement executed with one body part or a small part of the body. Examples are rolling
the head, shrugging the shoulders.
Exploration of Creativity
The last week and a half of the rhythms unit, you will get together with a group and create a modern dance
sequence. NO GROUP MAY HAVE LESS THAN 4 PEOPLE. Each group must decide on what music CD they
will use. The lyrics to this song must be typed and turned in, in order to be approved for the dance. No vulgar
language will be allowed, so choose carefully. This dance will be performed in class the following week for your
grade. Some things that I will look for are: teamwork, in-sync, everyone working together and creativity. The
dance must be a minimum of 1 minute and 30 seconds long but no longer than 2 minutes. Each group should come
up with a way to signify the end of the dance.
Group Dance Grading Rubric
GROUP DANCE IS WORTH 100 POINTS: The dance is our test grade for this unit.
IN-SYNC: Group members should dance with the rhythm of the song. They should dance in a synchronized
fashion with same hand and foot movements. 20 POINTS
CREATIVITY: There should be a variety of movement. Groups can use symbolism and the routine should have
individual and group movements. 20 POINTS
TEAMWORK: The group should work together diplomatically. Individuals should have positive attitudes, good
communication and communal ideas. Voting should be used to insure that everyone in the group gets to contribute
to the routine. 20 POINTS
LENGTH: The routine must be 1:30 seconds or more in length but no greater than 2 minutes. 20 POINTS
INDIVIDUAL: The individual grade determines whether that individual contributed to the group, practiced with
the group to learn the dance, and their level of effort based on a low, medium or high rating. 20 POINTS