129 East 7th    Ames, Iowa 50010    515 232-7374  fax 515 233-9290
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Outreach Residencies
Teacher In-Service
Programs can be presented as introductions to the use of dance/movement or as comprehensive workshops. Lesson plans can be addressed to the general classroom teacher or the specialist.

TOPICS

Creative Movement
      Teachers will learn and understand the movement concepts of shape, locomotor patterns, movement quality, speed, level, direction, force, weight, energy, floor pattern and methods for teaching students those concepts. Methods for teaching improvisation and informal composition are shown and explained.


Social Dance
      Teaching students what they want to learn in social dance steps and moves, solo and partner, taught in a way that is palatable to grades 7-12. Posture and etiquette are addressed. Methods for teaching and specific steps are shown. An accompanying video tape is available. Unlike the specific styles and steps of ballroom dances, social dance includes room for the individual imagination and style.


Rhythmic Activities
      Using creative movement, simple folk dances and movement 'games' to have students moving rhythmically. Ability to maintain and change both the basic beat and the rhythm will be stressed.


Movement and Curriculum
      Using movement and dance to teach and promote interest in and understanding of curriculum subjects: language arts, geography, health, art and design, music, and science - space, physical science (i.e., concepts of gravity, friction, fulcrum, centrifugal, and centripetal forces, angular momentum, force, equal and opposite forces). For a more complete list of ideas, please call or write to the address below.


Curriculum Development
      Developing a dance unit.
      Specific lesson plans and teaching techniques are shown.


Movement Technique
      Alignment/Posture. Exercises to build strength, flexibility, coordination and control. Injury prevention through warm-up, strength and flexibility exercises and awareness of correct alignment.


Valerie Williams and Co'Motion Dance Theater have been presenting teacher in-service programs since 1979 on a variety of subjects as they relate to dance. Besides being an accomplished dancer and choreographer, Williams also does research in early dance and maintains an active curiosity about the world. She uses those experiences to excite students and teachers to look at their subject matter with a fresh eye.


VWC'MDT has been a frequently requested Artists in Schools/Communities company since 1978. The company bases it successes on clear communication with cooperating teachers, other faculty and staff; excellent planning well before the residency; extensive knowledge of dance technique; well qualified dancers who can also teach to a specific age/experience level; excellent ability to control students in a positive manner.



More About VWC'MDT Residencies

General Introduction to Modern Dance

Movement and Curriculum

Setting a Kids' Co'Motion Production

Musical Theater

Early Dance

Valerie Williams Co'Motion Dance Theater is in residence at Iowa State University Department of Health and Human Performance