Step One

BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER, let's define intrinsic and extrinsic.The Accelerated Motion website defines these in relation to dance very clearly:

• Intrinsic elements include everything you can discern from observing the dance.
• Extrinsic elements include any contextual information, interpretation, or evaluation the observer brings to viewing such as "They are wearing clothes from the 1980s" (depends on observer's previous knowledge); "They are happy" (interpretation); or "They are terrific dancers" (evaluation). Extrinsic factors enable us to make connections, put information in context, and make judgments.

View the clips of Adowa, Sabar, and Masai (see Lesson 6 Viewings) and write down as many intrinsic elements as you can about each of the three dance forms. If you say, "They are terrific dancers," look at the intrinsic elements that perhaps made you say that; for example, "They are jumping high and performing rhythmic footwork." As you watch, create your lexicon. Write down things you observe that include 3 component descriptions and that address the "Elements of Dance" and "Compositional Devices" we have been practicing. These are the intrinsic elements. It should only be what you see the bodies doing and how they are moving.

Moving into the extrinsic by using the intrinsic:

1. What features of each dance form resemble other video clips you have viewed? Do any of these remind you of other things you have seen this quarter?
2. What effect does the dancing have on you?
3. What clues might that effect give you about how we are supposed to witness each dance? About what the people who do the dances find beautiful?
4. What is the effect of repetition and unison?
5. Why do you think people practice/perform/DO these dances?

Now for the tough questions:

1. How do you make sense of what you see?
2. How might intrinsic elements give you clues to the meaning of this dance?

Note: the questions above are to prepare you to write the two paragraphs below and do not need to be submitted.

Step Two

Write two paragraphs that describe the 3 dance forms.

In the first paragraph describe the intrinsic elements only of each of the three dance forms.Keep in mind this is description of bodies moving ONLY. This paragraph should include 3 component descriptions. (100-200 words)

The second paragraph should address the extrinsic elements by comparing, contrasting and deciphering what you think each dance form represents. Think deeply here. (100-200 words)

Lesson 06 Viewings

Adobe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxv6lNn8GHA (Links to an external site.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq3AdB_weHc&feature=related (Links to an external site.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCaIR8vLhKQ&feature=related (Links to an external site.)

Masai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY-EXKzaLqc (Links to an external site.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR_yCxIxDDc&feature=related (Links to an external site.)

Samar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTDC7hJEqT4 (Links to an external site.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAIP2DqWFJY&feature=related (Links to an external site)

 

 

Here is an example!
The Adowa
dances show an intrinsic element in the way the performers move their
feet in many different directions but to the beat of the music and sway
slightly side to side, while occasionally using their shoulders but very
little distal arm movement. Their hands hold up their dress as they
quickly move their feet with purpose and strength. The Masai
dance choreography mainly involves a line of performers standing side by
side and taking turns stepping out of line and jumping up and down
multiple times. No other body movements are involved besides the spring
of their legs into the air and the occasional bend in the knee until
they land flat footed on the ground. The dancers are very light on their
feet as they bound in to the air and are very rhythmic to their
movements. The Sabar choreography involves very quick and
dramatic movements, with very fast pace knee raises and feet kicking
around, in the air and on the ground. They twirl around wildly and fast
while their bodies are light on the ground yet move freely.
At
first glance these dancers were like nothing I have every seen before.
The choreography s very unique and very particular to the culture and
music. Adowa dancing seems very particular to the music playing
and just flowing to the rhythm. The dances seem to take place at local
gatherings and festivals so they must be specific to the culture and
celebrations. The Masai dance seems to resemble their culture,
which might involve a lot of hunting, so the choreography of jumping
high would relate to physical ability and masculinity of those who are
physically strong and able to hunt and provide for their family. The Sabar
dance discuss how the dance resembled sexuality but it was unique
because the culture was very closely located to a city where sexuality
is not openly flaunted and shown, especially in front of the entire
town. The dances mainly involved women and their performance of skill
and fluid movement that might appeal to a significant other. All of
these dance forms were very unique but once studied closer, have a more
clear projection of their purpose.