“FOLK DANCES AROUND THE WORLD”



[pic] “FOLK DANCES AROUND THE WORLD” [pic]

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A WebQuest for 5th Grade in Physical Education

By Suzy Petroze

Physical Education Teacher

Beechgrove Elementary, Independence, KY

Introduction I Task I Process I Resources I Evaluation I Conclusion

Introduction

Who is your favorite dancer? Is it Brittney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, or Michael Jackson perhaps? Have you ever wondered how they come up with their dance moves?

Well, in some countries, dance steps have very interesting origins. For example, in Italy, there is a folk dance called the Tarantella (which means “tarantula spider” in English). It is believed that women working in the fields, who would be bit by the Tarantula spider, would dance off the venom. It is said that a lot of perspiration would force the poison out through the pores of the body. Many believed that this spider’s bite was deadly and during those times, there was no anti-venom available. Therefore, the only remedy for the bite of this venomous spider was perspiration… and dancing caused a lot of sweating!

Other countries traditionally use dance for a variety of social purposes, such as religious rituals, weddings, funerals and entertainment. Some dances prepared people for the roles they played in the community. For example, some war dances prepared young men physically and psychologically for war by teaching them discipline and control while getting them into the spirit of battle. Some dances can even tell stories that are part of the oral history of a community.

As you can see, dancing can be entertaining, like the dances of Brittney Spears, but dancing can also serve a purpose.

This WebQuest will give you an opportunity to learn about a dance from a different country.

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The Task

Find two people that you will be able to work cooperatively with, unless your teacher has assigned you to a group. You will work with your group throughout the WebQuest. Once your group is formed, your teacher will give you an index card. On one side of your card there will be a Country provided and on the other side of the card will be a name of a dance. As a team, you will research the dance using the resources provided to expand your knowledge on a dance from another country. You will have three class periods to finish your project.

The first day of this project you will have the entire class period to research and type your report.

On day two, you should be ready to practice your dance. You will be given the entire Physical Education class period to learn and practice your dance in the gymnasium. Your teacher will provide the music and equipment needed. Please let your teacher know if you will need any other forms of equipment for your dance.

On day three you should be ready to demonstrate your dance to the class.

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Process

-You will work cooperatively in groups of three. Each person will have a specific task.

-One person will research the dance steps.

-One person will research the facts of the dance.

-One person will write a one-page report and prepare it for presentation.

-All three students will learn and practice their dance.

-All three students will show their dance to the class.

Resources

Mexican Hat Dance - A Folk Dance from Mexico [pic]

Miserlou - A Folk Dance from Greece [pic]

The Irish Washerwoman - A Folk Dance from Ireland [pic]

Danish Dance of Greeting - A Folk Dance from Denmark [pic]

D'hammerschmiedsg'selln - A Folk Dance from Germany [pic]

Information about the Mexican Hat Dance: [pic]







Information about the Miserlou dance: [pic]





Information about the Irish Washerwoman dance: [pic]







Information about the Danish Dance of Greeting: [pic]



Information about the D'hammerschmiedsg'selln dance: [pic]



Evaluation

| |Beginning |Developing |Accomplished |Exemplary |Score |

| |1 |2 |3 |4 | |

|  |Nobody in the group |One student participates |Two students participate |All group members | |

|Performance |participates in the |in the report and dance |in the report and dance |participate in the | |

|Task  |report and dance |demonstration. |presentation. |report and dance | |

| |demonstration. | | |presentation. | |

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have worked extremely hard on your Folk Dance. Through this lesson, you should have developed a greater appreciation and understanding of a dance from another country.

Closing Questions

Was this project easy to research on the Internet?

Did you enjoy performing a dance from another country?

Would your group be interested in performing your dance at the PTA Dance Program?

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For questions or comments about this WebQuest, email me at spetroze@kenton.k12.us.ky

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