Visual and Performing Arts Framework-Complete - Free Downloads (CA Dept of Education)

Chapter 4 how dance connects to the world around them, to other curriculum areas,
Guidance
for Visual and and to careers.^
Performing Arts The dance curriculum at each grade level incorporates all five arts strands in
Programs
the content standards: artistic perception, creative expression, historical and
cultural context, aesthetic valuing, and connections, relationships, and applica-
tions (see Chapter 3). The standards in each strand align with the motor, social,
emotional, and cognitive developmental levels of the students at each grade level.
Using the strands as the basis for instruction, the teacher should recognize that
for students to create works in dance, they must view dance and respond to it
in ways that enable them to understand the nature and power of aesthetic
experiences.

Dance

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Artistic Perception

The physical experiences that students encounter when they practice dance

techniques increase their artistic perception of the elements of dance, including

time, space, and force or energy. In this strand instruction focuses on kinesthetic

awareness, movement communication skills, capacity for movement response,

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and motor efficiency through multisensory activities. Also inherent in this

strand is an appreciation of dance as an art form accessible to all students.

Creative Expression

Students use intuition and imagination to express emotion and communi-

cate meaning as they participate in dance. Improvising and forming movement

patterns and compositions lead to the development of choreographic skills to

create culturally authentic or personally original works in dance. Individual cre-

ativity is encouraged and developed as students explore movement in spontane-

ous and structured assignments. As they learn to express their feelings and ideas

through movement, they grow in ability to develop choreography. Through

shared experiences students develop respect and appreciation for the uniqueness

of each individual’s expression. Communicating through physical movement,

they learn more about the body as an instrument of artistic expression.

Students learn to appreciate their bodies and care for them through proper

conditioning, warm-ups, dance technique, rest, and nutrition. Correct anatomi-

cal alignment, effective warm-up and rest of muscles, proper nutrition, and a

safe environment for movement should be emphasized in every lesson. Through

increased knowledge of the natural laws governing human movement, students

become increasingly aware of the uniqueness of each individual’s expressions.

Historical and Cultural Context

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The deep, complex heritage of dance is derived from the contributions of all

cultural groups, past and present. An understanding of dance history helps stu-

dents recognize and appreciate the cultural differences and commonalities that