Using a wide range of symbols and gestures, mime, and music, students make connections between the written word and dance vocabulary. Through Indian dance, Sujatha demonstrates how the geometric lines of the body and the expressions of the face communicate the myriad emotions of the mind and heart.
Carnival of the Animals
VERB Ballets will present a ballet that reveals the plight of the cuckoo bird, who is bullied because he does not act like the other animals. A beautiful swan, the intervener, befriends the cuckoo and brings all the animals together to teach them how to act (move), teaching the animals tolerance and acceptance. The audience will have an opportunity to ask dancers what it is like to be a professional and how they developed their animal characters.
The Harlem Renaissance
Explore the music and poetry of the Harlem Renaissance. Understand the historical context of this pivotal time in the African American experience. Read excerpts from the poetry of Langston Hughes and interpret language through dance. Listen to samples of Blues and Ragtime music and discuss how these musical forms were a heartfelt expression of the people of the time. This offering is one of the Diversity Engagement programs available.
What I Learned from the Flamingo: Dance of the Animals
How does a flamingo move differently from an elephant? How does a mouse move differently from a lion? Students are introduced to the dynamics and qualities of movement through the imitation of different animals. Students watch choreography from the “Flamingo” dance, and learn to describe the movement in terms of shape, time, and dynamics. Everyone makes up their own dance based on animals being studied in the classroom.
Morrison Dance – Photo © Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com
Morrison Dance – Photo © Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com
Discover West African Rhythm Through Drumming and Dance
Led by native West African Sogbety Diomande, students learn the three basic sounds of the African djembe drum. They also learn basic techniques of hand drumming, focusing on the styles found in Sogbety’s native Ivory Coast. A residency immerses students in the culture and musical techniques of West Africa. This offering is one of the Diversity Engagement programs available.
Wigglewords
Wigglewords pairs basic dance movements with each letter of the alphabet to enhance a wide range of literacy skills, including spelling, phonics rules, identification of vowels and consonants, and rhyming/storytelling. This simple method supports early readers — especially kinesthetic learners.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
I really enjoyed Verb Ballets’ Wiggle Words program and so did the students! I thought the teachers, Miss Katie & Miss Erin were wonderful. They really kept the students engaged, moving around and interested in the program. I know my students have continued to use Wiggle Words to practice spelling words. Thank you!
–Jackie Quinn, 1st Grade Teacher, St. Christopher School, Rocky River
Dancing through the Curriculum
Take a journey inspired by the dances and music of a country or time period being studied in the classroom. After reviewing basic information about the country being studied, students create dances based on features of that country like, history, geography, climate, resources, government, economy, or religions.
Dance Man (Early Childhood)
Explore the world of dance! Tom performs a compelling assortment of short dances that demonstrate dance as a form of expression. All children are invited to participate and perform a mini show of their own.