The Canadian Dance Family Tree Project is designed to help students develop a sense of awareness about the past and present dance community in Canada. In addition to fostering curiosity and developing research and literacy skills, this project will instill a sense of ownership of the Canadian dance story and will offer students an opportunity to gain insight into Canada's cultural heritage.

With the aid of the Encyclopedia of Theatre Dance in Canada/Encyclopédie de la Danse Théâtrale au Canada, students will examine the careers of a selection of artists. They will consider questions such as: Who were the artist's teachers? With whom did the artist work? What choreography did the artist perform or teach to others? Who are the teachers, mentors, artists and collaborators who have influenced this person's work? Are there events that have had a major impact on the artist? Which works or roles have been significant to the artist's career? What is the artist's legacy?

Students may wish to further their research with a visit to their local library or by exploring the World Wide Web including the Dance Collection Danse website. Teachers may want students to use their research to formulate questions for a mock interview with the artist, to use analysis to develop a theory or opinion about an aspect of dance history, or to write articles for a dance history newsletter or magazine that they could produce.

©2005, Dance Collection Danse
Project Co-ordinator: Amy Bowring
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