Starter questions/ideas for class or group discussion:
- Describe the photo images on the chart. What can you deduce from the photos about the purposes of the dances and the kinds of movement used?
- Collect photocopied images and videos of social dances of past generations. Compare and contrast these with contemporary dance material. Discuss the purposes for each, describing the similarities and differences.
- Identify and talk about the dances pictured that are used to celebrate cultural occasions. Select one or more of the dances to learn about.
- Dance can be used to tell stories about people and places, and to explore issues, ideas and feelings. Looking at the photo strip across the top of the chart, identify the dances that might be telling a story. Choose one image from the photo strip. What might the dance story be for this image?
- What are the dancers wearing and how does this help to convey the meaning of the dance?
- How do the dancers' movements in the photos convey the meaning and purpose of the dance? (For example, compare the traditional haka with the contemporary Maori dance Whiri Koka Whiri Tangata.) Discuss the similarities and differences of the actions and the costumes. View archival films of Maori dance from the past and videos of contemporary Maori dance. Compare and contrast the movement styles and vocabulary.
- Find on the chart the quote "...dance is firmly rooted in tradition, yet constantly evolving to reflect changes in contemporary culture". Discuss this with the class. Look at and compare the two Maori dance photos and their captions. How and why do you think Maori dance has evolved over the years?
- How are cultural dance forms transported from country to country? How might cultural dance forms be maintained? What might influence changes in cultural dance forms?
- How have changing musical styles and instruments influenced changes in dance styles?
- How do the social dances you do differ from the dances your grandparents did? Investigate and explore the social contexts for dance styles from different decades.
- How has technology contributed to the evolution of dance styles?
Purposes of dance
Some of the many cultural and societal purposes of dance are as follows:
- social,
- ceremonial,
- competitive,
- political,
- educational,
- promotional,
- therapeutic,
- celebrational,
- commercial/economic,
- gender role expression,
- vocational,
- personal expression,
- environmental,
- artistic,
- entertainment,
- ritual,
- liturgical,
- community belonging,
- courtship,
- communication,
- telling stories.
Discuss all/part of this list with students, finding examples of each purpose. Ask students to think of other purposes.
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