To provide the fourth graders an opportunity to
learn more about Hispanic and Latinx culture, a dance study took root and has
since become a tradition in which the students are ecstatic to take part. To start our
journey, the students viewed introductory videos on YouTube. These videos
introduced the fourth graders to some of the many different styles of Latin music, where Latin sounds come from, and what cultures they draw on. They also
familiarized the students with some of the most popular categories of Latin music such as salsa, merengue, cha-cha-chá, and tango.
After viewing the clips, the students were
invited to break into groups. Then, each group was asked to pick from
one of five popular Latin music genres; salsa,
bachata, merengue, tango or cha-cha-chá. Once the group agreed to a
specific dance type, a YouTube video was recommended that included a
demonstration of the basic steps to their dance of choice. The goal was for the
students to learn the basic authentic steps to the dance and choreograph a
dance presentation with their group. To boost the fun, they were encouraged to add
their own sabor (flavor) to their
sequence of steps. Afterwards, demonstrate it to the class.
A portion of the Estudio de baile latinx (Latin Dance Study) is a writing component where the students research the history of
their dance genre including the country of origin and its people and culture,
the types of musical instruments used, and some of the famous Latinx music
artists. Their found facts are then shared with the larger group.
The fourth graders have been working very hard
(and having much fun!) at learning these steps. The culminating piece will be
an assembly presentation to our Lower School community to introduce, ¡El ritmo latinx! (The Latinx rhythm!)
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