Movement and Music in France!

Today we will be learning about the music and movement in the France!

Hi, I'm Jedda from This Little Project.  One of the things that I love about being a musician and a dancer is that it brings me full circle in what I am learning about. It's one thing to read about a place in a book. But if you really want to get to know a people you've got to listen to their music and language and watch (and try!) the movements of their people's dance. That's where you will find a true reflection of a people's traditions and culture.

Since I can't share my personal library with you, I'll be sharing some links online. Some come from youtube, which can be a great resource. Please be cautious and supervise your students/children when they view them.

I've mentioned before that I had the privilege of representing the USA at folk festivals in Europe.  This is a dance that we saw at the festivals in France.  It's a French Stilt Dance.  This dance represents the sheep herders in France who were on stilts so they could see their whole flock and any danger before it got too close.




Do you wonder what happens if someone falls?  This video will show you!




Some composers in France were leaders in a musical movement called Impressionism.  They wrote pieces that the sounds resembled something from life.  Two composers from France that are well known for this are Debussy and Ravel.

This is a piano piece written by a French composer named Maurice Ravel.  It is called, "Jeaux d'Eau" which means water or water fountain.  Can you hear the sound of water when you listen to it?



This piano piece is written by a French composer named Ravel.  It is called "Pictures at an Exhibition."  As you listen, see what pictures come to your mind.

Now YOU Try!

Some things you really have to try to appreciate or understand them.

These activities will help you do that!

1- Color a french boy-you can even cut some stilts for him to walk around on: LINK

2- Make your own stilts to walk around on! This is a fun way to practice your balance.

3- Listen to the two musical videos above (Jeaux d'Eau and Pictures at an Exhibition) and draw a picture of what the music makes you think of.

Thanks for joining in with me today for some great music and movement! 
I hope that you enjoyed traveling around the world-in the comfort of your own home-to learn about cultures as well as the joy of music and movement and dance with your children and students!


 If you would like more ideas on what you can do to learn and share music with kids, come visit my blog, This Little Project  on the first Monday of the month, or search "Music" for past posts.

at This Little Project.

If you missed the past countries in this Music and Movement series, here are the links for the other countries we have explored together: Mexico, China, Ireland , USA

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