African Dance Aesthetics in a K-12 Dance Setting: From History to Social Justice
ELEMENTS OF DANCE: body, space, time, energy, relationship
This resource explains some African and African-based dances (starting on page 33). Outlined in this article are some of the components of African dance such as polyrhythimic, dynamics of speed, participation, and more. This document provides teachers with some context before teaching African Dance styles in classrooms. This resource is a good starting point for teachers, providing background information for lesson planning. This is not a lesson plan or teachers guide, but a beneficial resource for those looking to bring globally relevant dance learning into the classroom.
Grades 1-8
Tapping at The Apollo: A Study Guide
OE: A2, A3
SE: A2.2, A3.1, A3.2
This resource gives a history of tap dancing, focusing on African American dancers, male and female. Additionally, Tapping at The Apollo is a good introductory tool to a specific style of dance. This resource includes technical definitions in addition to history, famous Black tap dancers, and more.
Grades 1-8
Bringing Metis Children's Literature to Life (p. 61-66)
OE: A1, A2, A3
SE: A1.1, A1.2, A2.2, A3.1, A3.2
This resource has six different sections. The first four sections focus on Language Arts with some connections to the Arts and other curricular areas, however, the “Dance Cluster” section which begins on page 61 is the key component of this resource. This section connects children’s literature to 4 Dance lessons, focusing on Metis Dance. Before starting the Dance component, other lessons in the guide could be helpful for familiarizing yourself and your students with Metis content. The resource provides three part lesson framework, resource lists, and culminating task (p. 61-66).
Grades 1-6
The Boy Who Wanted to Be A Dancer
OE: A3
SE: A3.2
This lesson addresses gender stereotypes associated with dancing and “boy culture”. This lesson segues into homophobia and sexism, providing a starting point for younger students. This lesson is a starting point for moving forward in a dance unit, allowing for class discussions on gender stereotypes and sexism.
Grades 1-4
Four Directions Learning Activities: Blackfoot
OE: A2, A3
SE: A2.1, A2.2, A3.1
This lesson plan gives teachers a guide to teaching about three traditional teachings, the Tepee, the Circle Model, and the Powwow. Teachers are given summaries for their own understanding as well as Learning Objectives and a lesson plan outline.
Grades 1-6