Curated OER
Exploring the Roots of Modern Dance in America
Students develop an understanding of how African culture impacted modern dance in the United States.
Curated OER
Ideal Performance
Students analyze the art of theatrical costumes and modern art designs. In this art analysis lesson, students compare two different designs for theatrical costumes by artists Oskar Schlemmer and El Lissitzky. Students complete image...
Curated OER
Modern Dance and the Harlem Renaissance
Students create an artistic rendering based on what they have learned from the film and the lesson.
Curated OER
Noh Theater
High schoolers compare Noh drama to western drama and trace the influence of Japanese theater on modern western drama. For this Noh drama lesson, students read the play Black Tomb (Kurozuko) defining the elements and conventions of Noh...
Diane Venzera
Kwanzaa Celebration: Celebrating Family, Community, and Culture
Kwanzaa is the focus of a three-part lesson that celebrates the history and traditions of the holiday. Before lighting the Kinara, scholars listen to a read-aloud of Seven Candles of Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Learners express...
Curated OER
What Does a Cowboy Do?
Students participate in a variety of activities as they study cowboys and the cowboy culture. They read stories and sing songs about the cowboys. They study the area of the United States cowboys are from and review the tools cowboys...
Curated OER
The Night Before Christmas Crossword
In this literature crossword worksheet, learners complete a puzzle based on a classic piece of Christmas literature, The Night Before Christmas. Students read 36 clues and solve the puzzle without a word bank.
Curated OER
Maya Angelou
In this famous person worksheet, students read a passage about Maya Angelou and then complete a variety of in-class and homework activities to support comprehension, including partner interviews, spelling, cloze, synonym matches, and...
Curated OER
"Kokoro (True Heart)" by Velina Hasu Houston
Students read and analyze a play that examines a cultural defense case. They analyze case studies, formulate an argument, write about the Japanese Festival of the Dead, and answer discussion questions about the play.
Other
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Revelations
A description of the dance Revelations, choreographed by Alvin Ailey. The dance was first performed on January 31, 1960, and made Ailey an overnight sensation in the dance world. Includes video and photographs, as well as links to videos...
Other
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Repertory
Description and information about works in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre repertory.
Black Past
Black Past: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater
This brief encyclopedia entry describes the creation and development of the dance company Alvin Ailey began. There is a link to a website that will take you to the theater's web page.
Yale University
Living Pictures Representing the History of Black Dance
A brief history of black dance in America, includes dance pioneers in jazz dance, ballet, and modern dance.
Black Past
Black Past: Rap/hip Hop
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief history of rap and hip hop and the influences of the music on modern culture.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Alvin Ailey
At this site from the John F. Kennedy Center you can read about the life and accomplishments of American choreographer, Alvin Ailey.