Dance: Modern Dance

Level I

Level II

Level III

Level IV

Creating

Performing

Responding

Connecting

Creating

Performing

Responding

Connecting

Creating

Performing

Responding

Connecting

Creating

Performing

Responding

Connecting

Demonstrate an understanding of creative/choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication.

Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

Understand and model dance etiquette as a classroom participant, performer, and observer.

Recognize concepts of anatomy and kinesiology in movement.

Understand and apply music concepts to dance.

Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in all aspects of dance.

Understand and demonstrate dance throughout history and in various cultures.

Recognize connections between dance and wellness.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as it relates to other areas of knowledge.

Demonstrate an understanding of creative/choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication.

Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

Understand and model dance etiquette as a classroom participant, performer, and observer.

Recognize concepts of anatomy and kinesiology in movement.

Understand and apply music concepts to dance.

Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in all aspects of dance. 

Understand and demonstrate dance throughout history and in various cultures.

Recognize connections between dance and wellness.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as it relates to other areas of knowledge.

Demonstrate an understanding of creative/choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication.

Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

Understand and model dance etiquette as a classroom participant, performer, and observer.

Recognize concepts of anatomy and kinesiology in movement.

Understand and apply music concepts to dance.

Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in all aspects of dance.

Understand and demonstrate dance throughout history and in various cultures.

Recognize connections between dance and wellness.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as it relates to other areas of knowledge.

Demonstrate an understanding of creative/choreographic principles, processes, and structures. 

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication.

Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

Understand and model dance etiquette as a classroom participant, performer, and observer.

Recognize concepts of anatomy and kinesiology in movement.

Understand and apply music concepts to dance.

Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in all aspects of dance.

Understand and demonstrate dance throughout history and in various cultures.

Recognize connections between dance and wellness.

Demonstrate an understanding of dance as it relates to other areas of knowledge.

Identify the elements of choreography. 

Discuss ways to document dance choreography (e.g. photography, video, writing computer programs).

Manipulate the elements of personal choreography.

Recognize a variety of structures and/or forms (e.g. AB, ABA, cannon, call-response, narrative).

Recognize how the use of choreographic structure is used to communicate meaning in a dance.

Demonstrate the use of theme through movement.

Execute an introductory-level modern-based warm-up related to strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility (e.g. flat backs, roll downs, contract/release, fall/recovery).

Demonstrate an understanding of basic modern dance terminology and technique.

Develop focus, control, and coordination in performing introductory-level combinations of locomotor and axial movements.

Demonstrate kinesthetic awareness through body parts and isolations, and connect the body to one’s kinesphere.

Demonstrate the ability to transfer weight, change direction, and maintain balance.

Identify dance vocabulary from codified modern techniques (e.g. Horton, Graham, Cunningham, Limon, Taylor, Bartenieff fundamentals).

Demonstrate attentiveness, focus, concentration, initiative, and self-discipline when participating in the dance learning environment.

Demonstrate concentration and focus, and help to maintain a respectful performance environment for others.

Exhibit ability to perform with focus and concentration, and attend rehearsals and classes in preparation for performances.

Exhibit initiative in modeling appropriate behaviors and skills as an audience member and dance observer, and understand the role of an arts patron.

Understand major muscles involved in external rotation (turn-out), parallel position, and important related alignment principles involved in proper execution.

Recognize that proper alignment facilitates efficiency of movement.

Understand imagery (ideokinesis) and its ability to increase efficiency of movement.

Identify basic principles of injury prevention in modern dance.

Investigate syncopation, polyrhythms counterpoint, and call-response within instructed and created dance phrases.

Phrase movements artistically, aesthetically, and musically.

Critique movement qualities and choreography using the elements of modern dance (e.g. spatial design, variety, contrast, clear structure).

Observe and formulate opinions about the quality of dances on the basis of established criteria.

Engage in self-reflection and self-assessment as creator and performer.

Describe the similarities and differences within modern dance techniques from different cultures.

Identify and explore various modern dance techniques and innovations throughout history.

Explain how health and nutrition enhance modern dance ability.

Define the elements of personal safety in modern dance.

Demonstrate respect for personal well-being and the well-being of others. 

Describe how modern dance builds physical and emotional well-being (e.g. positive body imaging, physical goals, creative goals, focus/concentration).

Understand and demonstrate how media and technology can reinforce, enhance, or alter a modern dance concept.

Explore the elements of choreography.

Use technology or software to record a modern dance or phrase.

Demonstrate the use of choreographic form through short combinations.

Manipulate personal and structured dance combinations.

Demonstrate and recognize a variety of structures or forms (e.g. AB, ABA, cannon, callresponse, narrative).

Recognize how the use of choreographic structure is used to communicate meaning in a modern dance.

Demonstrate the use of various themes through movement.

Execute a beginner modern-based warm-up related to strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility (e.g. flat backs, laterals, roll downs, contract/release, fall/recovery, Bartenieff fundamentals).

Execute beginner principles of modern dance technique with clarity and control for classroom and performance.

Execute focus, control, and coordination in performing beginner modern combinations through the integration of modern dance elements.  

Execute the transfer of weight and change direction while maintaining balance.

Understand dance vocabulary from modern techniques. 

Demonstrate attentiveness, focus, concentration, initiative, and self-discipline when participating in the dance learning environment.

Demonstrate concentration and focus and help to maintain a respectful performance environment for others.

Exhibit ability to perform with focus and concentration, and attend rehearsals and classes in preparation for performances.

Exhibit leadership skills in modeling appropriate behaviors and skills as an audience member and dance observer.

Identify self-monitoring methods to refine and improve alignment and technical skills. 

Identify similarities and differences between progressive sequential orders of warm-up exercises in various modern dance styles.

Apply teacher prompted imagery to increase efficiency of movement.

Develop personal practices in preparing for modern dance class and performance.

Demonstrate various kinds of syncopation, polyrhythms counterpoint, and call-response within instructed and created dance phrases.

Phrase movements artistically, aesthetically, and musically.

Critique movement qualities and choreography using the elements of modern dance (e.g. spatial design, variety, contrast, clear structure).

Observe and formulate opinions about the quality of modern dances on the basis of established criteria.

Defend a modern dance work.

Observe and respond to modern dance compositions.

Discuss and identify aesthetic qualities particular to various modern dance techniques.

Engage in self-reflection and self-assessment as creator and performer.

Describe the similarities and differences within modern dance techniques from different cultures.

Identify and explore various modern dance techniques and innovations throughout history.

Identify and explore the capabilities and limitations of the body.

Identify and explore strategies to prevent modern dance injuries.

Identify the effects of healthy and unhealthy practices in modern dance.

Compare and contrast modern dance to other art forms.

Explore commonalities of essential concepts shared between modern dance and other subject areas.

Identify and evaluate the contributions and integration of other arts disciplines in modern dance performance.

Demonstrate ability to use media and technology to communicate about and create modern dance as an art form.

Generate original modern dance phrases from a variety of sources (e.g. instructor-guided and self-guided improvisation).

Manipulate modern dance phrases using the elements of choreography.

Demonstrate various modern dance techniques through personal choreography.

Manipulate personal and structured modern dance combinations to create an informal modern dance work.

Demonstrate and recognize a variety of structures or forms (e.g. AB, ABA, cannon, callresponse, narrative).

Recognize how the use of choreographic structure is used to communicate meaning in a modern dance.

Identify the use of abstract theme through modern dance movement.

Execute an intermediate-level modern-based warm-up related to strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility (e.g. flat backs, laterals, contract/release, fall/recovery, high release, spirals, head-tail connection, Bartenieff Fundamentals).

Execute intermediate principles of modern dance technique with clarity and control for classroom and performance.

Execute focus, control, and coordination in performing intermediate combinations through the integration of modern dance elements.

Refine the ability to transfer weight, change direction, and maintain balance in a dynamic movement context without losing focus.

Understand similarities of movement concepts between modern dance techniques, and apply appropriate terms and skills for specific movement contexts.

Demonstrate attentiveness, focus, concentration, initiative, and self-discipline when participating in the dance learning environment.

Demonstrate concentration and focus, and help to maintain a respectful performance environment for others.

Exhibit ability to perform with focus and concentration, and attend rehearsals and classes in preparation for performances.

Exhibit leadership skills in modeling appropriate behaviors and skills as an audience member and dance observer.

Exhibit use of self-monitoring methods to refine and improve alignment and modern dance technical skills.

Define, describe, and execute functions of anatomy as they relate to modern dance styles, and how preparation for different modern dance techniques differ.

Apply principles of injury prevention for modern dance to personal practices in preparing for modern dance class and performance.

Synthesize musical concepts with self-initiation in instructed and created modern dance movements and phrases.

Demonstrate initiative in phrasing modern movements artistically, aesthetically, and musically.

Critique modern dance qualities and choreography using the elements of modern dance (e.g. spatial design, variety, contrast, clear structure).

Observe, critique, analyze, and respond to the quality of modern dance performances and compositions using specified criteria and appropriate modern dance terminology.

Compare and contrast multiple modern dance works.

Describe aesthetic qualities particular to various modern dance techniques.

Propose ways to revise modern dance choreography according to established assessment criteria.

Engage in self-reflection and self-assessment as a creator and performer.

Defend or justify the similarities and differences between observing live and recorded modern dance performances. 

Analyze the role and significance of modern dance in social, historical, cultural, and political contexts.

Execute movement from various modern dance techniques.

Compare and contrast the effects of healthy and unhealthy practices in modern dance.

Identify and explore the capabilities and limitations of the body.

Explore historical and cultural images of the body in modern dance and compare them to images of the body in contemporary media.

Demonstrate how personal discipline is necessary to achieve success in meeting personal goals.

Compare and contrast modern dance to other art forms.

Explore commonalities of essential concepts shared between modern dance and other subject areas.

Identify career possibilities in modern dance and dance related fields.

Generate original modern dance phrases from a variety of sources (e.g. instructor and self-guided improvisation).

Manipulate modern dance phrases using the elements of choreography.

Demonstrate various modern dance techniques through both personal and group choreography.

Manipulate structured personal and structured group combinations to create a formal modern dance work.

Demonstrate a variety of structures or forms (e.g. AB, ABA, cannon, call-response, narrative).

Recognize how the use of choreographic structure is used to communicate meaning in a modern dance.

Identify and demonstrate the use of theme through modern dance technique.

Demonstrate the use of props as an extension of theme.

Execute an advanced modern-based warm-up related to strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility (e.g. flat backs, laterals, roll downs, contract/release, fall/recovery, high release, spirals, head-tail connections, Bartenieff Fundamentals).

Execute advanced principles of modern dance technique with precision for classroom and performance.

Execute focus, control, and coordination in performing complex combinations through the integration of modern dance elements.

Refine the ability to transfer weight, change direction, and maintain balance in a dynamic movement context without losing focus. 

Synthesize knowledge of dance vocabulary from modern dance techniques.

Demonstrate attentiveness, focus, concentration, initiative, and self-discipline when participating in the modern dance learning environment.

Demonstrate concentration and focus, and help to maintain a respectful modern dance performance environment for others.

Exhibit ability to perform with focus and concentration, and attend rehearsals and classes in preparation for performances.

Exhibit leadership skills in modeling appropriate behaviors and skills as an audience member and modern dance observer.

Exhibit use of self-monitoring methods to refine and improve alignment and technical skills.

Define, describe, and execute the physiological demands of various modern dance techniques and repertoire, and how to prepare for those demands within rehearsals and performances.

Engage in self-directed learning strategies to increase accuracy, precision, artistry, and expressiveness.

Apply principles of injury prevention for modern dance.

Synthesize musical concepts with self-initiation in instructed and created modern dance movements and phrases.  

Demonstrate initiative in modern dance phrasing movements artistically, aesthetically, and musically.

Critique movement qualities and choreography using the elements of modern dance (e.g. spatial design, variety, contrast, clear structure).

Observe, critique, analyze, and respond to the quality of modern dance performances and compositions using specified criteria and appropriate dance terminology.

Compare and contrast multiple modern dance works.

Describe and demonstrate aesthetic qualities particular to modern dance.

Propose ways to revise modern dance choreography according to established assessment criteria.

Engage in self-reflection and self-assessment as a creator and performer.

Defend and/or justify the similarities and differences between observing live and recorded dance performances.

Analyze the role and significance of modern dance in social, historical, cultural, and political contexts. 

Analyze dance styles of important twentieth/twenty-first century modern dance choreographers.

Understand similarities and differences between various modern dance techniques.

Evaluate the development of modern dance during the twentieth/twenty-first century, focusing on purpose, genres, styles, artistic conflicts and resolutions, significant contributors, and innovations. 

Communicate how lifestyle choices affect the modern dancer.

Analyze the historical and cultural images of the body in modern dance and compare these to images of the body in contemporary media.

Discuss challenges facing a performer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Assess consequences of personal actions, and commitment and discipline necessary to achieve modern dance goals.

Understand and demonstrate how media and technology can reinforce, enhance, or alter a modern dance concept.