2.2 Atrs and culture: danse to research a dance ritual

Arts and culture

Grade 6

Expression and communication

Module 7

Dance: to research a ritual and demonstrate the movements

Dance

Dance is one of the oldest forms of expression and communication. Dance has been used for a variety of reasons, from the earliest times, in rituals such as war dances, spiritual dances, and in celebrations of life, such as weddings, births and coronations. Significant events in history have been told through dance. The values, beliefs and traditions of a culture are reflected in its dances and passed down through generations. Dance is always evolving and changing with new influences from society and individual artists.

In this module, you will discover how to analyse a variety of forms of communication and expression in dance, and as a result you will be able to research, attempt and explain a song and dance ritual.

Activity 1:

To research a particular ritualand demonstrate the movements with music accompaniment

[lo 4.1]

A ritual is the prescribed or established form of a religious or other ceremony and includes general or collective prescribed forms which can be explained as stereotyped activity and any formal act, institution or procedure that is followed consistently in religious, social or other rituals.

Example : Rain Dances, War Dances, Weddings, Funerals, Communion, Christenings, etc.

Exercise

Research the wedding ritual and successfully demonstrate the movements concerned with the chosen ritual. Appropriate music can be selected to accompany the dance or ritual.

Activity 2:

To warm up for ritual dance exercises

[lo 4.1]

Before you can begin creating your dance your body must be properly warmed up to prevent injury and to prepare you for the activities to follow.

The warm-up can be done to music. Choose music you feel comfortable with that is not too fast.

• Stand with feet a hip-width apart, arms down at sides.
• Lift arms above the head while inhaling through the nose.
• Exhale through the mouth, dropping arms and bending knees at the same time.
• Repeat four times.

• Limber from side to side on one spot.

• Lift both arms up and out to the sides on the beat while keeping the limbering movement (repeat eight times).

• Retain limbering movement. Drop arms. Rotate alternate shoulders (repeat eight times).

• Retain limbering movement. Rotate shoulders in other direction (repeat eight times).
• Bend and straighten knees. Push buttocks out, knees and feet facing forward (repeat eight times).
• Bend knees, with knees and feet facing forward and buttocks out. Place hands on knees. Contract back (like a cat) and release (repeat eight times).

• Retain above position and lift toes alternately, keeping heels on the floor (repeat eight times).
• Lift heels alternately (repeat eight times).
• Open legs wider. Place hands on hips, knees and feet facing outward. Stretch (lunge) from side to side, keeping feet firmly on the floor (repeat eight times).

• Lunge to the right and hold for four beats.
• Lunge to the left and hold for four beats.
• Return to plié position (knees bent, knees and feet facing outward). With hands on hips, bend and straighten knees (repeat eight times).