ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] DAN (0) 7 :

7) Demonstrate movement and stillness using the basic elements of space, including line, shape, levels, and size.

Examples: Join with others to make a circle, then work with others to change it to a square.

Create a curved shape on a low level.

[ARTS] DAN (0) 11 :

11) Move safely in general space and start/stop on cue during activities, group formations, and creative explorations while maintaining personal space.

[ARTS] DAN (1) 7 :

7) Create movement and stillness using changing elements of space.

Example: Change body shapes, levels, and facings.

Move in straight, curved, and zigzag pathways.

Move with others to form straight lines and circles.

[ARTS] DAN (1) 11 :

11) Identify and explore personal space and general space within movement.

[ARTS] DAN (2) 2 :

2) Connect a variety of moments while manipulating the elements of dance through locomotor and non-locomotor movements.

[ARTS] DAN (2) 10 :

10) Demonstrate a range of locomotor and non-locomotor movements that alternate between personal space and general space.

Example: Skipping across the floor followed by skipping in place.

[ARTS] DAN (2) 11 :

11) Demonstrate safe movement in a variety of spatial relationships and formations with other dancers, sharing and maintaining personal space.

This activity includes four dance options, including exploring levels, pathways, space, and locomotor movement.  Students will create different shapes while exploring high, middle, and low levels.  They will identify and move through different pathways such as straight, curved, and zigzag.  They will practice moving safely through general space and kinesphere (self-space).  They will explore the eight basic locomotor movements - walking, running, hopping, skipping, jumping, galloping, leaping, and sliding.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] DAN (1) 1 :

1) Respond with movement to a variety of prompts.

Examples: music/sound, artwork, tactile

[ARTS] DAN (2) 11 :

11) Demonstrate safe movement in a variety of spatial relationships and formations with other dancers, sharing and maintaining personal space.

In this video, experience a sample of the Dancing Wheels Company & School's training methods in physically integrated dance, a method that allows those with and without disabilities to learn and perform a dance together.  The video includes movements are brush, turn, and jump. These ideas can be used in choreography for students with different abilities.  

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] DAN (0) 1 :

1) Differentiate between basic locomotor and non-locomotor movements.

Examples: Running, twisting, skipping, falling.

[ARTS] DAN (0) 7 :

7) Demonstrate movement and stillness using the basic elements of space, including line, shape, levels, and size.

Examples: Join with others to make a circle, then work with others to change it to a square.

Create a curved shape on a low level.

[ARTS] DAN (1) 1 :

1) Respond with movement to a variety of prompts.

Examples: music/sound, artwork, tactile

[ARTS] DAN (1) 2 :

2) Experiment with changing a movement, utilizing the elements of dance.

[ARTS] DAN (1) 11 :

11) Identify and explore personal space and general space within movement.

[ARTS] DAN (2) 1 :

1) Respond to movement with a variety of prompts and suggest additional sources for movement ideas.

[ARTS] DAN (2) 11 :

11) Demonstrate safe movement in a variety of spatial relationships and formations with other dancers, sharing and maintaining personal space.

[ARTS] DAN (3) 1 :

1) Improvise movements with a variety of self-identified prompts.

Examples: music/sound, text, objects, images, notation, observed dance experiences

[ARTS] DAN (3) 13 :

13) Use stage directions to identify main areas of a performance space.

Example: Travel from downstage right to upstage left.

[ARTS] DAN (4) 12 :

12) Coordinate performance timing with other dancers by utilizing cues from each other and responding to production elements.

Examples: Enter stage after eight counts of music, or wait until lights go up for bow.

[ARTS] DAN (5) 11 :

11) Employ safe practices before, during, and after dancing.

Examples: Discuss ways to promote muscular strength, endurance, injury prevention.

Promote healthful eating and good nutrition as proper food for the body.

This article includes five different activities to incorporate theater and dance into the classroom.  The activities included are "Mystery Mover," "Stage Corners," "Carnival Walk," "Reader's Theater," and "When I Move, You Move."