Grade 2- Dance

Dance is the movement of the body and steps in response to music.

This is done as a group or individually. The movement is in a rhythmic way.

Every community has its own style of dancing.

People dance for various reasons such as;

1. Celebrating a good harvest

2. Weddings

3. Funerals

4. Childbirth

5. When celebrating victory

Kenyan Dances

Our Kenya dances have specific names that originate from various sources.

Some dances are named from the style of dancing such as kamabega Dance from Western Kenya which is connected with the shaking of shoulders.

Other dances are named from the kind of instruments used. Bul dance from the luo is named from the the instruments used (bull drums)

Other Kenyan Dances are

Sengenya- Mijikenda

Gonda- Taita

Muriempe- Meru

Mwomboko- Kikuyu

Body movements

1. Waving

2. Greetings

3. Digging

4. Sweeping

These are body movements that enhance dance

Dance movements maybe inspired by everyday activities such as waving hello or goodbye, clapping, sweeping, digging and picking up things.

These actions can be turned into a dance, by doing them in rhythms to the music.

Guide Learners in identifying movement of the body parts that are involved in a dance.

Discuss with Learners the need to use body movements that enhance respect and moral values.

Guide Learners in or groups to prepare own dances for presentation in class

Dance Performance

In this section Learners are going to perform dances while observing the basic elements of dance.

The basic elements of dance

Include

1. Space

2. Energy

3. Time

4. Relationship during performances.
   

Space

Refers to the area surrounding a person in which they are able to move.

The body make various patterns such as circles and squares using different body parts by moving through a space.

Time

Refers to the duration taken to excute a movement. It also refers to how long the dance takes

Force

Refers to the level energy that the body uses to make a certain movement. Slow and leisurely movements require less energy as compared to fast and agitated movements.

Guide the Learners in presentation a familiar dance as they observe the Basic elements of dance.

Traditional dances

1. Learners to learn and perform various dances found in the community.

2. Learners to perform various dances performed in different ceremonies. Like in wedding, initiation, ceremonies and in thanks giving ceremonies in the community

3. As Learners present dances let them observe the basic elements of dance. They should also observe the use of accomplishment and costumes.