​What does my child do in Movement class?

Movement is a non-competitive creative dance class that explores dance as a fine art.  Students learn concepts of dance, improve fitness, work closely with classmates, perform for classmates, and practice audience behavior. They learn line dances, folk dances from the U.S. and other countries, and create their own dances, which they perform for their classes. In all grades, respectfulness and a non-judgmental attitude promote a safe environment where all students feel free to discover how they can express their ideas through movement.
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• Kindergarten explores dance concepts through games and mini-lessons.

 

• Grades 1-3 study and practice one dance concept per week, using “frozen” body shapes and a wide variety of movements. Many lessons focus on the individual child and his/her own abilities. Other lessons explore ways partners or small groups of students work together.

 

• Grades 4-5 combine all the elements learned in earlier years, working in groups of various sizes to plan, practice, perform dances for one another, and offer feedback to one another using dance vocabulary.  4th and 5th graders’ Movement lessons can last from one class period to several weeks. Two 5th grade dances in the spring semester are video-recorded so students can evaluate themselves in class.

 “Dance literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and analyze, using movement, spoken language, written materials, and symbolic means in varying contexts. Dance literacy involves a continuum of learning by enabling individuals to achieve their goals, develop their art, knowledge and potential, as well as participate fully in their community” (Curran 28).

Dance literacy skills are endorsed by the National Dance Education Organization and Idaho’s Dance Standards Revision Executive Committee, and align with the National Core Arts Standards.