Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE Featuring TU Dance Student Matinee

Student Matinee Program Information

Students will participate in a dynamic exploration of dance, featuring excerpts of works by choreographer Ronald K. Brown performed by dancers from EVIDENCE and TU Dance.

• Where the Light Shines Through tells a story of solidarity and perseverance, set to traditional music recorded by Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba and other world music artists.
   
• Percussion Bitter Sweet: Tender Warriors honors Max Roach, prolific jazz percussionist, composer, and activist.
   
• Grace, set to music including Fela Kuti and Duke Ellington, is a masterwork of modern dance that tells the story of Mother God coming to Earth with her angels and transforming earthly people through grace.

The one-hour event includes dance demonstrations, conversation about stage production and design, and a Q&A with the artists.

TU Dance 20th Anniversary Performance Study Guide: A 17-page guide that addresses TU Dance choreographers and repertory, history of modern dance, dance vocabulary, and a Movement Activity Reflection for students. (Grades 8–12)

• MN State Connect & Respond Standards
   
• Suggested Learning Target: Students will identify the elements of modern dance through choreography by Ronald K. Brown and interpret and reflect on these elements.

Pre-Show Questions:

• Have you been to a live dance performance before? If so, what kind of dance was performed and what did you take away from that experience?
   
• What do you know about modern dance? What do you want to learn about modern dance?
   
• Describe the relationship between music and dance.
   

Post-Show Questions:

• How did you feel watching the dancers perform? Describe an image or shape in the performance that you thought was interesting.
   
• How would you describe each piece to someone who wasn’t at the performance?
   
• Why is dance important?
   

Watch

• “The History of Jazz” 13-minute video of high school musicians playing excerpts of Jazz standards as they narrate a history of Jazz. (Grades 8–12)
  –MN State Connect Standards
   
• “The Most Commonly Used Jazz Instruments” Six-minute animated video about the most commonly used jazz instruments for younger audiences. (Grades 5–7)
   
• “Alvin Ailey: Grace by Ronald K. Brown” Two minutes of excerpts from Grace. (All Grades)
   

Read

• “Featured Choreographer: Ronald K. Brown” Article from TU Dance about Ronald K. Brown. (Grades 6–12)
   
• “Duke Ellington + Harlem” Kennedy Center Media & Interactive content – Students will meet Duke Ellington and discover the path he took to become a musician, learn how Ellington’s musical style evolved over his career, and explore the storytelling in Ellington’s Harlem. (Grades 6–12)
  –MN State Connect Standards
   

Do

• “Discovering Rhythm, Improv, Jazz, and Poetry” Kennedy Center Lesson Plan – Students will analyze the sound, rhythm, and improvisation of jazz music. They will explore the works of Yusef Komunyakaa, Sonia Sanchez, and Langston Hughes. Students apply musicality and sound elements to original poems. (Grades 9–12)
  –MN State Create & Connect Standards
   
• “Elements of Dance” Kennedy Center Lesson Plan – Students will choreograph simple dances in small groups and perform for the class. Students will learn elements of dance and vocabulary by demonstrating various movements. (Grades 6–8)
  –MN State Create & Perform & Connect Standards
   
• The School at TU Dance Center – The TU Dance Center Children & Teen Program introduces the joy of creative movement and beginning dance technique. Classes, divided by age, provide a comprehensive base on which to expand by developing body awareness, coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and musicality.
   

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