Overall Expectations

Grades 7 and 8

  • A1. Creating and Presenting: apply the creative process to the composition of a variety of dance pieces, using the elements of dance to communicate feelings and ideas; 
  • A2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analyzing: apply the critical analysis process to communicate their feelings, ideas, and understandings in response to a variety of dance pieces and experiences; 
  • A3. Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts: demonstrate an understanding of a variety of dance forms, traditions, and styles from the past and present, and their sociocultural and historical contexts. 

Grades 9 and 10

  • A1. The Creative Process: use the creative process, the elements of dance, and a variety of sources to develop movement vocabulary; 
  • A2. Choreography and Composition: combine the elements of dance in a variety of ways in composing individual and ensemble dance creations; 
  • A3. Dance Techniques: demonstrate an understanding of the dance techniques and movement vocabularies of a variety of dance forms from around the world; 
  • A4. Performance: apply dance presentation skills in a variety of contexts and performances.

SCOPE & SEQUENCE

Dance Scope & Sequence Focus

Grades 7 and 8

  • Focus on specific (more complex) elemental concepts such as: 
    • Body: symmetry versus asymmetry, organic versus geometric shapes, angular versus curved, isolation of body parts, weight transfer 
    • Space: performance space (confined/large), positive versus negative space, proximity of dancers to one another
    • Time: duration, acceleration and deceleration
    • Energy: Percussion, fluidity, action versus inaction
    • Relationship: emotional connections between dancers, various group formations, dancers’ relationship to props or objects, opposition
  • Create and share a variety of dance compositions based on different stimuli
  • Critically analyze their own and others’ dance creations
  • Explore a variety of dance forms, traditions and styles (past and present) and understand their sociocultural and historical contexts.  

Grades 9 and 10

  • Explore and develop their creative, compositional and technical skills using the elements (and concepts) of dance (Body, Space, Time, Energy, Relationship) and various compositional tools.  
  • Generate movement in a variety of ways, for a variety of performance situations 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of dance within the global community.