Sri Lanka Grade 7 Dance Syllabus

This syllabus, implemented from 2016, focuses on competency-based learning and teaching, emphasizing student-centered activities. It aims to develop students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes in dance, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and appreciation for Sri Lankan and other cultures. The syllabus also promotes physical and mental well-being and prepares students for the world of work.

1. Creating Dance Items

• 1.1 Environmental Inspiration: Students create dances based on their observations of the environment, appreciating its aesthetic value. An example is creating a dance based on rain, incorporating its various elements like wind, thunder, and lightning. This develops their ability to translate observations into movement and appreciate the beauty of nature.
• 1.2 Expressing Emotions: Students learn to express emotions through character portrayal in dance. They might create a dance based on an incident, using movement to convey feelings like excitement (Uthsahya). This enhances their ability to embody emotions and communicate them through physical expression.
• 1.3 Folk Dances: Students explore and create folk dances, understanding their aesthetic and cultural significance. They learn about dances like the winnowing fan dance and Thalam dance, developing their understanding of traditional dance forms and their cultural context.

2. Practical Skills and Dance Principles

• 2.1 Flexibility Exercises: Students learn and practice exercises to improve body flexibility, understanding their importance in dance. This focuses on developing body awareness and control.
• 2.2 Basic Footwork: Students practice basic footwork from traditional dances, including Pasaramba 1-6 with Hamarapadaya and Dominapada 1-6 with Hamarapadaya. This builds a foundation in traditional dance techniques.
• 2.3 Traditional Dance Movements: Students learn and exhibit basic traditional dance movements, such as Godasaramba, Elangamsaramba, and Mandepada 1-4 with Kasthirama/Irattiya/Kalasama. This refines their motor skills and understanding of traditional dance vocabulary.
• 2.4 Creating Traditional Dance Activities: Students create dance activities based on Sri Lankan traditional dance movements and Alankara Mathtra (according to Sulu/Madum/Maha Thani Thith). This encourages creativity within the framework of traditional dance.
• 2.5 Performing Traditional Dances: Students perform Wannam learned in Grade 6, including Kandyan dance (Thuraga Wannam), low country dance (Bhawadi Thalaya Sindu Wannam), and Sabaragamuwa dance (Kudiradi Wannam with Kasthirama/Irattiya/Kalasama). This provides performance experience and exposure to different regional dance styles.
• 2.6 Dance Notation: Students learn and apply Dethiha thala notations to document drum beats and songs, including Thalam Kavi (Kulu Kavi, Malyahan Kavi), and Wannam. This introduces them to the system of recording and preserving dance.

3. Traditional and Improvised Musical Instruments

• 3.1 Traditional Drums: Students learn about traditional drums, particularly those used in Sabaragamuwa dance. This expands their knowledge of the musical accompaniment for dance.
• 3.2 Improvised Instruments: Students create and develop improvised instruments, building on their work from Grade 6. This fosters creativity and resourcefulness.
• 3.3 Creating Sounds and Rhythms: Students use improvised and traditional instruments to create sounds and rhythms for different beats. This develops their musicality and understanding of rhythm.
• 3.4 Choral Music: Students participate in choral music performances, often incorporating traditional drums and improvised instruments, under themes like Perahara (religious processions). This promotes teamwork and musical expression.

4. Local Music and Cultural Background

• 4.1 Cultural Background of Songs: Students study the cultural background of various traditional songs, including those used in winnowing fan dances (Kulu Kavi), Thalam Kavi, Malyahan Kavi, Thalamala Waruna Kavi, and Wannam. This deepens their understanding of the connection between music, dance, and culture.
• 4.2 Vocal Music: Students perform vocal music in different beats, further integrating music and dance.

5. History and Cultural Background of Dance

• 5.1 Cultural Values: Students learn about the cultural values associated with Sri Lankan traditional dances, including debut performances, opening ceremonies (Kalaeli Mangalya), costumes (Madubaseema, Guruwarandeema). This instills respect for tradition and etiquette.
• 5.2 Indigenous Dance Traditions: Students explore cultural aspects of indigenous dances like Kohomba Kankariya, Devolmaduwa, and Pahanmaduwa. This broadens their knowledge of Sri Lankan dance heritage.
• 5.3 Appreciation of Dance Developers: Students learn about and appreciate key figures in Sri Lankan dance, such as J. E. Sedaraman, Polwaththe Gomis, and Raddelle Podimahathmaya. This fosters respect for the contributions of these artists.

6. Critical Evaluation of Dance

• 6.1 Aesthetic Value of Dance: Students critically evaluate the artistic elements of traditional performances like the Katharagama Dewala Perahera, considering factors like the reason for the event, venue, time, cultural influence, dance items, music, scenery, and costumes. This develops their critical thinking and appreciation of artistic elements.
• 6.2 Dances of Other Cultures: Students learn about traditional dances from other cultures, such as Karagam and Kavadi dances. This promotes intercultural understanding and appreciation.
• 6.3 Performing Dances of Other Cultures: Students perform folk dances from other cultures, like Shembu and Kolattam. This provides practical experience with diverse dance forms.
• 6.4 Social and Cultural Festivals: Students explore the artistic features of festivals from different ethnic groups, such as the Ramazan festival. This fosters respect for cultural diversity.

7. Creating Dance Based on Songs and Decorations

• 7.1 Song Analysis: Students analyze songs like "Ada Wessanthara Raja Putha," "Wesak Kakulu Athu Aga Enda," considering elements like music, lyrics, vocals, definition, and language. This develops their ability to connect music and dance.
• 7.2 Dance Creation based on Songs: Students create dances based on the songs they have analyzed. This encourages creative interpretation and expression.
• 7.3 Simple Decorations: Students create simple decorations using materials like lotus flowers, coconut leaves, and other environmental resources. This fosters artistic skills and resourcefulness.