Unit Overview:
This unit explores how creative expression and artistic freedom relate to forces of social change, and how that relationship forged Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s rich contributions to dance and choreography. The lessons cast students as “sleuths” who discover, present, and discuss findings on assigned topics; through research in print, video, and Web media; keen perception; and the construction of discerning hypotheses. The lessons within this unit lend themselves to use in social studies, history, foreign language, art, music, and literature classes to reinforce study of the far-reaching impact of political authority, social, and cultural change and the power of the creative individual.
Notes:
These lessons are appropriate for grades 9 through 12, with increased expectations for the upper grades, concerning appropriateness in range and depth of research, complexity of analysis and syntheses, and aspirations in oral and written presentations.
Lesson Overviews:
This lesson focuses on how creative expression developed in the West, particularly in dance.
Students study how Nureyev's life and work were affected by social, cultural and political forces in Russia.
This lesson focuses on Nureyev’s artistic endeavors and achievements in the dance world of the West.
