Context

Dance is one of the oldest forms of human expression, present in all cultures throughout history. It allows the expression of feelings, ideas, and stories without necessarily using words, through movement and music. Dance has also played a fundamental role in rituals, celebrations, and entertainment in all societies around the world.

Each country has its own traditional dances, which are often passed down from generation to generation. Some of these dances have become known worldwide, while others remain in a small geographical area. But regardless of where they are practiced, all dances demonstrate the values, traditions, and history of the people who created them.

The study of world dances can give us a unique insight into different cultures, as well as the history of humanity as a whole. By learning about these dances, we are not only learning steps and movements. We are learning about the people who created and practice these dances, about their values, their lives, their stories.

By learning and dancing dances from different places in the world, we create a bridge with these cultures, we can better understand human diversity and the richness of cultural expressions.

To start your research, here are some reliable sources you can use:

1. "Dance: Theory and Interdisciplinary Practices" - Book that addresses dance as a means of expression, communication, and art, available on Google Books.

2. YouTube: Dance channels like Just Dance, Strictly Come Dancing, and World of Dance feature videos of dances from around the world.

3. World Dances - InfoSchool - Educational website with information about different dances around the world.

4. Popular Dances in Brazil and the World - Brazil School - Article exploring popular dances in Brazil and other countries.

Practical Activity: "Dance Around the World"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to research, understand, and present a typical dance from a country chosen by the group. Students will discover the history, cultural significance, and style of the dance, as well as the typical costumes and associated music.

Detailed Project Description

Each group of 3 to 5 students will be tasked with selecting a country and researching a typical dance from that country. Students should research the dance's history, cultural significance, associated music, and costumes. After learning about the dance, students should create a short dance presentation and perform it for the class.

Required Materials:

• Internet access for research.
• Adequate space to rehearse and perform the dance.
• Appropriate clothing for the presentation (can be improvised).
• The music associated with the chosen dance (can be found online).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Each group should choose a different country and a typical dance from that country to research.
3. Research the chosen dance: its history, cultural significance, associated music, typical costumes, etc.
4. Prepare a presentation about your dance, including all the information you have gathered.
5. Practice the dance. You can divide the steps among group members or learn the complete dance together.
6. Present the dance to the class, using the appropriate music and costumes. Remember to tell the audience about the dance while performing it.
7. After the presentation, write a 3 to 5-page document addressing the following topics:

• Introduction: Introduce the country and the chosen dance, explaining its relevance and why you chose it.
• Development: Describe the dance's history, cultural significance, associated music, and typical costumes. Detail the preparation of the presentation, dividing tasks among team members. Discuss the challenges and successes encountered during research and preparation.
• Conclusion: Reflect on what you learned from the dance and what it reveals about the culture of the chosen country. Comment on what this experience taught you about teamwork and collaboration.
• Bibliography: List the sources you used for your research.

The activity should be completed within one week.

Students will be evaluated based on the quality of their presentation, the depth of their research, the report, and effective and respectful collaboration within the group. The project should offer each student the opportunity to contribute significantly, promoting the development of socio-emotional skills, as well as fostering knowledge about dance and world cultures.