Description

This lesson focuses on the content, attitude and messages in contemporary music videos. Following a class discussion, students will work in small groups to choreograph a short dance presentation.

Learning Goals

  • Understand how to critically observe popular media forms
  • Demonstrate an understanding of issues arising from media and its influence on the general population (stereotypes, racism, violence, etc).

Materials

  • Video clips from a variety of popular music videos to show to the class plus the music used in the videos available for students to use. Be familiar with the current trends in music and music videos which are most popular with the students.

Minds On (Approximately 10 minutes)

Class Discussion

  • Lead a discussion based on the use of dance in contemporary music videos. Topics may include various issues within these dances (e.g. sexism, violence, racism.) Since jazz can be a very overtly sexual dance form, this topic needs to be addressed openly and with sensitivity.
  • Students must be taught jazz dance in such a way that it does not add to the sexual stereotyping of either gender. Students often imitate the choreography within music videos without reflection about its nature or the messages inherent in it. Increasing media literacy is one focus of this activity.
  • Topics for further discussion could include costuming, set design, lighting, staging and commercial motivations versus artistic/expressive motivations.

Action! (Approximately 50 minutes)

Contemporary Videos

  • Show three to five clips from music videos during class. Students look at these video clips to get a sense of what it takes to choreograph and create a video.
  • In small groups of three to five, students choose a music video which interests them and compose a very brief (e.g. one minute) piece in the same flavour as what they have viewed.
  • Students share their ideas and interpretations with the members of their group.
  • Students present their compositions to the class at the end of this activity.

Consolidation (Approximately 15 minutes)

Class Discussion

  • As a class, students will discuss the various dance works. Lead a discussion identifying the technique and compositional elements in the students’ dance works and analyzing for social commentary.

Notes/Assessment/Differentiated Instruction/Resources

  • Copyright restrictions must be observed.
  • This activity takes place after the evaluation for the unit is completed.
  • Its purpose is to:
    • develop media literacy and thoughtful reflection about social issues in dance.
    • develop the students’ understanding of how the attitudes, values, political ideals and social issues which exist in society are often reflected in jazz dance.
  • It is recommended that students not be assessed in this activity.
  • Connect this activity to school-based programs on violence intervention, board equity policies and appropriate codes of behavior within the school community and society.