The Gwara Gwara is a popular South African dance style characterized by a series of leg and arm movements. It involves leaning back while kicking one leg forward and swinging the opposite arm in a circular motion. The dance move gained widespread recognition and popularity, especially in the global music and entertainment scene, after being featured in music videos by South African artists and international celebrities. Its energetic and rhythmic movements have made it a favorite in dance circles and social events, contributing to its status as a widely recognized and appreciated African dance style.
Objectives
Motor: Students will be able to successfully learn the movements of this Gwara Gwara dance and perform versions in which they kick their legs and swing with their arms, displaying fluidity and coordination--this is what's meant by during the activity portion of class while following along a video or music, when verbally prompted by the instructor in ¾ trials.
Cognitive: Students will be understand and discuss the origins and meaning in South African gwara gwara dance through a classroom discussion in the closure portion of the activity, when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Affective: At the end of this activity, students will share with a classmate what they learned and danced their own gwara gwara, having enjoyed themselves learning about traditional culture.
Skill Focus: Dance and Rhythm
Equipment
Media device(Laptop, projector, tablet, speaker, etc.)
Open space
Song or tempo of 113-226 BPM
Activity Description
Gwara's style has a unique charm. Therefore, warm-ups in the class start by introducing gwara gwara and its value as a traditional dance, along with telling how it relates to contemporary times. Secondly, students will learn the main movements and gradually combine them into a routine.
Students will start with their feet shoulder-length apart.
Lean your weight on one foot, and lift the other foot slightly off the ground.
Students will move their arms in a circular motion, following the movement of their knee.
Make the movement fluid and incorporate their shoulders into the move.
Students can add different arm moves and pauses within the dance to make it more dynamic.
Lastly, the class will practice and perform together in what should be an exciting performance of gwara gwara.
