History of Dance in California
This year we are focusing on the history of dance in California. We are lucky enough to have an instructor from the Music Center who comes in once a week. Videos of dances that inspire what we learn will be posted here. While we may learn simplified versions of many of these folk dances, it is very nice to be able to see what the dances really look like. Also, it reminds us that each group puts their own spin on a dance. Here is a link to more information about our dance instructor, Ms. Didyk.
Dance 1During the first week, we learned about Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba, and how her song, Pata Pata, inspired a California based dance. There are many versions of this dance, but the video below is similar to what we learned. The video below that is a broadcast of Makeba performing the song in the 1960s.
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Dance 2
During the second week, we learned some of the steps of Machetes, a folklorico dance from Mexico. Since California was once part of Mexico, this is important in our history. While the children worked in teams to learn the steps of the dance, you can rest assured, we did not give them machetes.
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Dance 3
Dance number three was the Troika. It was brought to California by Russian fur traders. It is named for a cart or sled being pulled by thee horses.
Dance 5
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Dance 4
The fourth dance was based on the California State song, Oh, California! It is sung to the tune of Oh! Susana. It is similar to the steps of a square dance or Scottish dance, in that it uses a move called a Grand Chain (Mrs. Mobley is still looking for a good video of this).
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Online Music Games (not affiliated with the Music Center)
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These games are fun, but they also help to train the ear, and help students to recognize notes.
Guitar Machine Ear Training Piano Drums |
