Irish Step Dancing River Dance
Performers:
Nicola Byrne and Alan Kenefick and other dancers
Culture or Origin:
This is a step dance from Ireland. Step Dances are considered virtuosic solo dances based on the hornpipe, reel and jig. The dancer's foot movement create percussive patterns on the floor
Orchestration:
Fiddles. Concertina. The dancers created the percussive like sounds. Guitar rhythm section and high strings creating chords.
Connection:
I chose to talk about this video not only because Ireland is my country for the final unit, but also because it ties into what we discussed in class. During class, we discussed the different models of authenticity. I believed that the historical and the personal model was one of the best. It's not only important to understand music's background and history but have it connect and be meaningful to the student so they can find their own individual connection. A lot of Irish music does this perfectly. Much of their music is for dancing. It is a means of expression for the individual and also a way to socialize with people around them.
In middle/high school I had a few good friends that took step dancing and did competitions. This could be a perfect segue to introduce Irish music in the classroom especially if there are students participating in it. In both the Koops and Abril reading, they talked about music combining with other subjects. There should be a lot more cross-curricular references. This could be a perfect opportunity to tie together a history class with music and dancers in the school system.
I totally agree with your statement about how this would be an easy connecting feature to integrate other subjects in the schools together and also would be an great connecting feature to students in the classroom! I think this to be authentic in the historical and personal models definitely! What better way to express yourself than through movement.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about how this form of expression is ideal for teaching across the curriculum. In America we seem to view music as something that keeps us occupied while we study, general background noise, or something that we sit politely and listen to. Granted there are opportunities to dance and move to music but they are few and far between. In some cultures Music and Dance are inseparable. It would be a waste to not expose students to the dancing that happens with the music, especially if you have students who are currently learning about it outside of school.
ReplyDeleteExcellent applications of the text, Cat.
ReplyDelete