Discussion

Chorea comes from the Greek word "chorevo" meaning dance." Graphia comes from the Greek verb "grapho" which means to write. Put them together and you have the word "choreography," which means to design a dance.

All the dances you will see, even the ones that come from villages, have been choreographed for the stage. They are theatricalized dances. Putting these dances together to be performed on stage is what a "choreographer" does.

He or she makes decisions about how people will move on stage, when they enter and leave and how many will dance at a particular moment. Some choreographers start with a piece of music and set the dance patterns to it. Others start with images and dance patterns, then fit music to that. Which way is easiest for you?

Dances are created in many ways and for many reasons. They often help people feel more connected together. Many of the dances tell a story–-about falling in love, celebrating at a wedding or taking a stroll around the town plaza with friends. Some dances are just for soloists to dance themselves as an act of meditation. By reading about each of the dances in the show, you can learn some of the meanings before you watch. We think it will help your students to be engaged in finding meaning as well as being entertained.

Context

Dance is a tradition that’s ALIVE! Many of these dances were first done in villages and cities far away, in celebrations, as part of a religious ceremony, or in royal courts. These dances have gone on a journey through generations of people, from village, street, court, and temple, to the stage! The dancers in the show live in Northern California and practice and perform their form of dance for many many people like you!

When dances go on a journey over time and geography, they can change and grow. Many dancers learn a great deal about how the dances were done long ago, and sometimes they bring in new and creative ideas that reflect new cultural experiences. These ideas sometimes travel back to the villages and cities to influence the performing traditions that remain.

Take note of the dances that appeal to you. How do the people move? Jot your notes here. Think about a story you want to tell through movement. Write or draw it here. Now put steps together in a sequence that tells your story. What music will you dance to? Later, practice the movements by yourself or with your family. Teach it to your friends and do it together! How does it feel to do it for fun with your friends, and how does it feel to perform, with your classmates or family watching?

Now, you’re not only a dancer, you’re a choreographer!!