Cloverleaf High School theatre class is looking forward to a unique dance lesson focusing on the captivating art of dance theater. Led by a visiting instructor, Kimberly Crislip Jarvis this session promises to delve into the fusion of movement and narrative, offering students a glimpse into a world where storytelling takes center stage through dance.

But what exactly is dance theater? It’s a question that has sparked curiosity among the students. Is it a reflection of everyday life, a performance that blends movement with text, or perhaps dance that tells a compelling story? The answer, as they’ll soon discover, is all of the above.

Choreographers who embrace the elements of both dance and theater defy easy categorization, transcending labels like ballet or jazz. Instead, they play with narrative, seamlessly integrating movement and words to create evocative and immersive experiences for audiences.

To illustrate this concept, students will have the opportunity to watch video examples from renowned dance companies, including the David Parsons Dance Company and The Royal Ballet. These snippets provide a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of dance theater, where movement becomes a language of its own, expressing emotions and narratives in profound ways.

But the lesson won’t stop at watching. Students will get hands-on with the elements of movement themselves. From exploring shapes like circles, squares, and triangles to understanding concepts such as space, direction, timing, energy, and motion, they’ll try the building blocks of dance theater.

This program is made possible through the generous Teach Arts Ohio Grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

And of course, what’s a dance lesson without a bit of fun? Throughout the session, students will engage in movement games like mirroring, freezing, emoji transformations, and pulse pass. These activities not only encourage creativity but also foster connections with peers as they embody the principles they’ve learned playfully and interactively.

As the session unfolds at Cloverleaf High School, students step into the enchanting world of dance theater. With curiosity and a willingness to explore, they’ll discover the magic that happens when movement and narrative collide in a symphony of expression and artistry.