Homeschooling with Ted Talks – Exploring Dance

TedTalks Blog SeriesOne of the benefits of homeschooling is the time we have to explore all kinds of interests in depth.  I love that we are free to spend ample time exploring the performing arts.

I spent much of my childhood studying dance and performing. Although none of my girls have embraced dance with the same passion I did (yet!), they still enjoy it. Combined, they have around 10 years of dance training and have performed in a  multiple recitals and shows.

They’ve explored a variety of dance styles and disciplines, from ballet and jazz to contemporary and hip hop, but they’ve never seen anything quite like what we found on the Ted Stage.

We started with The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers, known as the LXD. They are self-taught street dancers that seem to have super-human strength and amazing talents. Their name suits them perfectly!

My girls thoroughly enjoyed this video and have now watched it multiple times. The Butterfly (age 9) has incorporated a few of the moves into her own routines. They’ve all attempted to walk in slow motion, which has proven to be far more difficult than it appears in the performance!

If you prefer ballet or contemporary dance, you will love  Quixotic Fusion in Dancing with Light.  QF is an ensemble of artists that brings together aerial acrobatics, dance, theater, film, music and visual fx. The following contains three dance pieces performed at TED2012.

 

The next video explores choreography with Wayne McGregor on the Global Ted Stage:

“He demonstrates how a choreographer communicates ideas to an audience, working with two dancers to build phrases of dance, live and unscripted.”

My kids didn’t stay engaged while watching this one, but I loved it! I’m fascinated with all aspects of the creative process. This is a terrific opportunity to watch an artist bring something new to life.

 

This post is part of a  new series here on Adorable Chaos. Look for a fresh post each week highlighting Ted Talks that can be used in your homeschool.

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About Amy

Professional freelance writer. Homeschool mom of three girls. Introvert and rebel. Life learner. Coffee addict.

  • http://janinehuldie.com/ Janine Huldie

    My girls are in dance class and love to dance. I just played this one for them and they loved it!! So thanks as always Amy :)

  • Cyndi

    Totally LOVE your Ted videos. I’m thinking I need to find some art ones! I love your posts, Amy! They are inspirational to me. :)

  • http://amylandisman.com/ Amy

    Thanks Cyndi! Now I’m going to have to search for art videos too! I hadn’t thought of it. Oooh and photography too! :)

  • http://amylandisman.com/ Amy

    Glad they enjoyed it!

  • Stacy Harris

    My girls are very musical. Both of them love to sing and they are learning the piano right now. I am almost positive both of my daughters would love to take dance lessons but there just isn’t enough hours in the day with everything they have to do. Great post.

  • http://twitter.com/OhBoy_Mom Emily Cappo

    Cool dance videos! My middle son is very musical and loves to perform at home…we’ve tried to encourage him to participate in school plays, but he doesn’t like to perform in front of an audience. All three of my boys seem more focused on sports than the performing arts, but who knows, interests change…you never know!

  • http://twitter.com/MelChisnall Melanie Chisnall

    Great idea! I love that there’s so much you can teach your children at home with homeschooling. Dancing is especially great. It’s creative expression at it’s best. I never told my mom I wanted to do ballet, but at the age of 5 that’s exactly where I started. I continued for eight years, then moved on to modern dance and then hip hop. I love dancing – there are just so many forms to choose from.

  • http://jdeneen.com/ Julie DeNeen

    What a great idea. I love the TED talks too. So many cool ideas and fresh insights. Dance should be a part of everyone’s curriculum. I loved it as a kid!

  • http://profiles.google.com/kacagle Karen Terry Cagle

    Just spent a lovely 45 minutes or so watching these. Thanks Amy.

  • kristie

    Thank you Amy! Great ideas that I can’t wait to share.