Performance and Video Notetaking Worksheet

Name ____________________________________________     Date _____________

Name of Video Clip _____________________________________________________

The following questions will help you hone your observations of a dance or
movement performance or video.

1. In this performance or video clip, who is the community or folk group participating in
   the form of folk movement or dance?
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   Describe participants:
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________



2. What are some shared characteristics that might influence how they move?
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   Are they playful? ____ Serious? ____ Inventive? ____ Traditional? ____
   
   
3. What parts of the body move in the folk movement or gesture?
   
   _________________________________________________________________
   
   _________________________________________________________________



4. Is the pace fast or slow? ________   How rigid is the structure?________
   
   
5. Is there a set pattern of movements or are individuals allowed to invent and improvise?
   
   _________________________________________________________________




 

 

6. Are there observable generational differences among the dancers? _____________
   
   If so, describe._____________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________



7. Are there observable gender differences among the dancers? _________________
   
   If so, describe._____________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   
8. Are there partners, or do people dance individually, in groups, or in formation?
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   
9. Is the movement for performance, individual expression, or both?
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   ________________________________________________________________
   
   
10. Is the performance religious or non-religious?
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    
11. What clothes or costumes are worn?
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    
12. Notice the use of space. How large is the space being used? _________________
    
    Do all people move over the entire space, or do they stay in a small space?
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    How close are the people to each other?_________________________________
    
    To the musicians or music source?_____________________________________
    
    What do non-dancers do?____________________________________________



13. Is there music or rhythmic accompaniment to the movement? _________________
    
    If yes, is the music on tape, or are there live musicians? _____________________
    
    
14. Are there religious commonalities or differences that influence the dancers and
    
    musicians? Please describe. _________________________________________
    
    Did you notice any school or age factors that influence the dancers? Please describe.
    
    ______________________________________________



15. What are some observable traits about this community being viewed?
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    Do they value tradition? ______ Creativity? _______ Family?_______
    
    Children? ____________ Elders?________________
    
    
16. Do participants seem to welcome outsiders, or are they a "closed" community?
    
    ________________________________________________________________



17. Do you notice anything else about this performance or video clip? If so, please describe.
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    ________________________________________________________________
    
    
    

    Think About It! What are some factors that might influence how these community members move? Did they grow up learning how to move in the same way? How does the setting affect the movements? Write your conclusions on another sheet of paper.

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