Dance Arts Education — Grade 8

All questions and comments about this curriculum should be directed to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Goal 1

The learner will identify and demonstrate elements and skills in dance.

Objective 1.01

Exhibit and explain kinesthetic awareness in development of movement skills and dance techniques.

Objective 1.02

Synthesize the element of space in dance: accurately transfer a spatial pattern from the visual to the kinesthetic.

Objective 1.03

Synthesize the element of time in dance: accurately transfer a rhythmic pattern from the aural to the kinesthetic.

Objective 1.04

Synthesize the element of energy: identify and clearly demonstrate a range of dynamics/movement qualities.

Objective 1.05

Describe the movement elements observed in a dance using movement/dance vocabulary.

Objective 1.06

Demonstrate accurate memorization and reproduction of dance sequences from verbal, visual and/or auditory cues.

Goal 2

The learner will understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

Objective 2.01

Use improvisation to invent and combine movements for creating dance compositions.

Objective 2.02

Manipulate sequence in dance compositions.

Objective 2.03

Utilize partnering skills in dance compositions.

Objective 2.04

Improvise, create, and perform dances based on own ideas and concepts from other sources.

Objective 2.05

Utilize and manipulate various compositional structures and/or forms of dance in dance compositions.

Goal 3

The learner will understand that dance can create and communicate meaning.

Objective 3.01

Create, present, and explain a dance that communicates a topic of personal significance.

Objective 3.02

Incorporate and justify the use of various elements to communicate meaning in a dance.

Objective 3.03

Create and present dance compositions based on the use of abstracted gesture.

Goal 4

The learner will apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in dance.

Objective 4.01

Compare and contrast multiple solutions and validate one solution to a given movement problem.

Objective 4.02

Create a movement problem based on given criteria; demonstrate and evaluate multiple solutions to that problem.

Objective 4.03

Compare and contrast two dance compositions in terms of space, time, and energy.

Objective 4.04

Identify possible aesthetic criteria for evaluating dance.

Goal 5

The learner will demonstrate and understand dance in various cultures and historical periods.

Objective 5.01

Demonstrate dance styles and concepts from various cultures.

Objective 5.02

Create dance compositions based on dance from various cultures.

Objective 5.03

Compare, contrast, and evaluate dances from various cultures and historical periods.

Objective 5.04

Investigate, explain, and evaluate dance forms using many resources including people in the community, videos, computer technology, and print sources.

Objective 5.05

Create projects that incorporate knowledge of various dance forms and innovators throughout historical time periods.

Objective 5.06

Analyze the role of dance in at least two different cultures or time periods.

Goal 6

The learner will make connections between dance and healthful living.

Objective 6.01

Identify, explore, and explain the capabilities and limitations of the body.

Objective 6.02

Summarize strategies to prevent dance injuries.

Objective 6.03

Analyze the effects of healthy and unhealthy practices in dance.

Objective 6.04

Create an original warm-up and explain how warm-ups prepare the dancer mentally and physically for movement.

Goal 7

The learner will make connections between dance and other content areas.

Objective 7.01

Create dance compositions integrating ideas and concepts from other content areas including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Objective 7.02

Create a dance project that integrates various arts areas (dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts).

Objective 7.03

Formulate examples of concepts used in dance and other content areas.

Objective 7.04

Use technology as a tool for exploring and creating dance.

Goal 8

The learner will understand dance as an art form with a range of opportunities for involvement.

Objective 8.01

Define the role of an audience and performer in dance.

Objective 8.02

Demonstrate appropriate behaviors while watching, creating, and performing dance.

Objective 8.03

Identify and explore various dance related professions including those of dance critic, dance educator, and dance notator.