Bollywood, Haka, Hip Hop and Street Jazz – our Year 7 boys had an awesome experience exploring these different styles of movement and dance this week.
The Year 7 Move and Groove programme highlights the importance of dance in different cultures and in the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of boys. Dance:
- is an important part of all cultures; we can learn about cultural differences through dance styles and different forms of movement
- is an important basic human and relational skill
- releases inhibitions and builds confidence – it is another way to express yourself
- teaches perseverance and motivation to reach goals
- improves social skills and fosters emotional wellbeing
- teaches focus and control of movements that are different to sport and regular use, improving physical awareness, strength, stamina, coordination, flexibility and balance
- requires focus, practice and hard work
- can help boys engage in a state of flow, being in the moment, constantly listening and responding to music
- requires patience, perseverance and mastery, collaboration and teamwork, moving in a group to synchronise choreography
- is fun!
Along with dance sitting in the Australian Curriculum as an aspect of Human Movement, the Move and Groove sessions were also a chance for the boys to put into action the 4Cs of collaboration, critical reflection, creativity and communication.
For some, the sessions were a lively, enthusiastic experience where they threw themselves in head first; for others, they really did step outside of their comfort zones to engage and this was something that we had hoped for.
Year 7 is about trying new things, having the courage to do so and doing so in a supportive environment.
