Lesson 1: From Warrior to Worship: Understanding Polynesian Dance Types
Lesson 2: Dancing to Remember: Saving History Through Dance

Dancing to Remember: Saving History Through Dance

Printable Version

SUMMARY

Without a written language, Polynesians remembered and passed on their histories and genealogies from generation to generation through chants and dances. In Dances of Life the native peoples of the Pacific demonstrate the use of dance, chant and oratory as a means of transmitting their culture. In this lesson, students will use dance as a device for remembering and sharing their own heritage.

AUDIENCE

Grades 6-8

TIME NEEDED

5-7 hours

OBJECTIVES

Students will:

Examine the role of dance as a means of transmitting culture.
Explore the use of dance in Pacific cultures as a way to communicate history.
Investigate their own cultural heritage.
Learn a traditional dance from their own culture and evaluate how it relates to their culture's history.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Dances of Life VHS videotape or DVD

PROCEDURES

1. View scenes from Dances of Life.

2. Discuss the cultural relevance of these dances:

What type of information is being transmitted in these dances?
How is this information being transmitted (through words, gestures, etc.)?

3. Research the dances of your own cultural heritage: (If a student has more than one country of ancestry, have them choose just one).

Are there people in your community who practice these dances?
Are there special events, ceremonies or festivals at which these dances are practiced, whether in your community, or in your country of ancestry?
Are there traditional costumes that go along with the dance(s)?
What music is used?

4. Perform the dance in groups or individually:

Wear the appropriate costume, if possible.
Use appropriate music.

5. Evaluate how the dance made you feel connected to your own cultural heritage.

ASSESSMENT

Student performances will be assessed according to:

Quality and depth of research.
Quality of evaluation/insights.
Quality of performance.
Authenticity.
Aesthetics.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Students can:

Create their own dance that shares the knowledge gained in their investigation of their own culture.
If a student has ancestors from more than one country, create their own dance which combines the dances of their diverse cultural heritage.

RELEVANT CURRICULUM STANDARDS

Dance - Middle Grades Standards

From National Dance Standards for the Performing Arts- http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/teach/standards.cfm

Standard: 1: Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance.

Standard: 2: Understanding choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

Standard: 3: Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning.

Standard: 4: Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance.

Standard: 5: Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods.

Standard: 7: Making connections between dance and other disciplines.

Home About the Film Lesson Plans >> E-cards Airdates Resources Purchase		Lesson 1: From Warrior to Worship: Understanding Polynesian Dance Types Lesson 2: Dancing to Remember: Saving History Through Dance Dancing to Remember: Saving History Through Dance Printable Version SUMMARY Without a written language, Polynesians remembered and passed on their histories and genealogies from generation to generation through chants and dances. In Dances of Life the native peoples of the Pacific demonstrate the use of dance, chant and oratory as a means of transmitting their culture. In this lesson, students will use dance as a device for remembering and sharing their own heritage. AUDIENCE Grades 6-8 TIME NEEDED 5-7 hours OBJECTIVES Students will: Examine the role of dance as a means of transmitting culture. Explore the use of dance in Pacific cultures as a way to communicate history. Investigate their own cultural heritage. Learn a traditional dance from their own culture and evaluate how it relates to their culture's history. MATERIALS NEEDED Dances of Life VHS videotape or DVD PROCEDURES 1. View scenes from Dances of Life. 2. Discuss the cultural relevance of these dances: What type of information is being transmitted in these dances? How is this information being transmitted (through words, gestures, etc.)? 3. Research the dances of your own cultural heritage: (If a student has more than one country of ancestry, have them choose just one). Are there people in your community who practice these dances? Are there special events, ceremonies or festivals at which these dances are practiced, whether in your community, or in your country of ancestry? Are there traditional costumes that go along with the dance(s)? What music is used? 4. Perform the dance in groups or individually: Wear the appropriate costume, if possible. Use appropriate music. 5. Evaluate how the dance made you feel connected to your own cultural heritage. ASSESSMENT Student performances will be assessed according to: Quality and depth of research. Quality of evaluation/insights. Quality of performance. Authenticity. Aesthetics. EXTENSION ACTIVITIES Students can: Create their own dance that shares the knowledge gained in their investigation of their own culture. If a student has ancestors from more than one country, create their own dance which combines the dances of their diverse cultural heritage. RELEVANT CURRICULUM STANDARDS Dance - Middle Grades Standards From National Dance Standards for the Performing Arts- http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/teach/standards.cfm Standard: 1: Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance. Standard: 2: Understanding choreographic principles, processes, and structures. Standard: 3: Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning. Standard: 4: Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance. Standard: 5: Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods. Standard: 7: Making connections between dance and other disciplines.
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