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
Masking: Honoring Animals, Ancestors, and Gods
Learners analyze the role of masks in African culture. In this African masks lesson, students read about the importance and meaning of imagery of African masks. Learners observe animals in local ecosystems and create a mask combining the...
Curated OER
Using the Patterns and Symbols of Mali Mud Cloth to Convey Identity
Students participate in relating the role of the arts in defining identity. They examine the community in West African society and how members of that community define their role. They view how artifacts, music and performance can...
Curated OER
Making Masks
Students create paper masks linking the function and purpose of masks in the past, with modern life.
Curated OER
Storytelling With Artists
Students retell a legend orally, illustrating it with the art style of the source culture.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Spotlight Biography Modern Dance
Biographies of famous dancers, including Katherine Dunham, dancer and choreographer. Description of dance styles and influences.
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.
Other
Vance Holmes's Fantastic Tap Dance Dictionary
Searchable glossary of terminology common in tap dance, compiled by Vance Holmes, M.F.A., choreographer, and dance educator. Links to other dance and music dictionaries.
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.
Other
Africultures
Similar to an online newspaper, this resource provides numerous insights to the contemporary culture in Africa.