I.    MUSIC EMPHASIS

Intro
A		X8
		X8
		X8
		X8
	A repeats twice

B
A dev
A dev
End

II.    ACTION EMPHASIS

0:00 Shapes……

0:05 Drifting

And Turning…

0:30 and 0:54

1:22

Whirling/Twirling/Leaping

1:48

Drifting, Turning, Whirling, Leaping

2:30-2:48

III.   DYNAMIC EMPHASIS

The music for this dance goes through noticeable dynamic changes. The three A sections all lend themselves nicely to slow, gentle, sustained actions, as does the ending music. The students explore drifting, turning and settling through these peaceful, calm sections. In the B section, the tempo picks up and indicates a strong wind. This is where the students explore more energetic and powerful movements such as whirl, twirl and leap. In A dev there is another change in dynamics that lies somewhere between the two. It is in this section the students are to explore any or all of the movements they have been working with.

IV.   SPATIAL EMPHASIS

  Two of the spatial elements that are emphasized in this dance are levels and pathways. Students will begin at a high level, as though they are attached to a tree branch. As the dance progresses, they will change levels often, as thought gusts of wind are lifting and dropping them again and again. They will end the dance at a low level after settling to the ground. They will also follow a variety of changing pathways as they drift, turn, whirl, leap and settle throughout the gym.

 IMPORTANT NOTE!!!

This dance involves a large group of children moving quickly and freely throughout the gym. Safety MUST be emphasized when teaching this unit to avoid collisions on the dance floor. Students need to be reminded to keep their eyes up and be aware of others around them. They should also discuss strategies for not getting dizzy while exploring and performing 'whirling'.

V.   RELATIONSHIP EMPHASIS

The relationships explored in this dance will depend on the children involved. It will be up to them to decide how they will work together to represent their falling leaf scenario. In all likelihood they will choose to begin drifting out of their beginning shapes a few at a time, much like leaves generally do. The same goes for when it is time to settle. Instead of everyone settling on the floor at once, they will likely stagger this movement.

VI.   IMAGES: SEQUENCES

This dance will have the children showing the story of autumn leaves as they travel through the air and eventually settle on the ground. It begins with them attached to a branch, frozen in a shape of their choosing. They are gradually set free and travel gently and softly as though it is a calm day. The music will then change, signally an approaching wind storm. The leaves move more energetically, whirling and leaping throughout the air. Then the wind calms down and the leaves gently settle to the ground below.