Title – Dancing, Through Literature

By – Taurus M. Hines

Subject – Language Arts, Physical Education

Grade Level – 7-12

Goal: To combine literature with dance.

At the end of the lesson the learner should know:

1. How to express themselves through dance from reading and interpreting poetry

2. Expand knowlegde of dance through all aspects of curriculum

Assignment:

1.Read a copy of Langston Hughes’ poem Harlem Version {2}

2. Discuss the significance of each line of the poem.

Ask:

          1. What is your interpretation of a deferred dream?

          2. How does it make you feel?

          3. What is a dried raisin?

          4. What does it mean to fester like a sore?

          5. What is the significance of a dream smelling like rotten meat?

          6. How can a deferred dream be sweet?

          7. What would it be like to have a heavy load?

Assignment:

Choreograph a dance based on your interpretation of the poem. It can be any style of dance as long as it it remains in the context of a deferred dream.

You may use music to perform the dance.

You may use spoken literature of your own or the poem itself (recite it while dancing or have someone do it for you, but it must be rehearsed).

Be creative!

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Taurus M. Hines

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