Brush Strokes
In this unit students explore the gestural aspects of line and movement created by Chinese calligraphy. In researching the art of calligraphy, students will investigate the potential of interpreting the brush strokes through whole and isolated body movement, stylistic differences and concepts of energy or chi.
Index
- Activities 1-2
- Activity 3: Leading body parts
- Activity 4: Working within the body's kinesphere and planes of movement
- Activity 5: Energy
- Extension activities
- Assessment
Unit Overview
Stage of schooling
Lower or Middle Secondary
Learning focus
Dance
Elaborations
- Da5.1 Students explore and use elements of dance works or other stimuli (music, temple friezes, plays), to plan and choreograph short dance works that represent aspects of traditions and beliefs of the peoples and cultures of Asia.
- Da6 Students investigate the spiritual, social and cultural contexts of dance works from one or more countries in Asia.
- Da7.1 Students use imagination and an analysis of dance practice, styles and forms from Asia to create/re-create dance works.
- Da8 Students research and analyse the stylistic, technical and aesthetic features of traditional and contemporary dance works performed within or influenced by a culture in Asia.
Focus question
- How can we interpret the shapes, patterns and energy of calligraphic brush strokes with our bodies?
Overview
In this unit students explore the gestural aspects of line and movement created by Chinese calligraphy. From research into the art of calligraphy, students investigate the potential of interpreting the brush strokes through whole and isolated body movement, stylistic differences and concepts of energy or ch'i.
Duration
This unit can be a part of a longer investigation or form a specific study in itself. Each of these activities could be undertaken in a single lesson or could be developed over a much longer period. Choreographic tasks may require the teacher to provide scaffolded subtasks to ensure successful outcomes for all students.
Resources
Essential
- Self, C and Self, S, 2007, Chinese Brush Painting: A Hands-On Introduction to the Traditional Art, Tuttle, Vermont.
- Watson, R, 1995, Visions, Curriculum Corporation, Melbourne (Chapter 6.- Calligraphy)
Optional
Suggested music for warm-ups/choreographic tasks by following composers:
- Askill, Michael, 1997, Free Radicals, Black Sun Music, Australia.
- Lee, Riley, 2000, Postcards from Bundanon, New World Music (Australia).
- Chan, Mark, 1998, Tattoo, Theatre Works, Singapore.
- Sakamoto, Ryuichi, 1996, Kab America, Japan/USA.
- Ku-ling bros, 1999, Creach, Off World Sounds (Australia).
- Various Artists, 2003, Peacevolution, Limkokwing University College of Technology, Malaysia.
- Cracking the Code, Curriculum Corporation, 2007, The Learning Federation: www.charactercatalogue.thelearningfederation.edu.au
