Theme and Variation

 

This lesson is the 4th of 6 lessons.   The concept of theme and variation is introduced as another type of form which can be used in dance. Students will briefly review AB, ABA, and Rondo form and then, begin to create movement with theme and variation.  This unit will culminate with students performing a dance including AB, ABA, Rondo, and Theme and Variations.  Students will also critique their own work and the work of others.

Duration
Less than 1 hour
Lesson Type
1:1 Lesson

Lesson Created By: CynthiaWaddell

Lesson Partners: ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum)

Essential Question

How can I vary a movement theme?

Grade(s):

  • 5

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

1:1 Chromebooks
Flipgrid Application

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

Djembe Drum

Lesson Progression

LEARNING TARGETS
I can learn a theme and vary it 4 different ways using the elements of dance.
I can view the work of others and describe their variations.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
Accuracy in performance of movement.
Clarity in manipulation of variations.
Clarity in description of other’s work.

DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE LESSON
Lecture during the review of forms.
Lecture and demonstrate during improvisation.
Demonstrate movement theme.
Small group work to manipulate the theme into variations.
Teacher/small group conference to critique the "rough draft" of the variations.
Student self-directed critique.

TEACHER PROCEDURES
 

  1. The teacher will review, through lecture, different types of forms used in dance; AB, ABA, Rondo.
  2. The teacher will lead students in an improvisation to physically review the different types of forms used in dance and music.
  3. The teacher will present and teach the 8 count movement theme.
  4. The teacher will divide students into groups of 3 or 4.
  5. The teacher will instruct students to use the 8 count movement theme as a basis from which to create 4 different variations.  
  6. The teacher will encourage students to use informational posters as a resource during their work.
  7. The teacher will conference with each group to assess the clarity of variations in the “rough draft” of their dances.
  8. The teacher will provide feedback for the first revision of work.
  9. The teacher will instruct students to video and assess one other group in the application, Flipgrid with the aid of a Group Variations Description Sheet.

 

STUDENT TASKS
 

  1. Students will review different types of forms used in dance; AB, ABA, Rondo.
  2. Students will participate in an improvisation to physically review the different types of forms used in dance and music.
  3. Students will learn the 8 count movement theme.
  4. Students will be divided into groups of 3 or 4.
  5. Students will use the 8 count movements theme as a basis from which to create 4 different variations.
  6. Students will use informational posters as a resource during work.
  7. Students will conference with the teacher and receive feedback on the clarity of their variations and feedback for their first revision.
  8. Students will apply ideas for revision and then video their dance in the application, Flipgrid.
  9. Students will give feedback to one other group in terms of the clarity and specificity of the variations with the aid of a Group Variations Description Sheet.

 

 

View Resource

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View Resource

2017 South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards for VPA Proficiency (2017 South Carolina CCRVPA)

View Resource

Teaching Dance as Art in Education

Dance Elements Posters, Brenda Pugh McCutcheon

View Resource

Creating Dance: 22 Ways to Vary a Phrase

Variations in Dance, Brenda Pugh McCutcheon

View Resource

Assessments

Group Variations Description
 
Using the dance element posters in the dance studio, describe the variations you observed in the work of another group. 
 
_______________________________                      ________________________________
 
 
_______________________________                      ________________________________
 
 
_______________________________                      ________________________________
 
 
_______________________________                      ________________________________
 
Then send a response using Flipgrid describing the variations you observed to the group.
 
 
 
Teacher Theme and Variations Rubric
 

 
4. Distinguished
3. Proficient
2. Apprentice
1. Novice

Accuracy: accuracy in performance of movement.
4.The student’s work always displays accuracy in performance of movement.
3.The student’s work mostly displays accuracy in performance of movement.
2.The student’s work sometimes displays accuracy in performance of movement.
1.The student’s work rarely displays accuracy in performance of movement.

Clarity: clarity in manipulation of variations.
4.The student’s work always reflects clarity in manipulation of variations.
3.The student’s work mostly reflects clarity in manipulation of variations.
2.The student’s work sometimes reflects clarity in manipulation of variations.
The student’s work rarely reflects clarity in manipulation of variations.