The Mom I Want to Be

Age range: Grades K–2 (Extension: grades 2–4)

 

To get the children moving, demonstrate that dance is a way to communicate, and show how modern dance is different than other forms of dance. Students will learn about body language and moving through space in new ways.

 

• A “scarf”(piece of colored fabric) for each student

• A variety of music selections

 

• Long, wide fabric pieces

• 12–16 inch dowels

• A Chinese music selection

 

Play music with a variety of moods and tempos. Listen carefully to the music, and then begin to move around in space. Think about how the music makes you feel and how you can show that feeling in the movement. Use different kinds of movements: stop, go, high, low, fast, slow, rounded movements, and angular movements. Make shapes with your body and the scarf while you listen and move to each music selection.

 

(Extension: Chinese Ribbon Dance)

 

Attach a long wide fabric piece to the end of a dowel. (Duct tape works, or you can sew it on). Listen to a Chinese music selection. Chinese dancers use ribbon sticks to express emotions (happiness, energy, sadness) or landscapes (water, hills, waterfalls). Move around the room exploring the gestures and motions that produce different ribbon effects.