Project Description
Dance + Choreography + Performance =Fun! A four-session residency that explores the creative dance concepts of Space, Shape, Level, and Energy through games and activities while learning the fundamentals of performance and choreography. Students turn movements they already know into a group generated dance piece to be performed at the end of the residency. No experience necessary.
Final Product
Students will work in groups to create and perform short dance pieces (1-3 minutes) using the concepts they learned throughout the residency.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to move their bodies safely in self and general SPACE in a classroom setting.
- Students will demonstrate movements using the concepts of SPACE, SHAPE, LEVEL, and ENERGY.
- Students will be able to create choreography through improvisation and guided activities using movement they are already capable of.
- Students will be able to identify their performance space, rehearse, revise and perform.
- Students will work on 21st Century skills such as collaboration, creativity, communication, and cooperation.
Suggested Grades
K-8th grade
Pricing Breakdown
- 4 visits at 45 minutes each
- Prep hours: 1.5 hours per classroom (including time to dialogue with teachers before residency begins)
- Materials: no material fees for this residency
- Travel from Eugene
**This residency requires access to an electrical outlet and an open space (class w/furniture pushed aside, cafeteria, gym, atrium…)
Testimonials
“This experience was incredible!!! My lively class had a wonderful time and we are still playing the games we learned from Ms. Rachel!”
—1st grade teacher at Edison Elementary
Meet the Artist
Why I teach art:
“My students have positive experiences with themselves through movement. Activities are approachable to all ages and abilities, whether it’s diving deep into an integrated arts curriculum or enjoying dance as an art form. No experience necessary, just a willingness to play while learning.”
—Rachel Närhi
Rachel Närhi has a B.F.A. in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. She specializes in creative dance, ballet, modern, integrated arts, and choreography and has taught at UO, WWU, Oregon Ballet Theatre, NW Dance Project, Arts for Learning (formerly Young Audiences), The Right Brain Initiative, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and ARTS Impact.
