Black Dance Legacies: Impact Beyond Movement
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Black Dance Legacies: Impact Beyond Movement

Grade 10ArtHistorySocial StudiesPhysical Education1 days
The project "Black Dance Legacies: Impact Beyond Movement" for 10th-grade students involves exploring the contributions of Black artists to various dance genres like ballet, hip-hop, and jazz. Through research, students examine how these artists have shaped cultural movements and influenced societal perspectives, particularly in the context of social justice. Using virtual immersion and creative presentations, the project aims to deepen understanding of historical and cultural influences on dance, highlighting the importance of Black artistry beyond performance. The project encourages students to connect these contributions with broader themes, leveraging the National Black History Month as a contemporary anchor point.
Black ArtistsDance GenresSocial JusticeCultural MovementsHistorical ContextBlack History MonthDiversity in Arts
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How have Black artists, dancers, and choreographers shaped the evolution of dance genres such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and influenced American and world history, particularly within social justice and cultural movements?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • Who are some prominent Black artists, dancers, choreographers, or dance companies, and what are their significant contributions to dance?
  • How have Black artists influenced the evolution of different dance genres such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and others?
  • In what ways have these figures impacted American and world history, particularly within social justice and cultural movements?
  • How can we relate the artistic work and contributions of these figures to the National Black History Month theme?
  • Why is it important to understand the relevance of these artists' contributions beyond the realm of dance?
  • How do historical and cultural contexts shape dance styles and their performances?
  • What connections can be drawn between the dance styles and historical periods or cultures they originated from?
  • How does understanding the role of Black artists in dance help us appreciate diversity and different cultural expressions in the arts?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Research and analyze the contributions of prominent Black artists, dancers, choreographers, or dance companies to the evolution of various dance genres.
  • Evaluate the impact of Black artists on American and world history, with a focus on social justice and cultural movements.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of different dance styles, and how these contexts have influenced their evolution.
  • Present findings persuasively, connecting the significance of Black artists to contemporary themes such as the National Black History Month.
  • Examine the relevance of Black artists' work beyond dance, exploring connections to personal and societal perspectives.

Artistic Processes

ACP.6.1
Primary
I can examine and perform dance styles from a variety of historical periods and cultures.Reason: The project involves researching and understanding different dance styles and their historical contexts.
ACP.6.2
Primary
I can relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.Reason: Students will connect their research on Black artists with broader themes such as cultural movements and social justice.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Virtual Time-Travel Symposium

Kick off the project with a "virtual time-travel symposium" where students are invited to a digital space simulating different eras of dance history. Students will meet avatars representing the chosen artists, dancers, or choreographers and engage in interactive storytelling sessions that paint a vivid picture of their struggles, triumphs, and cultural impact. This immersive experience aims to ignite curiosity and spark questions about the role of dance in social movements.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Genre Evolution Timeline

In this activity, students will examine how Black artists have influenced the evolution of a selected dance genre. They will create a visual timeline illustrating this evolution, highlighting key contributions from their chosen artist.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the origins and development of the chosen dance genre.
2. Note significant contributions made by Black artists to the evolution of this genre.
3. Design a timeline that visually represents the evolution of the genre, including historical events and cultural influences.
4. Integrate quotes and images associated with the artist and era to enrich the timeline.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual timeline depicting the evolution of the selected dance genre and highlighting contributions of Black artists.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsACP.6.1 - Examines historical development of dance genres. ACP.6.2 - Connects historical trends with artist contributions.
Activity 2

Impact & Influence Presentation

Students will present how their chosen artist's work continues to impact dance and society today, linking it to contemporary themes such as the National Black History Month.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify aspects of the artist's work that remain relevant today.
2. Develop a persuasive argument linking these aspects to contemporary cultural and social issues.
3. Create a visual presentation that incorporates multimedia elements such as videos, interviews, or performances.
4. Practice presenting the slideshow, focusing on clarity and engagement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation illustrating the ongoing significance of the artist's work.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsACP.6.2 - Establishes connections between past and present through artist's work. Promotes understanding of diversity and cultural expression.
Activity 3

Reflective Response Essay

The final activity involves writing a reflective response on the overall learning experience and the contemporary relevance of Black artists' contributions beyond dance.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Reflect on the research process and findings from previous activities.
2. Compose an essay discussing the significance of the contributions of Black artists to personal and societal perspectives.
3. Highlight the impact of understanding these contributions in the context of modern diversity and cultural expressions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective essay synthesizing research findings and personal insights about the role of Black artists in dance and beyond.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsACP.6.2 - Contextualizes artist contributions within personal and societal frameworks. Reinforces understanding of art as cultural expression.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Black Artists in Dance Evaluation Rubric

Category 1

Research and Analysis

Assessment of students' ability to research, analyze, and depict the contributions of Black artists to dance genres.
Criterion 1

Depth of Analysis

The depth and thoroughness with which students examine the historical and cultural evolution of the chosen dance genre.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the genre's evolution, effectively integrating significant historical, cultural, and artist-specific contributions.

Proficient
3 Points

Offers a thorough analysis of the genre's evolution, including relevant historical and cultural contributions by Black artists.

Developing
2 Points

Presents a basic analysis of the dance genre, with some historical and cultural contributions included.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal analysis with limited reference to historical, cultural, or artist contributions.

Criterion 2

Clarity of Expression

The ability to present research findings in a clear and coherent manner.

Exemplary
4 Points

Communicates ideas with exceptional clarity, using precise language and logical sequencing.

Proficient
3 Points

Expresses ideas clearly and logically, though with minor lapses in precision.

Developing
2 Points

Conveys ideas with basic clarity but lacks coherence or detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Lacks clarity in presenting ideas, with frequent lapses in logic and detail.

Category 2

Creative Presentation

Evaluation of students' ability to creatively and persuasively present their findings and insights.
Criterion 1

Innovative Use of Multimedia

The effectiveness and creativity of incorporating multimedia elements in the presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Integrates multimedia elements seamlessly, enhancing the persuasiveness and engagement of the presentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses multimedia effectively to support the presentation, with some creative elements.

Developing
2 Points

Employs basic multimedia elements, with limited effect on content delivery.

Beginning
1 Points

Includes sparse or unrelated multimedia elements that do not enhance the presentation.

Category 3

Reflective Writing

Assessment of students' reflective writing about the significance of Black artists' contributions.
Criterion 1

Insightfulness of Reflection

The depth of insight and personal connection in reflective writing.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers profound insights with strong personal and societal connections, reflecting deeply on the learning experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides thoughtful insights and connections to personal or societal perspectives.

Developing
2 Points

Illustrates basic reflection with limited personal connection.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows minimal insight or personal engagement in reflection.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

In what ways has researching the contributions of Black artists to various dance genres changed your understanding of dance as a cultural and historical expression?

Text
Required
Question 2

How confident do you feel in your ability to connect artistic work with larger cultural and social movements after completing this project?

Scale
Required
Question 3

What was the most surprising fact you discovered about your chosen artist or dance genre, and how did it impact your overall perspective on cultural diversity and expression in art?

Text
Required
Question 4

Which aspect of your research do you think will have the most lasting impact on your perspective of social justice and cultural movements?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
The artist's personal story
The historical context of the dance genre
The artist's contributions to their genre
The artist's impact on social justice movements