Scenario

    Imagine you are part of a research team for a television broadcasting company. The producer is planning a series on the history of ballet and modern dance. Your team has been assigned with the task of collecting information on the segment that will focus on the Ballet Russes and its influence on the world of dance.

Task and Product

  Your task on the research team will be to research one aspect of the Ballet Russes.  You will prepare a presentation (PowerPoint, Oral Report, Poster, Video, etc.) to share your information about the Ballet Russe and its contributions to the dance community. 

Assessments
 

Daily (Formative)
Research Process - Summative (Student/Self)
Research Process - Summative (Teacher)
Oral Report with Visuals html version MS Word version
Poster html version MS Word version
PowerPoint html version MS Word version
Video Production html version MS Word version

Question

Subsidiary questions:

• How does knowing about the Ballet Russes help us better understand ballet and modern dance?
• Who are some of the famous people associated with the Ballet Russes and how did they impact the greater dance community?
• Explain the role of well known artists and composers in the Ballet Russes.
• Describe the importance of the relationship between Russia and France in relation to the Ballet Russes. 
• How were famous Americans able to contribute to the Ballet Russes and to their own cultural group?

Gather and Sort

Some websites for the Ballet Russes have been listed for you, but you will want to search further on your own. Gather information about from a variety of sources. 

Sort your research findings using a graphic organizer or note cards. Be sure to avoid plagiarism and keep track of your resources for a bibliography.

Organize

Create your own questions to guide your research.

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have answered your part of the essential question.

Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your product.

• What new insights have emerged about your topics?
• Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.

• Have you gathered sufficient details about your aspect of the Ballet Russes to finalize your product?
• Is your research reflected in the presentation you have chosen?

Conclusion

• Share your presentation with your class.
• Choose which classmates' presentations you could combine with yours to present to another class or students not currently studying dance.

Reflection and/or Extension Activities: Gather information on a famous American dance group, such as the Alvin Aliley Dance Company or a well known American figure in dance.  Describe the legacy of the Ballet Russes in dance groups today.