A Paper Presented in Partial Fulfilment Of the Requirements of EDID 6505 Systems Approach to Designing Instructional Materials Trimester II, 2014
Email: terry.hall@my.open.uwi.edu University: University of the West Indies Open Campus Group Facilitator: Dr LeRoy Hill Course Coordinator: Dr Camille Dickson-Deane
Background The Lester Horton Dance Technique (HDT) is dynamic and dramatic, develops both strength and flexibility, and works with an energy that is constantly in motion (Dance Spirit, 2009). Uninitiated eyes widen the moment an advanced Horton dancer strikes a lateral T: to position the body to resemble the letter T. Performing jumps, turns, falls to the floor while maintaining a lateral T position creates an air of invincibility for the dancers (Straus, 2007). Dancers seek to acquire the skills associated with the Horton technique to increase their dance potential, for the strength and expressive range afforded and with the hope of becoming a member of one of the well-known dance companies and proponents of the HDT like that of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Company. The current local offerings of instruction for the HDT is limited due to the shortage of expertise in the field. One (1) modern dance school exists locally where the HDT is used predominantly throughout the classes and reflected in the stage performances. The costly option of travelling overseas to acquire intensive HDT training is not available to all dancers with the intention of pursuing further studies or a career in dance. Both dancers and teachers in dance welcome any opportunity to have face-to-face HDT instruction. It is with this background that the design of an instructional unit on the HDT through a two-day workshop was conceptualised.
Needs Assessment The information gathering tools applied of participant observation, review of dancers profiles and personal interviews provided the following information on the optimal, actuals, causes, feelings and solutions for the needs assessment. EDID 6505 Mini Project 5
Optimal Knowledge and skills associated with the intermediate to advanced levels of the Lester Horton (Dance) Technique.
Actuals Dancers current and previous dance training with details of dance techniques learned, duration, teachers, and dance schools. Dancers possess excellent learning abilities.
Causes The limited offering of the Horton technique by dance studios and tertiary institutions is due to the shortage of local expertise. Alternative access routes to acquire knowledge on the Horton technique are not sourced as costs for foreign travel and accommodation are involved.
Feelings Dancers and dance teachers are of the opinion that the Horton technique adds to the versatility, strength and flexibility of a dancer, requirements of a professional dancer. Teachers are frustrated at the limited offering of the HDT as this softens their goal of turning out more rounded and experienced dancers.
Solutions Possibility of periodic workshops for dancers and dance studio teachers exist; and in the medium to long term, more emphasis on the inclusion of Horton technique as part of the tertiary course curriculum.
EDID 6505 Mini Project 6
Selected Audience The selected audience is made up of pre-professional dancers with an age range of 20-22 years old. These dancers have attained advanced level structured training in a variety of techniques (including ballet, modern and jazz) with at least 3 years of consistent training at that level.
Topic of Instruction The workshop topic is Dance and the HDT Lateral T.
Format The workshop will be held at a dance studio appropriately equipped for dance instruction. Each day runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with segments for the morning and afternoon. Each segment is further divided in two sessions. There is an hour for lunch between segments and a 15 minute break between sessions. Instruction for the workshop is learner and task-centred, requires face- to-face interaction, is aided by demonstrations, and dancers interactively learning-by-doing with a mix of print and electronic media. The class size is restricted to a maximum of 18 dancers.
Task Analysis
The Task Selection Criteria Worksheet for the HDT instructional unit guided the selection of the task with the highest priority ranking as the overall objective for the two-day workshop: Execute the HDT Lateral T. The selection criteria is listed as criticality, universality/frequency, standardisation, feasibility and difficulty. (See Appendix C) Procedural (Figure 1) and prerequisite (Figure 2) analyses follow detailing the steps required to achieve the objective and the skills required by the dancers in order to achieve the objective. EDID 6505 Mini Project 7
Figure 1 Procedural Analysis
Task: Execute the Horton Dance Technique (HDT) Lateral T
LEVEL I 1. Assume the start position: stand with feet in wide second position and hands reaching upward 2. Execute a lateral torso stretch to the right 3. Balance on the right leg 4. Lift left leg to form a letter T with the body
LEVEL II 1. Assume the start position: stand with feet in wide second position and hands reaching upward 1.1 Stand erect with legs separated by a distance of two feet 1.2 Position legs externally rotated 1.3 Position shoulders relaxed and knees, back and head straight 1.4 Position arms straight and stretched upward 1.5 Position arms in line with shoulders and beside ears
2. Execute a lateral torso stretch to the right 2.1 Tilt torso 90 degrees to the right 2.2 Position torso parallel to the floor 2.3 Position legs externally rotated 2.4 Position straight arms in line with relaxed shoulders and beside ears
3. Balance body on the right leg 3.1 Shift body weight on to the right leg 3.2 Position legs externally rotated 3.3 Position the right leg straight 3.4 Position the left leg straight 3.5 Position the left leg lifted a few inches off the floor 3.6 Position torso parallel to the floor 3.7 Position straight arms in line with relaxed shoulders and beside ears
4. Lift left leg to form a letter T with the body 4.1 Extend the left leg to the left side lifting 90 degrees from the floor 4.2 Form the letter T with the body 4.3 Position legs straight and externally rotated 4.4 Position body parallel to the floor 4.5 Position straight arms in line with relaxed shoulders and beside ears
EDID 6505 Mini Project 8
Figure 2 Prerequisite Analysis - Hierarchy
RULES
CONCEPTS
FACTS
Execute the HDT Lateral T Know basic ballet, modern and jazz terminology Translate dance terminology into movement Exhibit body stability and control Exhibit advanced level training in ballet, modern and jazz techniques dance training Demonstrate kinaesthetic awareness and body placement Identify basic positions, angles, directions of body and limbs Know imagery reinforcement methods
Distinguish between dance class components, warm-up, centre & across floor work Know loco motor and non- loco motor movements
Identify body on and off balance Distinguish between ballet, modern, & jazz techniques Describe the components of a dance class Demonstrate understanding of dance terminologies Describe body placement concepts Describe imagery reinforcement methods Illustrate dance movements EDID 6505 Mini Project 9
Performance Objectives Terminal Objective On completion of the Horton Dance Technique (HDT) two-day dance training workshop, dancers should execute accurately the HDT Lateral T dance form and stay in the position for 20 seconds (psychomotor). Enabling Objectives On completion of the HDT two-day dance training workshop, dancers will:- 1. Given a video presentation of a dance sequence, describe the sequence using dance language with at least 90% accuracy (cognitive) 2. With reference to the procedures required to execute the HDT Lateral T, sketch and label diagrams representing each step with 90% accuracy (cognitive) 3. Demonstrate the HDT Lateral T movements sequentially with at least 90% correctness and positioning of movement (psychomotor) 4. Demonstrate body stability, control and balance by holding the HDT lateral T position for 15 seconds (psychomotor)
Assessment Assessment of the terminal objective is by way of a performance rubric (Appendix D) and will be based on the instructors observations throughout the workshop. The assessment of the enabling objectives are designed using scenario-based and multiple choice questions. Questions 1, 2 and 8 are scheduled before instruction to activate prior knowledge. Questions 3, 4 and 7 during instruction for application and practice and questions 5 and 6 immediately after instruction is received for integration. (See Appendix E) EDID 6505 Mini Project 10
Instructional Strategies and Lesson
Learner/Contextual Analysis The factors that greatly facilitates the delivery of this instructional unit include the age and qualification of the dancers, the dancers intended use of the skills and knowledge obtained for dance auditions and choreography, the dancers preference for learning-by-doing, the ability for continued practice and a centrally located and well equipped dance studio. A few dancers expressed concern about peer reviews and the lack of support by their parents for the choice of a dance career.
The Lesson Merrills First Principles of Instruction (activation of prior knowledge, demonstration of skill, application of skill and integration of skill and knowledge) are used in the creation of a unit of instruction (in power point) for enabling objective #2 (Merrill, 2002). Additionally Advanced organisers and Analogies are included to assist with the concepts or principles of the lesson that may prove difficult to the learners.
EDID 6505 Mini Project 11
Figure 3 Lesson: Sketch and label diagrams of HDT Lateral T dance procedures
EDID 6505 Mini Project 12
EDID 6505 Mini Project 13
Advanced Organisers
1. Narrative Having completed the warm-up session, those of us selected to go on to the next round of the dance audition were ushered into the adjoining studio. The next phase of the audition required us to prepare illustrations that represented a 6-step dance sequence that incorporated the HDT Lateral T. These sketches were required to be appropriately labelled to indicate the positioning, placement, angles, sequence and transition movements of each step. We were given 30 minutes to complete the exercise. Fortunately the walls of the studio were adorned with pictures of dancers holding various poses that provided ideas for us. We were expected to execute the dance sequence as well. As we furtively sketched and labelled our illustrations, the question that was on our minds was Will we make it through?
2. Graphic organiser Dancers will be asked to look at the pictures below and engage in the following discussion:-
With reference to dance, what are some of the factors that a cartoonist has to take into consideration in order to illustrate the movement of a flying owl? Discuss.
EDID 6505 Mini Project 14
Note It is hoped that this visual graphic organiser will elicit discussion on angles, positioning, shapes and placement of the body, wings, head and feet; the sequence observed (directions and movement) of the flapping wings.
Angles Shapes Positioning Placement Sequence Direction EDID 6505 Mini Project 15
Analogies
Two concepts that may prove difficult for the dancers in the lesson are as follows:- 1. The ability to create mental images of the dance steps in terms of angles to facilitate the reproduction of those images as illustrations (imagery reinforcement). Analogy The dancers will use the face of a clock, where the numbers on the clock represent positions that the body can be visualised and placed. For example, for the Lateral Torso stretch to the right, using the centre of the clock face as the centre of the body (navel), the upper body will be placed facing the number 3, the right leg towards the number 5, and the left leg, the number 7.
2. To describe the body placement concept that includes balance as a part of the description. Analogy The dancers will be asked to liken the Lateral T with achieving balance on a see-saw. The Lateral T is like a balanced see-saw. The upper body to one side, counterbalanced by the left leg on the opposite side and the right leg that remains on the floor becomes the fulcrum of the see-saw.
EDID 6505 Mini Project 16
References CSET: Multiple Subjects Practice Test: Subtest III. (2003) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://www.whitworth.edu/Academic/Department/Education/Undergraduate/PDFDocument s/West-E/CSETExamSubtestIII.pdf Dance Spirit,. (2009). Horton Technique. Retrieved 30 July 2014, from http://www.dancespirit.com/2009/04/Horton_Technique/ Education2.uvic.ca,. (2014). Assessment - Rubric. Retrieved 30 July 2014, from http://education2.uvic.ca/Faculty/thopper/Dance/Michelle%20and%20Tim/Rubric.html Merrill, M. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research And Development, 50(3), 43--59. Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Study Guide: Dance. (2007) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://www.mttc.nesinc.com/PDFs/MI_field046_SG.pdf New York State Teacher Certification Examinations Preparation Guide: Dance. (2006) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/PDFs/NY_fld070_prepguide.pdf Straus, R. (2007). Dance Magazine Technique: The Hows of Horton. Dancemagazine.com. Retrieved 30 July 2014, from http://www.dancemagazine.com/issues/February- 2007/Technique-The-Hows-of-Horton Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Program: Preparation Manual Dance. (2013) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://cms.texes-ets.org/files/4913/6698/3860/dance_8_12_179.pdf Washington Educator Skills Test Sample Test Questions: Dance. (2008) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://www.west.nesinc.com/PDFs/WA_SG_031.pdf
EDID 6505 Mini Project 17
Appendix A: Needs Assessment Plan
Objective: To develop a needs assessment plan to determine the scope of the Lester Horton (Dance) Technique that will be presented at a two day professional development workshop being designed. Target audience: Pre-professional level dancers who have attained advanced level structured dance training in a variety of dance techniques. These dancers should have a minimum of 3 years of consistent training and be between the ages of 18 and 25.
Information required: Optimals Knowledge and skills associated with the intermediate to advanced levels of the Lester Horton (Dance) Technique. Actuals Dancers current and previous dance training detailing techniques learned, duration, teachers, and dance schools. Causes Reasons for the limited offerings of the Horton technique by dance studios and tertiary institutions; reasons why alternative access routes to acquire knowledge on the Horton technique are not sourced. Feelings Dancers feelings and attitudes toward the Horton technique; teachers feelings about the Horton technique and the limited offerings. Solutions Possibility of periodic workshops for dancers and dance studio teachers; more emphasis of Horton technique as part of the tertiary course curriculum. Why is the information required? To ascertain dancers learning abilities To ascertain the attitudes towards the Horton technique To assess the potential for future Horton technique workshops EDID 6505 Mini Project 18
Sources of information: The information required will be sourced from the dancers, the teachers in dance and the Horton Technique dance instructors.
Information gathering methods: The information will be gathered by (1) reviewing the dancers profiles (personnel/performance records), by (2) participant observation and by (3) personal interviews. The dance profiles will confirm the attained training levels and indicate where applicable any needs with reference to the Horton technique. Observing the dancers in classes provides immediate response as to the dance training as per the dance profiles and brings some clarity to the needs and possible causes that gave rise to the needs. Participant observation is an easy way to gather the required information. It saves time as a large number of dancers can be viewed in one class setting. Prior to the class observation, an informal and very short session will take place with the introduction of the observer who will then explain the purpose of the observation. The dancers and teachers will be asked for their willing participation in the follow up personal interviews. Buy-in will be greater if the participants are willing to do the personal interviews. This method, although has low administration costs can be time consuming; but will provide additional information on the causes, feelings and possible solutions. The information sourced will be used in the designing of the workshop to:- Place participants into groups/levels Determine the Horton technique(s) to be applied per group/level Determine instructional strategies for the workshop. EDID 6505 Mini Project 19
Orienting Context Learner Factors 1. Learners are pre-professional dancers with an age range of 20 22 years old from dance studios and dance schools from around the island with the requisite experience and excellent learning abilities. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. The dancers goal is to master the HDT Lateral T. -2 -1 +1 +2 3. This achievement will be added to their dance profiles. -2 -1 +1 +2 4. Dancers know that these skills will be assessed at attended dance auditions. -2 -1 +1 +2
Immediate Environment Factors 1. The majority of the dancers have the support of their parents in the advancement of their dance training. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. A few parents are not convinced that a career in dance is a wise choice. -2 -1 +1 +2 3. Dancers receive support from their peers who have similar aspirations. -2 -1 +1 +2 4. There is easy access via public and private transportation to the centrally located dance studio. -2 -1 +1 +2
Organisational Factors 1. Dancers perceive that learning will be through experience and participation. -2 -1 +1 +2
Instructional Context Learner Factors 1. The dancers are accustomed to and comfortable with learning - by doing. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. A few dancers have expressed concerns about doing peer reviews. -2 -1 +1 +2 3. Dancers are aware of the degree of difficulty associated with the execution of the HDT Lateral T. -2 -1 +1 +2
Immediate Environment Factors 1. The dance studio is spacious and conveniently located with air-conditioning. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. Studio is fitted with appropriate instructional aids -2 -1 +1 +2 3. Dance instructor has extensive experience in the Horton Technique. -2 -1 +1 +2 4. Flexible and effective dance schedule for training and practice. -2 -1 +1 +2
EDID 6505 Mini Project 20
Transfer Context Learner Factors 1. Dancers able to create and teach dance exercise routines with the Lateral T as a base. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. Dancers able to combine the Lateral T with other dance techniques in choreography. -2 -1 +1 +2 3. Special resources are not required in order to facilitate execution of the Lateral T. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. The dance studio offering the workshop offers classes with the Horton Dance Technique. -2 -1 +1 +2
Immediate Environment Factors 1. There is ample opportunity to practice and perfect the Lateral T in regularly scheduled dance classes. -2 -1 +1 +2 2. The dancers are encouraged by their peers to oversee their practice and experimental use of the Lateral T. -2 -1 +1 +2
EDID 6505 Mini Project 21
Appendix C Task Selection Worksheet
TASK SELECTION CRITERIA WORKSHEET FOR THE HORTON DANCE TECHNIQUE (HDT) INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT C R I T I C A L I T Y ( 4 0 )
U N I V E R S A L I T Y
F R E Q U E N C Y
( 1 0 )
S T A N D A R D I Z A T I O N
( 1 0 )
F E A S I B I L I T Y
( 1 0 )
D I F F I C U L T Y
( 3 0 )
T O T A L
NOTES P R I O R I T Y
TASKS Describe history and development of the HDT 10 5 7 8 0 30 7 Analyse and discuss the characteristics and benefits of the HDT 30 5 7 8 0 50 6 Illustrate knowledge and use of the HDT terminology 40 7
10 10 22 89 5 Execute the HDT Lateral T 40 7 10 10 30 97 1 Execute the HDT Flat Back 40 5 10 10 25 90 4 Execute the HDT Pelvic Hinge 40 6 10 10 27 93 3 Compose and perform dance sequences with techniques dance movements 40 6
10 10 30 96 2
EDID 6505 Mini Project 22
Appendix D HDT LATERAL T Dance Form Performance Rubric
Exemplary (4 points) Proficient (3 points) Developing (2 points) Below Performance (1 point) Dance Terminology Always able to explain or demonstrate dance terms, positions, steps and directions with no errors. Mostly able to explain or demonstrate dance terms, positions, steps and directions with few errors. Sometimes able to explain or demonstrate dance terms, positions, steps and directions with some errors. Rarely able to explain or demonstrate dance terms, positions, steps and directions with many errors. Placement and Alignment Consistently maintains alignment of torso/spine, pelvis and limbs while stationary and moving. Usually maintains alignment of torso/spine, pelvis and limbs while stationary and moving. Sometimes displaces alignment of torso/spine, pelvis and limbs while stationary and moving.
Often displaces alignment of torso/spine, pelvis and limbs while stationary and moving. Dance Execution Sequence Demonstrates all four steps to execute the HDT lateral T in the correct order. Demonstrates three of the four steps to execute the HDT lateral T in the correct order. Demonstrates two of the four steps to execute the HDT lateral T in the correct order. Demonstrates only the first of the four steps to execute the HDT lateral T in the correct order. Dance Transition Transitions from one position to another are done with correct alignment and body mechanics. Transitions from one position to another are mostly done with correct alignment and body mechanics. Transitions from one position to another are sometimes done with correct alignment and body mechanics. Barely any transitions from one position to another are done with correct alignment and body mechanics. Body Stability and Control Consistently maintains good body control and balance. Usually maintains good body control and balance. Sometimes maintains good body control and balance. Rarely maintains good body control and balance.
EDID 6505 Mini Project 23
Appendix E Application Assessment Items
Enabling Objective 1.
Given a video presentation of a dance sequence during the HDT dance training workshop, dancers will describe the sequence using dance language with at least 90% accuracy.
Question 1. (4 points)
In groups of three (3), you are to identify another way that the body can be used to illustrate the letter T while standing on one leg. Your selection must be submitted to your teacher but remain unknown to the other members of the group. Using dance terminology ONLY, you are to instruct the group on how to execute your movement of choice and have them demonstrate their understanding of those instructions. Your instruction should take no more than ten (10) minutes. Your assessment will be assessed on your use of dance terminology in accordance with the HDT Lateral T Performance Rubric.
Question 2. (4 points)
A dancer stands on the left leg and extends the right leg to the front at hip height. Which of the following movements, if performed from this position, would be a loco motor movement?
A. Bending the torso forward over the right leg, then opening the torso into a backbend
B. Falling onto the right foot, then brushing the left leg through to the front
C. Swinging the right leg quickly to the right side, then initiating a turn on the left leg
D. Drawing the right foot toward the left knee, then extending the right leg to the back
Enabling Objective 2.
With reference to the procedures required to execute the HDT Lateral T, dancers will sketch and label diagrams representing each step with 90% accuracy.
Question 3. (4 points)
After viewing a five (5) minute video presentation, students in a dance class learning the HDT Lateral T for the first time attempted to execute the movement. Pictures were taken of their attempts with their permission. You are to make a sketch of one of the pictures and highlight and label the parts of the body that need alignment/ adjustment in order to reflect an accurate representation of the HDT Lateral T procedure and provide the rationale for your decisions. The assessment criteria is as follows:-
EDID 6505 Mini Project 24
All parts of the body to be adjusted, correctly identified and rationale provided 4 marks Most parts of the body to be adjusted, correctly identified and rationale provided 3 marks Some parts of the body to be adjusted, correctly identified and rationale provided 2 marks Few parts of the body to be adjusted, correctly identified and rationale provided 1 mark
Question 4. (4 points)
Enabling Objective 3.
On completion of the HDT two-day dance training workshop, dancers will demonstrate the HDT Lateral T movements sequentially with at least 90% correctness and positioning of movement.
Question 5. (4 points)
A group of four dancers (Ann, Toni, Lea and Nix) are executing in canon, the four (4) steps in the HDT Lateral T movement using a twelve (12)-count pattern. Ann starts off the sequence on the first beat; Toni the second beat, Lea the third beat and Nix the fourth beat. Each of the four (4) steps uses one (1) beat. You are to determine the step that each dancer in the group will end on at the conclusion of the twelve (12)-count pattern.
Question 6. (4 points)
Four groups of dancers are performing a six-count pattern. The first group performs the six-count pattern and is immediately followed by the second group performing the same six-count pattern; the third and fourth group then repeats the pattern one after the other. Which of the following represents this dance structure? A. ABCD B. ABAB C. AAAA D. ABAC
Enabling Objective 4. Use the image to the side of the dancer in a modern dance front layout position and answer the following question. To attain this position required the dancer to make which of the following movements?
A. Abduction of his hip over 45 degrees B. Rotation of his leg over 90 degrees C. Adduction of his hip over 45 degrees D. Hyperflexion of his leg over 90 degrees
EDID 6505 Mini Project 25
On completion of the two-day HDT dance training workshop, dancers will demonstrate body stability, control and balance by holding the HDT Lateral T position for 15 seconds.
Question 7. (4 points)
Working in teams of two (2), you are to identify two other ways that the body can be used to illustrate the letter T while standing on one leg and engaging your abdominal muscles. Taking turns, observe your peer executing each movement and record the length of time that your peer is able to stay in the position. The criteria for this assessment will be:- Hold for 12 15 seconds 4 points Hold for 8 11 seconds 3 points Hold for 4 - 7 seconds 2 points Hold for up to 3 seconds 1 point
Question 8. (4 points)
In a dance class, students work in pairs on the challenge below.
Assume a balanced pose with your feet together. Your peer will try to gently push you off balance while you try to maintain your balance. Assume a balanced pose once again, this time with your feet spread apart. Your peer will again try to gently push you off balance while you try to maintain your balance. Identify which of the positions, feet together or feet apart, helped you maintain your balance.
This activity is best designed to promote students awareness of how stability is improved by: