History
is about the study of humans and their actions. As posed by Carter
(2004), the study of history as an academic field or as part of a larger
field such as cultural studies, should be engaged with in practice in
studio, at the desk and in the field (p.2). Methodological
approaches should be so diverse that we stop seeing its boundaries.
Dance in particular has a history that changes in accordance to the
historian's world view.
II
Learning Objectives
Understand the importance of studying history
Gain an awareness of the different ways we can study history
Explain the relationship between history, archeology and anthropology
Discuss the connection between history and world-view
Experience embodied history by sharing a dance that has affected your world-view
III
Main Lesson
1
BRAINSTORMING
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History
allows us to study the past to understand the present. Historical
sources influence our understanding of historic events. History relies
on collaboration with other fields such as archeology and anthropology.
The study of history allows us to develop critical thinking, learn from
our past mistakes and find inspiration in constant change and the
possibility of improving ourselves and the society we live in. However,
this may depend on our worldview and how we make sense of history, our
own history.
V
Case Study
A Sacred Design
Jorge L. Morejon
I began to dance salsa (casino)
when I was a child. My two cousins, who were 10 years older than me,
taught me how to dance the main steps. They took me to their teenage
parties where I got a lot of attention for being able to dance casino
at such a young age. Thus, I associated dance with music, having fun,
getting positive attention and being around family and friends.
As I have approached different stages of my life, salsa
has always been a way for me to meet knew people and enjoy life. It has
also being a way for me to understand that life is about relationships
and that this relationships are sealed through what Hialeah's
choreographer Rosy Herrera has described as a sacred design. When one
dances with another person, one is in the making of such sacred design.
This
sacred design involves making eye contact and being aware of your own
personal moves as you mirror your partner's moves. It requires a special
connection with another human being as you attune yourself to their
movements, follow the rhythm of the music and get in sync with each
other. As one holds one's partner's hand and keeps the frame by placing
the other hand on her back, the connection is such that one feels the
two bodies become one.
I
met Tahi Delgado more than 30 years ago. We have danced with each other
since then. Although our lives have taken different paths at times, we
always come back to our dance relationship. At one point, Tahi decided
not to dance any more because she felt people invited us to their
parties to see us dance, as a show, but for free. She felt we were being
used. I painfully agreed. However, during her pregnancy, we danced
again for the first time since we stopped dancing together. We realized
that we should never stop dancing again no matter what.
I am 60 years old and Tahi is 55. We are both in great shape; we both have fulfilled lives and we both still enjoy dancing salsa.
The last time we danced together was at the 2022 Christmas party hosted
by La Rosa Realty, the company she works for as a realtor. I believe
that our friendship has survived the test of time because we always find
in dance a very special space. In that space, our bodies reconnect as
our minds and souls find in the sacred design we create, a sense of
eternity hard to find elsewhere.
VI
Discussion Question
Think of a dance you associate with your upbringing (via family, culture, education or media). Share it with your group members
Explain how dance (or the lack thereof) has influenced your own world view.
VII
ACTIVITY 1
Share the dance that has influenced your world view the most.
VIII
Glossary
IX
Sources
X
Students' Work
Guemara Marcelin
1. It is important to study history
because it allows us to learn about past events that helped bridge
society and worldly functions today. Through studying history we are
able to gain critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and
learn about different cultures.
2. ways to access the study of History:
- Historical sources - Material sources : oral, written, Artistic, or Graphic - Primary or Secondary Sources
3.
Archeology bridges the gap between history and anthropology by
providing tangible evidence of past cultures when written records are
unavailable.
4. History helps define our world view because
history gives us the tools to analyze and explain problems in the past,
therefore we are able to understand how current social structures,
political systems, and cultural norms came to be.
I Unit: Baroque & Rococo Theme: Minuet & Contradanza Introduction The Baroque is a style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the 1750s. Rococo, less commonly Roccoco, also known as Late Baroque, is an exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding. In dance, the spirit of Rococo is present in its depiction of the curving lines of the hoop-supported skirts, the delicate lace and flower. II Learning Objectives Understand the main characteristics of the Baroque Explain relationship between the Baroque, Rococo and the Renaissance Gain an awareness of the pre-clasic aspect of these dances Experience dancing the contradanza III Main Lesson 1 The Baroque General Notes The Baroque is a style of architecture, music, dance, pain...
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