Oaklawn
Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School
Dance
Kindergarten
Learn to dance by exploring and demonstrating the basic elements of body
movement. Develop understanding of spatial concepts along with simple rhythmic
patters. Recognize the differences between axial and locomotor movements.
Various forms of dance are exposed.
First Grade
Develop basic vocabulary in dance technique and enhance their own kinesthetic
awareness. Combine axial and locomotor movements into short dance patterns and
continue to learn basic elements of time. Explore simple concepts of energy,
force and dynamics. Perform longer dance sequences and continue their exposure
to a variety of dance forms.
Second Grade
Engage creative movement through the whole self. Explore body awareness and
simple choreography. Strengthen and expand fundamental elements of dance
vocabulary and learn proper classroom and concert etiquette. Increase knowledge
of famous works, artists, characters, and the historical significance of dance
in culture and society.
Third Grade
Continue to expand specific concert dance vocabulary and experience dance from
other cultures. Create their own performance piece which includes costumes,
props, music and choreography. Heavy emphasis upon concepts of space, energy,
force and dynamics. Explore various ideas and themes their own work, as well as
the work of others.
Fourth Grade
Demonstrate an increase in technique; adding artistic expression; using a larger
range of dance related vocabulary. Learn choreographic terms. In their own
choreography, begin to apply energy concepts to connect dance phrases and move
to music with more complex meters. Learn the sequential development of dance
throughout history. Experience more forms of concert dance and develop the skill
of improvisation.
Fifth Grade
Familiar with most basic axial and locomotion movements, with the basic elements
of dance and with basic choreographic terms. Identify and demonstrate different
forms of dance (ballet, tap, modern, jazz, theater dance). Use this knowledge in
creating, performing, discussing, and critiquing their own original choreography
as well as others whom they observe. Perform for the general public as well as
the school.