Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Space in the Construction of Dance Movements

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to introduce students to the concept of how space influences movements in dance and encourage them to experiment with different ways of orienting themselves in space during dance movements. This stage is crucial for establishing a solid foundation of understanding that will allow students to engage more deeply in subsequent practical activities.

Main Objectives

1. Understand how space affects dance movements.

2. Explore different forms of spatial orientation during dance.

Introduction

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

🎯 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to introduce students to the concept of how space influences movements in dance and encourage them to experiment with different ways of orienting themselves in space during dance movements. This stage is crucial for establishing a solid foundation of understanding that will allow students to engage more deeply in subsequent practical activities.

Context

📝 Context: Begin the class by explaining that in dance, space is one of the fundamental elements that affects how movements are executed. Explain that space can be internal, such as the area around the body, or external, like the environment where the dance takes place. Detail that understanding and using space correctly can transform a dance performance, making it more expressive and interesting. Say that today students will explore how different movements occupy and utilize the space around them, understanding the importance of moving in varied ways.

Curiosities

🌟 Curiosity: Did you know that many professional dancers rehearse in rooms with mirrors to get a better sense of space and movements? This helps them adjust their positions and ensure that all movements are executed in a harmonious and coordinated way.

Development

Duration: 50 to 60 minutes

🎯 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to provide a deep and detailed understanding of the different aspects of space in dance. By addressing topics such as personal and general space, directions and levels, planes and axes, dimensions of movement, and interaction with space and peers, students will be able to understand how to use space effectively. The developed questions aim to reinforce learning and stimulate critical reflection on the concepts presented.

Covered Topics

1. 🗺️ Personal and General Space: Explain the difference between personal space (the area immediately around each student's body) and general space (the total area available for dance). Detail how each type of space can be used in different dance movements. 2. ↔️ Directions and Levels: Address the concepts of directions (forward, backward, sideways) and levels (high, medium, low). Explain how using these directions and levels can enrich a dance performance and provide greater variety of movements. 3. 🔄 Planes and Axes: Discuss the planes (horizontal, vertical, sagittal) and axes (longitudinal, transversal) of the body. Explain how understanding and using these concepts can help students create more complex and coordinated movements. 4. 📏 Dimensions of Movement: Address the dimensions of movement, such as amplitude (small or large), direction (single or multiple), and speed (fast or slow). Explain how varying these dimensions can alter the perception of movement in dance. 5. 👯 Interaction with Space and Peers: Explain the importance of interacting with space and peers during dance. Detail how this interaction can create more dynamic and interesting choreographies, as well as stimulate teamwork and creativity.

Classroom Questions

1. 1. Describe the difference between personal space and general space in dance. How can each be utilized in a performance? 2. 2. Give examples of how directions and levels can be combined in a dance movement. Why is this combination important? 3. 3. Explain what the planes and axes of the body are. How can understanding these concepts improve the quality of movements in dance?

Questions Discussion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

🎯 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate student learning, ensuring that the concepts discussed in class have been understood. The detailed discussion of questions and student engagement through questions and reflections helps solidify knowledge and stimulate the practical application of the principles learned.

Discussion

• 🗣️ Discussion:

• 1. Personal and General Space:
• • Personal Space: Refers to the immediate area around each dancer's body. It is the closest space, where movements are smaller and more contained. It can be used for facial expressions, arm and leg movements that do not require displacement.
• • General Space: It is the larger space available for the movement of all dancers in the environment, allowing wide movements and displacements across the stage or dance room. Using general space can add dynamism and variety to the performance.
• 2. Directions and Levels:
• • Directions: Movements can be made forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally. Using different directions enriches the choreography, creating patterns and keeping the audience engaged.
• • Levels: Movements can occur at different levels: high (like jumps), medium (standing movements), and low (such as movements on the floor). The combination of directions and levels brings complexity and visual interest to dance.
• 3. Planes and Axes:
• • Planes: Horizontal, vertical, and sagittal are the three main planes. Movements in the horizontal plane occur parallel to the floor, in the vertical they go up or down, and in the sagittal they move forward and backward.
• • Axes: Longitudinal (top to bottom), transversal (side to side), and sagittal (front to back). Understanding these axes helps create precise and coordinated movements.
• 4. Dimensions of Movement:
• • Amplitude: Small or large. Wide movements can be more expressive, while small movements can be more detailed.
• • Direction: Single or multiple. Movements in multiple directions keep the choreography interesting.
• • Speed: Fast or slow. Varying the speed can completely change the feeling of a movement, adding drama or lightness.
• 5. Interaction with Space and Peers:
• • Interacting with space and peers creates a harmonious collective dance, improves coordination, and promotes teamwork. Interaction can include synchronized, mirrored, or complementary movements.

Student Engagement

1. 👥 Student Engagement: 2. 1. How do you feel dancing in your personal space versus general space? Which do you find more comfortable and why? 3. 2. Think of a choreography you have seen. How did it utilize different directions and levels? How did this impact your perception of the dance? 4. 3. Try creating a simple movement using different planes and axes. Did you notice any changes in the complexity and visual interest of the movement? 5. 4. Choose a dance movement and alter its amplitude and speed. How did these changes affect the movement? 6. 5. In a group dance, how can you collaborate with your peers to use space efficiently and create a cohesive choreography?

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired during the class, ensuring that students assimilate the key concepts discussed. Recapitulating and reflecting on the practical importance of the content helps to solidify learning and demonstrate the relevance of the topics addressed for the personal and artistic development of students.

Summary

• Understanding personal and general space in dance.
• Using directions and levels to enrich performance.
• Comprehension of the planes and axes of the body to create coordinated movements.
• Exploration of the dimensions of movement: amplitude, direction, and speed.
• Importance of interaction with space and peers in dance.

The class connected theory with practice by explaining how different aspects of space influence dance movements and then encouraging students to experiment with these theories through practical exercises. This allowed students to apply theoretical concepts directly to their own dance experiences, promoting a deeper and more concrete understanding of the topics discussed.

Understanding how space influences dance movements is fundamental for any dancer, as it allows for a more expressive and coordinated performance. Additionally, these concepts are applicable in daily life, such as in spatial organization in everyday activities and improving body awareness and teamwork, valuable skills in various situations.