A few days ago I posted a request for creative dance materials through DonorsChoose.org. I've been fascinated of late by the many ways children can use scarves while practicing the art of dance. Here is the first video that got me hooked, a performance of 2nd graders performing to Carl Orff's "Primo Vere: Ecce Gratum" from his suite "Carmina Burana." What a glorious piece. I think this is powerful for many reasons. First, the children have to be taught how to actively listen to the musical piece, to discern phrasing, patterns, and structure. Then, after gaining a deeper awareness of the music, they have to be able to visually show what the music "looks" like through movement. Students need to be able to work as a unit, or "dance company," if you will. On top of that, this ends up being a fine opportunity for exposure to classical music! (When I say this, I don't mean to imply that classical music is better than all the other music that's out there, but simply a different genre--and one that many young people haven't really spent much time listening to.)
It is my hope that Room 17's project for creative dance will get fully funded. If it does, I plan on having my class perform our own version of this scarf dance to "Primo Vere!" For more information about Room 17's arts education project, "Dancing Our Way to Learning," visit the DonorsChoose.org site.
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