WE SMILE ERASMUS+ PROJECT 2017 – 2019 TARANTELLA - LESSON PLAN
Grade: Adaptable for multiple ages and grades National Dance Standards:  Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance  Understanding dance as a way to communicate and create meaning
Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods Making connections between dance and other disciplines Objectives: Psychomotor Objectives Execute the Tarantella dance (basic footwork, partner positions, formations and figures) Demonstrate relationship of movement to music (count rhythm, tempo) Perform basic movements with appropriate quality of the Tarantella dance
Cognitive Objectives Recognize basic dance terminology
Learn basic cues and respond to them Conduct a self evaluation or peer evaluations of a beginning tarantella dance performance
Affective Objectives Practice social dance etiquette Demonstrate personal style, confidence and performance attitude Work with a group to practice and refine the performance
Assessment: - Psychomotor Evaluation
- Performance Test: In relation to the music can students execute: 1. footwork 2. partner positions and 3. figures/patterns
Cognitive Evaluation  Translate written or oral instructions for the Tarantella dance into movement with music
Affective Evaluation
 Demonstrate etiquette, confidence, performance attitude, cooperation, contribution and leadership in the group/class Vocabulary: Tarantella: a folk dance from southern Italy Folk Dance: a recreational dance form that has its roots in the rituals, customs, culture, and mores of a particular country Closed Position: partners face each other with their shoulders and hips square Open Position: partners stand side by side Semi-open Position: is similar to the closed position, partners are slightly open forward, or to the direction of movement Partner Hold: describes how a couple holds each other during a dance
History and Description: The Tarantella is a folk dance. A folk dance is a recreational dance form that has its roots in the rituals, customs, culture, and mores of a particular country. Geography, climate, and other factors affect the makeup of the dances. Folk dance music is indigenous to the country or culture. The music and instruments reinforce the character and essence of the dance. Costumes mirror the lifestyles and occupations and reinforce cultural and national pride, which in turn enhance the spirit of dance. Appropriate for all ages and abilities. The tarantella is a lively dance form that originated in Italy. There are many folk dances in Italy but the tarantella is iconic, instantly recognizable as an image of
Italian culture. In addition to the distinct movements and musical accompaniment, the tarantella dance has a colorful history and origin story. The tarantella is a lively folk dance performed to a distinct, upbeat musical style. Originally from Southern Italy, different types of tarantellas are found in many cities in the mainland of Italy and the island of Sicily. The tarantella is believed to have started in the 15th century. Danced at weddings and other celebrations, the tarantella is a quick, energetic and festive dance. Today Italian communities in many countries dance tarantellas at social events. Those dedicated to preserving this unique dance
tradition organize groups to perform at festivals and cultural celebrations. The name "tarantella" derives from the city of Taranto, Italy where the dance is believed to have originated. The name of the tarantula spider comes from the town of Taranto as well. The choreography and name of the dance is based on an old folk belief about the effect of a poisonous spider bite. It was believed that when someone was bitten by the tarantula, the only cure would be to dance the poison out of his system. For this reason, many consider the tarantella to be a healing or medicinal dance. Dance scholars offer various interpretations into the origins and meanings of the tarantella. Some choreographers continue to investigate the origins and uses of the tarantella, and
integrate it performances.
into
contemporary
Couples often dance the tarantella. The two people performing a tarantella need not be a male and female, for many women dance the tarantella together. In the past, the tarantella was also considered a "courting dance" for males and females, though as a social dance form it is danced among family and friends as well. Steps: Pony/Po-go: moving to side to side; step down on the right foot, tap up on the left foot, step down on the right foot; repeat left. Arms wave right then left. Grapevine: moving in one direction; step side with right, step behind left, step side right, step in front left; repeat Partner
hold turn: partners stand side to side with right shoulders together (so that one person faces each direction); hold each other around waist or link elbows and turn clockwise Walk-about: one partner kneels and offers their hand; the other person loosely holds while walking or skipping around partner MÊnage: large circular pattern of individual or group 4 forward – 4 back: step forward 4 times clapping on each step; repeat backwards Step hop: step on the right foot; brush left leg across while hopping; repeat to the other side You can access videos of these steps on You Tube! http://www.youtube.com/user/SuperPickupsticks