Unleash Your Creativity: Movement Phrase Ideas for Dance Teaching with ANIMALIA by Graeme Base

Jumping into the world of dance can be an exciting adventure, especially when combined with the captivating illustrations and storytelling found in Graeme Base's “ANIMALIA.” This delightful book not only fascinates young readers but also offers a unique way for dance educators to spark creativity in their students. By connecting movement to literature, students learn to think critically, express themselves, and relate their physical actions to words. Let’s dive into some energizing dance teaching ideas aligned with the National Standards of Dance, focusing on the core principles of Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect.

Create a Movement Phrase

One effective activity is to create a movement phrase based on a specific letter from “ANIMALIA.” Begin by having the class read the book together, allowing them to enjoy the rich vocabulary and detailed illustrations tied to each letter. After the reading, split the students into small groups and give each group a letter from the book, and the coordinating visual aid provided in this lesson plan. The words connected to their letter should inspire their movements.

Let's take letter "A" for example; For the word “Armored,” they could choreograph strong movements that evoke a sense of protection. “Angry” may be expressed with sharp, quick movements that show energy and urgency. Each group will face the challenge of interpreting their letter words through dance, while also considering the overarching theme of their letter.

Responding Through Movement

During the creative process, students may encounter uncertainty. Display guiding questions on the board (also included in today's download) to help them navigate their thinking. These prompts can spark deeper reflection:

• What does your chosen word mean? If you're unsure, look it up!

• Should your movements be large or small to best express your word?

• Does your word lend itself to a fast or slow tempo?

• What type of energy can elevate your movements? Consider uses like sharp, smooth, or explosive.

• How does the emotion tied to your word impact your body movements?

  
  

These questions not only clarify the task but encourage students to engage thoughtfully with their artistic decisions. For instance, knowing the emotion behind “Joyful” might lead to lighter, buoyant movements, while “Fearful” could inspire trembling or contracted poses.

Perform and Connect

Once they have crafted their movement phrases, it’s time for the groups to showcase their work. This performance stage allows students to highlight their creativity and dedication while building a supportive environment. When each group presents, the rest of the class takes on the role of the audience, giving constructive feedback on elements they found interesting or effective.

Encourage discussions that link the dance back to the story. Questions such as “How does your movement embody the character or theme of your letter?” or “What insights did you gain about the text from your movements?” prompt deeper engagement with both the dance and the literature. This connection strengthens their understanding and appreciation of both forms of art.

Wrap-Up

Engaging with dance ideas inspired by “ANIMALIA” allows teachers to seamlessly blend literature and movement. This method not only stimulates creativity but also promotes a deeper connection to the text. By focusing on creating, responding, performing, and connecting, students can explore their bodies and emotions in vibrant and imaginative ways.

Experiencing dance through “ANIMALIA” opens up a world of creative opportunities. Let your students' movements flow, and watch them unleash their creative potential!

Keep reading and dancing!

-Whitney