Lesson One: Developing Personal Vision

Ask students to recall and describe dances they have seen in the past that seemed to reflect an artist's unique "personal vision" or viewpoint of the world. Why do they remember these particular dances? What were the specific features of the dance that created this lasting impression?

Remind students that, although many choreographers had teachers or mentors whose styles may have influenced their work, over the years most choreographers develop a unique style and approach to the art of dance-making. This unique style and approach to creating art may result in arts expressions that are a reflection of an artist's personal vision.

• continue to develop an understanding
of how dancers and choreographers acquire, transform and convey ideas

View and discuss excerpts of dances and interviews with choreographers that reflect a unique choreographic style and vision. For example, students could begin by discussing the video Contemporary Traces from the Dance Alive Series. To guide such discussion, teachers should use the process described in "Responding to Arts Expressions" in the Planning Guide of this curriculum. Ask students to identify characteristics that are unique to each choreographer's work and viewpoint.