We've talked a little bit about Eurhythmics so far, but I would like to expand our conversation into other areas of movement, including folk dance.
Due to some complications in the specialist schedule at my school, I have one 1st grade class that comes to music for an extra hour each week, and in an effort to keep them from getting to far ahead, I am creating a music-related curriculum of which I hope that folk dance can play a significant role. I am worried about the developmental limitations of 1st graders when it comes to choreography, but I believe I have found a few good things I can do with them.
Phyllis Weikart has put out a lot of material on movement. Much of what I have seen is for 3-7 years old, but she also has a large collection of dances in a book called Teaching Movement and Dance: A Sequential Approach to Rhythmic Movement. As the title suggests, the dances are categorized by developmental levels, and includes several chapters on the pedagogy of movement-based learning. These books tend to freak me out because of all the diagrams for the choreography, but I found these diagrams easy to read, and there are also written instructions for the movement. There are a total of 9 CDs that must be purchased separately, and they are very well done.
Another source I am hoping to acquire is Move It! Expressive Moments with Classical Music by John Feierabend. The package includes two DVDs, a guidebook, and a CD, with a total of 20 selections from classical music. I read somewhere that all the movement was choreographed by a reputable dance company, but I can't find that info now. There are no verbal instructions on the DVD, so is more friendly for our visual learners.
I would like to find (read: borrow and make copies of, because I have no budget) some resources with authentic folk dances. Anyone have anything worth sharing? I'll buy you a drink!
Ready, Set, Discuss!
-Stephanie
Here are my bullet point go-to resources:
ReplyDelete*ANYTHING by the New England Dancing Masters is solid gold. I have "Chimes of Dunkirk," "Down in the Valley," and "Jump Jim Joe." The books come with excellent, very authentic sounding recordings, and I think the whole set (book+CD) is around $30. Jump Jim Joe was one of my kids' favorites last year, and it's a great one to do for informances because parents can easily learn it and participate!
* Step Lively, volumes 1-3. GREAT stuff, and GREAT recordings. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books, they are priceless.
* Orff/Kodaly Level 1 Binders ;) We spent a good chunk of time on folk-dance and play parties in my course work this summer, so I've got a whole binder-full!
I would LOVE to make copies (legally of course) if you ever want to come by Edina. I could probably send you home with 25 no-fail dances. And I'll definitely take you up on a drink/stephanie-catch-up time, too!! Call me!
Oh! and I forgot! "Kids Can Listen, Kids Can Move" is another good one for little kiddos (K-1) with movement activities to famous classical pieces.
ReplyDeleteI also have the Phyllis Weikart Rhythmically Moving series at my school (I just used one of the pieces today with my Wizard puppet for simultaneous imitation!). She's solid, but it's helpful to have some instruction as to how to use her books... they kind of overwhelm me. Anything Anne Green Gilbert that is movement-related is in a similar realm and is going to be a great resource.
ReplyDeletep.s. If you couldn't tell, movement is my new "SPARK" this year. I'm totally going over-board with it and loving every second. If you ever have a chance to see Sarah Hassler (my Orff movement instructor) present a work shop, she is a GODDESS and will blow your mind. I totally want to be her some day.