In dance, we can use our body to communicate meaning to the audience.
What body parts were the dancers moving in Warrima?
How could you describe the dancer’s movements or actions in Warrima?
What is the meaning of this dance for Australian Aboriginal People?
Responding
We need to ensure that we take care of our bodies and others when dancing.
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Before dancing we need to warm up our bodies.
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After dancing we need to cool down our bodies.
How can we use dance spaces safely?
As a performer, how do we show mutual respect for each other's personal space?
As an observer, how do we show mutual respect for others observing and performing?
Safe Dance Practices
Warrima
Student Learning Materials and Activities
Warrima: Shake a leg, is the finale dance to all the other dances. It is a traditional dance performed by Aboriginal men and boys as a joyous ritual of welcome and acceptance performed by Aboriginal communities along the east coast of Australia. When dancers move their feet, the rhythm stirs the earth and the rising dust signifies their ancestors listening, rising and then joining the dance.
Warrima:
Shake a leg
Think about an Australian animal.
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How can you move your body to represent your chosen animal in dance.
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Think about the body parts you can use and how you can move body.
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Working in small groups, perform your animal dance movements. Observers can make music using Aboriginal clapping sticks.
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Describe your animal dance movements. Draw a picture of you chosen animal. Then glue or draw a picture of yourself showing your body movement to represent your animal. Write a description of the body parts and movements.
Animal warm up activity
Read
Shake a Leg by Boori Monty Pryor and Jan Ormerod
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What are some of the ways that Australian Aboriginal People tell stories?
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What can we learn about the different cultures in our communities from their stories and the way they tell them?
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Why are these stories important?
If your school has access to the Story Box Library. You can view a reading of Shake a Leg by the Author Boori Monty Pryor.
Kangaroo Hunting Dance and the Crocodile Dance
Think about the Kangaroo Hunting Dance and the Crocodile Dance when you explore the elements of dance power point presentation
Elements of Dance
Power Point Presentation
Move your body to demonstrate the elements of dance
Complete the Kangaroo Hunting Dance Wooksheet