Exploring 2-Dimensional Shapes with a Shadow Screen

Objectives

Psycho social: Allow student to freely and confidently explore the expressive potential of posture and body shape behind the cover of a shadow screen.

Dance: Explore aesthetic aspects of body shape in two-dimensional space.

Math: Experience the difference between two and three dimensional space.

Warm-up:

Dimensions: discuss and hold a still body shape to show each dimension: height, width & depth.

Move in two dimensions (height and width) for 4 counts, then freeze in a two-dimensional shape for 4 counts. Repeat pattern for depth and height. Continue, alternating 1-2 minutes.

Repeat the warm-up saying selected vocabulary words (ones that may need explaining) and allowing students to move as each word directs.

Procedure

With music, one to two people work behind the screen at a time and others in group evaluate

Teacher operates music device and turns it off after about 1 minute of movement exploration.

Each dancer selects one or more words to keep in mind as they move and then: Begins with a still shape Moves to the music in a way that demonstrates the

vocabulary words chosen Ends with another still shape

DISCUSSION/ASSESSMENT

Oral assessment (after each performance)

Oral: Performer reveals the word that was demonstrated.

Audience gives a thumbs up or down to indicate whether the word was accurately demonstrated.

Written Assessment

Write one shape word that would describe what you observed and a stick figure showing the body shape.