Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "An American Story in Dance and Music Homepage"

¡Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz Homepage

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:49:15 GMT

Explore the life of Celia Cruz, a world-renowned Latina musician, in this online exhibition. An enormous talent who had an impeccable sense of rhythm and an inimitable style, Celia Cruz became an influential and legendary musical figure both in her native country of Cuba, and the United States, her adopted country. Students will connect her life to a variety of subjects including immigration, history, geography, music theory, music history, and art. A non-flash version of the site is available at http://americanhistory.si.edu/celiacruz/printable/.

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composers

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:33:43 GMT

Through brief biographies of the composers, primary source documents, and media clips, students will learn about the collaboration of these two great jazz composers and the process involved in writing and recording two of the most celebrated jazz pieces. This website examines two jazz standards, each one its author's most-recorded piece: Caravan, written in 1936 by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, and Take the "A" Train, composed in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn.

Reading Ballet for Martha

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:54:55 GMT

Use this guide to actively read Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

"Seeing" Music

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:06:13 GMT

Dance is just one way to turn music into something you can see. Your computer can take music and turn it into a different kind of visible art. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes step-by-step directions for exploring your computer’s visualization programs, discussion prompts, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

Make a Mini Dance

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:56:58 GMT

Get creative and make a dance that spells out a special word or message! Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes step-by-step directions, discussion prompts, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

Explore Your Theater

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:45:03 GMT

Field trips to a theater or dance studio are great ways to learn about performing arts in your neighborhood. In this activity, students will use discussion prompts and extension activity ideas to make the most of their visit. This activity is part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

Camera Creativity and Collaboration

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:43:23 GMT

Take a close look at a famous picture of Martha Graham, then grab your camera and make your own dance photo with a friend or family member. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes a primary source photograph, guided looking questions, step-by-step directions for creating your own photograph, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.