NEW VICTORY THEATER SCHOOL TOOL RESOURCE GUIDES

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SCHOOL TOOL RESOURCE GUIDES BIG DANCE THEATER, PHOTO: LIZ LYNCH INSIDE Information and handouts to get you ready for the show This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM

1 SCHOOL TOOL RESOURCE GUIDES BIG DANCE THEATER, PHOTO: LIZ LYNCH INSIDE Information and handouts to get you ready for the show This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: NewVictory.org/SchoolTools THE NEW VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORY.ORG/SCHOOLTOOLS 4

2 HAND-OUT THIS SUMMER ON THE NEW VIC STAGE! PROGRAM A DOUG ELKINS CHOREOGRAPHY, ETC. A company of six dancers, actors and clowns come together to explore the intersections between physical comedy, choreography, flirtation and romance. A National Dance Project selection, Hapless Bizarre is the alchemy of Elkins intelligence, cheekiness and stagecraft (The Boston Globe). BIG DANCE THEATER The deeply brilliant (The New York Times) OBIE Award-winning Big Dance Theater is known for its inspired use of dance, music, text and visual design. This acclaimed piece showcases the ingenuity and wit of Annie-B Parson s choreography. DAVID NEUMANN Hailed by The New York Times as an astute, sensitive observer of the human condition in all its funny and desperate and beautiful frailty, David Neumann is a wily everyman set upon by a humdrum fate in this witty and ambitious work, with text by celebrated playwright Will Eno and featuring a Bunraku-style puppet. PROGRAM B LIMÓN DANCE COMPANY Now in its 70th year, the Limón Dance Company is internationally renowned for its technical mastery and dramatic expression, and demonstrates the timelessness of founder Jose Limón s work. The Winged is a joyous exploration of flight (Dance Enthusiast). LAR LUBOVITCH DANCE COMPANY Founded in 1968 and renowned for its musicality, rhapsodic style and sophisticated structure, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company has been called a national treasure (Variety). In Little Rhapsodies, a trio of men showcase fierce athleticism, exploring the relationships between the dancers as individuals and as a community. JIVA DANCE Jiva Dance pays homage to the stunning grace and beauty of India s national bird in a compelling interplay of sculptural and rhythmic Indian dance (The New York Times). This vibrant production features the art of Bharatanatyam, the most renowned of the Indian classical dance forms. PROGRAM C AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION This musical review of classic and contemporary dance is curated by tap master Tony Waag and features some of today s brightest and boldest tap performers. Waag founded the American Tap Dance Foundation in 2001 with the mission of establishing tap dance as a vital component of American Dance. CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS Known for high theatricality, gutsy moves and virtuosic musicality, Camille A. Brown makes a personal claim on history through the lens of a modern Black female perspective. Inspired by the events of Hurricane Katrina, this work celebrates the spirit and culture of the people of New Orleans. Brown is this year s winner of the Jacob s Pillow Dance Award. NADINE BOMMER DANCE COMPANY New York-born, Israeli-bred choreographer Nadine Bommer transforms the stage into a surprising, hilarious soccer field as ten dancers play to a soundtrack of sports anthems and roaring crowds. Combining the worlds of dance, theater and pantomime, Invisi BALL showcases Bommer s animato dance method with unique rhythms, angles and humor.

HAND-OUT INSIDE THE ART FORM Here is a brief list of some of the dance styles that will be seen on the New Vic

AFRICAN DANCE: Originating in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional African music and dance utilizes

Many dances of the African diaspora are generally inspired by the earth and are grounded in ritual, celebration,

ANIMATO: A style of dance developed by choreographer Nadine Bommer, that focuses on kinetic energy (energy of the

This style of dance combines theater, pantomime, film and animation.

often characterized by graceful and fluid movements.

of dance, music, literature, philosophy, sculpture and spirituality.

CONTEMPORARY: A free and expressive style of dance that came about in response to more structured dance forms,

HIP HOP: A contemporary style of dance that includes a variety of urban dance styles, like b-boying/b-girling,

The movement flows with the rhythm of the music (typically jazz) and the performers often improvise their steps

3 HAND-OUT INSIDE THE ART FORM Here is a brief list of some of the dance styles that will be seen on the New Vic stage! AFRICAN DANCE: Originating in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional African music and dance utilizes polyrhythm and total body articulation. Many dances of the African diaspora are generally inspired by the earth and are grounded in ritual, celebration, worship and gathering as a community. ANIMATO: A style of dance developed by choreographer Nadine Bommer, that focuses on kinetic energy (energy of the body affected by its mass and speed in space). This style of dance combines theater, pantomime, film and animation. BALLET: A centuries-old formal style of dance that consists of a set of intricate positions and techniques and is often characterized by graceful and fluid movements. BHARATANATYAM: One of eight classical dance forms in India, this style of traditional dance is the intersection of dance, music, literature, philosophy, sculpture and spirituality. Each gesture and movement contains meaning and serves to tell a specific story. CONTEMPORARY: A free and expressive style of dance that came about in response to more structured dance forms, like ballet and tap. It is not bound by rhythms and the movement is a release from tension. HIP HOP: A contemporary style of dance that includes a variety of urban dance styles, like b-boying/b-girling, popping and locking. JAZZ: A style of dance that is smooth like ballet, but not as structured. The movement flows with the rhythm of the music (typically jazz) and the performers often improvise their steps as they dance. MODERN: A free and expressive style of dance that came about in response to more structured dance forms, like ballet and tap. It is not bound by rhythms. TAP: A style of dance in which the feet drum on the floor. Metal plates are attached to the bottom of the performers' shoes, so the dance consists not only of movement but also the percussive sounds of their feet. The tap being performed in Victory Dance will honor the vaudeville style, where a variety of different acts will perform, one after the other! WAACKING (PUNKING): A style of club dancing that compliments Vogue-style posing with seemingly wild, but actually highly controlled arm movements.

SCHOOL TOOL RESOURCE GUIDES WHAT DO THEY KNOW NOW? BEFORE Prior to attending VICTORY DANCE with your students/campers, find out how much they already know about dance.

In the process of exploring these areas, you ll spark their curiosity about the show and enhance their anticipation for the trip. How would you define dance?

4 SCHOOL TOOL RESOURCE GUIDES WHAT DO THEY KNOW NOW? BEFORE Prior to attending VICTORY DANCE with your students/campers, find out how much they already know about dance. Use the Prior Knowledge questions below as a guide for your reflection. In the process of exploring these areas, you ll spark their curiosity about the show and enhance their anticipation for the trip. How would you define dance? Have you seen dancers live on stage before? What style of dance were they performing? What style of dance do you enjoy most, either as a dancer or audience member? What qualities make a dance interesting for you to watch? Some of the dance companies in Victory Dance utilize multiple art forms in their work, what do you think dance fusion is? If you had to put together a program of your favorite dancers (famous or not) who would be on your list? Based on the descriptions in the New Victory program that you are going to see, which are you most excited about and why? DOUG ELKINS CHOREOGRAPHY, ETC., PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD AFTER Reflect with your students after the show. What was the experience like of seeing live dance on stage? Has your definition of dance changed in any way? If so, how? Did any of the dances surprise you? If so, how? Did you have a favorite dance piece? Which was it and why? Do you have a new understanding for the term dance fusion? What do you think it means? B.E.S.T. Body Energy Space Time (B.E.S.T.) Throughout this resource guide, you and your students will be introduced to dance-related activities. As your students create dance vocabulary, refer them to the B.E.S.T. chart (Body, Energy, Space and Time) to help them make interesting choices about their dance pieces. (See the next page for the B.E.S.T. handout.) THE / NEWVICTORY.ORG/SCHOOLTOOLS 7

HAND-OUT BEING YOUR B.E.S.T. THE ELEMENTS OF DANCE BODY ENERGY SPACE TIME PARTS HEAD ARMS HANDS PELVIS LEGS ELBOWS ETC.

FLOW FREE BOUND WEIGHT STRONG LIGHT FORCE SMOOTH SUSTAINED SHARP SUDDEN STILLNESS ACTIVE PASSIVE SIZE BIG SMALL NEAR REACH FAR REACH LEVEL HIGH MEDIUM

BREATH PULSE AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION, PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD BALANCE ON OFF FOCUS SINGLE MULTIPLE JIVE DANCE, PHOTO: DARIEL SNEED The Elements

5 HAND-OUT BEING YOUR B.E.S.T. THE ELEMENTS OF DANCE BODY ENERGY SPACE TIME PARTS HEAD ARMS HANDS PELVIS LEGS ELBOWS ETC. SHAPES CURVED STRAIGHT ANGULAR TWISTED SYMMETRIC ASYMMETRIC RELATIONSHIPS NEAR APART ALONE AROUND BELOW BESIDE ETC. FLOW FREE BOUND WEIGHT STRONG LIGHT FORCE SMOOTH SUSTAINED SHARP SUDDEN STILLNESS ACTIVE PASSIVE SIZE BIG SMALL NEAR REACH FAR REACH LEVEL HIGH MEDIUM LOW DIRECTION FORWARD BACKWARD SIDEWAYS DIAGONAL UP DOWN PATHWAY STRAIGHT CURVED CIRCULAR ZIGZAG SPEED SLOW FAST ACCELERATION DECELERATION RHYTHM BREATH PULSE AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION, PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD BALANCE ON OFF FOCUS SINGLE MULTIPLE JIVE DANCE, PHOTO: DARIEL SNEED The Elements of Dance Sets have been created through a partnership of Walker Art Center and Perpich Center for Arts Education using frameworks and tools developed by Diane Aldis for Perpich professional development and outreach programs.

6 Prior to seeing the show, answer the questions below about each image. After the show, flip the page over and see if your answers have changed. PROGRAM A: BEFORE DOUG ELKINS CHOREOGRAPHY, ETC. PHOTO: JAMIE KRAUS BIG DANCE THEATER PHOTO: LIZ LYNCH What kind of music do you think this dancer is moving to? What is a question you have for this dancer? DAVID NEUMANN / ADVANCED BEGINNINER GROUP

PROGRAM A: AFTER Now that you've seen the show, answer the

a new question you have for this dancer or the DAVID NEUMANN

7 PROGRAM A: AFTER Now that you've seen the show, answer the questions below to see how your answers might have changed! DOUG ELKINS CHOREOGRAPHY, ETC. PHOTO: JAMIE KRAUS BIG DANCE THEATER PHOTO: LIZ LYNCH What is a new question you have for this dancer or the DAVID NEUMANN DOUG ELKINS / ADVANCED BEGINNINER CHOREOGRAPHY, GROUPETC. PHOTO: JAMIE KRAUS PHOTO BY RICK MCCOLLOUGH

8 Prior to seeing the show, answer the questions below about each image. After the show, flip the page over and see if your answers have changed. PROGRAM B: BEFORE LIMÓN DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: BEATRIZ SCHILLER LAR LUBOVITCH DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: NAN MELVILLE JIVA DANCE PHOTO: DARIEL SNEED

PROGRAM B: AFTER Now that you've seen the

9 PROGRAM B: AFTER Now that you've seen the show, answer the questions below to see how your answers might have changed! LIMÓN DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: BEATRIZ SCHILLER LAR LUBOVITCH DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: NAN MELVILLE JIVA DANCE PHOTO: DARIEL SNEED PHOTO BY IAN DOUGLAS

10 Prior to seeing the show, answer the questions below about each image. After the show, flip the page over and see if your answers have changed. PROGRAM C: BEFORE AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER DUGGAN NADINE BOMMER DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: OREN METZURA

see how your answers might have changed!

11 PROGRAM C: AFTER Now that you've seen the show, answer the questions below to see how your answers might have changed! AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER DUGGAN What is a new question you have for this dancer or the NADINE BOMMER DANCE COMPANY PHOTO: OREN METZURA

NEW YORK CITY: DANCE CAPITAL OF THE W ORLD!

NEW YORK CITY: DANCE CAPITAL OF THE W ORLD! WHAT IS VICTORY DANCE? The New Victory Theater is thrilled to present VICTORY DANCE, a series specially curated to introduce younger audiences to the incredible