Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Urban Dances

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and concise overview of the main objectives of the lesson, ensuring that students understand what will be learned. This section also aims to align expectations and prepare students for the content that will be explored during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of urban dances in contemporary culture and their distinctive characteristics.

Main Objectives

1. Know and identify the main urban dances, such as Hip Hop, Breakdance, Popping, and Locking.

2. Understand the essential characteristics of these dances, including freedom of movement, creativity, and expressiveness.

3. Comprehend the fundamental concepts that support urban dances, such as the importance of movement and personal expression.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a rich and engaging background for the theme of urban dances. By introducing the historical and cultural context, students will be better able to understand the importance and relevance of these dances in contemporary society. Furthermore, by sharing curiosities and interesting facts, the teacher can capture students' interest and prepare them to explore more deeply the characteristics and concepts of urban dances.

Context

Urban dances emerged in the streets and urban communities, primarily in the United States, during the 1970s and 1980s. They are a form of cultural expression that combines dance movements with elements of music and street art. These dances evolved as a means of communication and expression, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and share their stories and experiences through movement. Today, urban dances are an integral part of popular culture and are practiced worldwide, influencing fashion, music, and even language.

Curiosities

Did you know that Breakdance, one of the most well-known forms of urban dance, was initially popularized by youth from African American and Latina communities in the Bronx, New York? Breakdance is not just a dance but also a lifestyle that includes elements such as DJing, MCing (rhyme), Graffiti, and knowledge of cultural roots.

Development

Duration: (35 - 45 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to deepen students' knowledge about the main urban dances, their characteristics, and specific techniques. By providing detailed explanations and clear examples, the teacher helps students understand and appreciate the nuances of each dance style. The proposed questions encourage students to reflect on the content learned and apply this knowledge practically, promoting a deeper and more critical understanding of urban dances.

Covered Topics

1. Hip Hop: Explain the origin of Hip Hop, highlighting its influence on urban culture. Mention that it is a culture that includes dance, music (DJing and MCing), art (Graffiti), and knowledge of cultural roots. Detail the characteristic movements of Hip Hop, such as Bounce and Groove. 2. Breakdance: Detail the history of Breakdance, emphasizing that it was popularized in the Bronx, New York. Describe the basic movements, such as Toprock, Downrock, Freezes, and Power Moves. Explain the importance of creativity and improvisation in Breakdance. 3. Popping: Explain the emergence of Popping in California during the 1970s. Describe the characteristic movements, such as Pop, Lock, and Wave, and the technique of muscle contraction and relaxation to create the effect of 'pops' or 'hits.' 4. Locking: Describe Locking, which also emerged in California in the 1970s. Explain that the movements are quick and exaggerated, with sudden stops (locks) and movements of the arms and legs. Highlight the importance of facial expression and theatricality in Locking.

Classroom Questions

1. What are the main cultural elements of Hip Hop and how do they relate to dance? 2. Describe the basic movements of Breakdance and explain the importance of improvisation in this dance. 3. Compare and contrast the techniques of Popping and Locking, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Questions Discussion

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired by students, promoting an in-depth discussion of the topics covered. By discussing the answers to the questions and engaging students with reflective questions, the teacher helps students internalize and apply the content critically and meaningfully.

Discussion

• What are the main cultural elements of Hip Hop and how do they relate to dance?

The main cultural elements of Hip Hop are DJing, MCing (rhyme), Graffiti, Breakdancing, and knowledge of cultural roots. DJing refers to creating music, while MCing involves rhyming and rhythmically speaking about the music. Graffiti is the visual art associated with Hip Hop, usually performed in urban spaces. Breakdancing is the dance form associated with Hip Hop, characterized by acrobatic movements and improvisation. All these elements connect through the appreciation of creativity, self-expression, and urban culture.

• Describe the basic movements of Breakdance and explain the importance of improvisation in this dance.

The basic movements of Breakdance include Toprock (standing movements), Downrock (ground movements), Freezes (static poses), and Power Moves (acrobatic movements). Toprock is generally the introduction to a performance, while Downrock involves ground movements such as the Six-Step. Freezes are dramatic pauses in challenging positions, and Power Moves involve spins and acrobatics. Improvisation is crucial in Breakdance, as it allows dancers to express their individuality and respond to the music in a unique and spontaneous way.

• Compare and contrast the techniques of Popping and Locking, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Popping and Locking are urban dance styles that emerged in California in the 1970s. In Popping, dancers use quick contractions and relaxations of the muscles to create 'pop' or 'hit' movements. The movements include Pop, Lock, and Wave. Locking, on the other hand, involves quick and exaggerated movements, with sudden stops called 'locks.' The movements are often accompanied by exaggerated facial expressions and theatricality. Although both styles emphasize precision and creativity, Popping focuses more on the visual effects of 'pops,' while Locking highlights theatricality and interaction with the audience.

Student Engagement

1. What element of Hip Hop do you find most interesting and why? 2. How do you think improvisation in Breakdance can influence other forms of urban art? 3. Can you identify a current song that could be used for dancing Popping or Locking? Explain your choice. 4. How are personal expression and creativity important in urban dances? 5. What are the similarities between urban dances and other forms of artistic expression that you know?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and concise closure for the lesson, recapping the main points covered and reinforcing students' understanding of the topic. Furthermore, this section aims to demonstrate the practical and cultural relevance of urban dances, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of what they have learned.

Summary

• Know the main urban dances, such as Hip Hop, Breakdance, Popping, and Locking.
• Understand the essential characteristics of these dances, including freedom of movement, creativity, and expressiveness.
• Comprehend the fundamental concepts that support urban dances, such as the importance of movement and personal expression.
• Explore the history and cultural context of urban dances, highlighting their origin in urban communities in the United States.
• Identify the characteristic movements of each urban dance style and the importance of improvisation and theatricality.

The lesson connected theory with practice by detailing the specific movements of each urban dance style and explaining how these movements can be executed. Furthermore, reflective questions were provided to encourage students to think about the practical application of urban dances in different contexts, such as their influence on fashion and music.

Urban dances are a vital part of contemporary culture, influencing not only music and fashion but also promoting diversity, inclusion, and self-expression. Understanding these dances allows students to better appreciate the cultural richness around them and can inspire them to explore their own creativity and identity through movement.