My students need four iPads in order to film and edit choreography (via iMovie) in small groups for a final creation of their own music video or dance based film.
My students are an amazingly imaginative, spirited group of individuals. They make up an incredibly diverse neighborhood with our families coming from all corners of the world. Our community as a whole enjoys the privilege of many cultures, languages and passions to share.
With such a culmination of young, creative spirits in MYP (middle school) dance class, we are looking to express, define and continue to create ourselves through the art of movement.
Being able to push the boundaries in dance curriculum is one of the reasons I enjoy what I do so much. Working with students is why I know this will be such a unique and nurturing experience for everyone. Our school administrators and community also stand poised to support our students. Regardless of socioeconomic status, the opportunity to express their own creativity awaits our young, dynamic explorers!
My Project
Have you ever been inspired by a dance scene in a movie? Have you ever played a music video over and over again just to learn the dance steps? I most certainly have! Our eighth graders will be embarking on a new unit of study focused on creating dance specifically for digital film. The camera on the iPads allow the creators to show only what they want the viewer to focus on. With multiple takes, props, angles and visual effects to work with, digital film allows for more choice and creative liberty with regards to conveying a given sentiment. Within their explorations, students will be learning how choices, setting, costumes, message, cuts, characters, natural elements, etc, become more pliable when dealing with choreography made for the camera.
Our upcoming project is an exciting exploration combining the art of expression through movement, with the magic of digital film & cinema.
The summation of our unit will be small groups creating their own "Dance On Film" projects. Specifically, the iPads (and iMovie) are an essential part of making this unit possible since this unit will be just as tech heavy as it will be dance heavy. Capturing performances and scenes via the embedded cameras and using iMovie software to edit, score and produce projects will provide students with a new way of self expression that can showcase individual and collective talents for years to come.
With an average of 30 students per eighth grade class, I am looking to make groups as small as I can to allow for more individual choice. "Dance On Film" is one of my most anticipated units this year! I am truly excited, as are my students, to tackle this non-traditional approach to creative dance. Your support is beyond appreciated! THANK YOU!
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