Critical+Response+Notes

Cherri Tifre 8th grade classroom
Photograph by Cornell Capa
 * Exemplar:** “Dancing at the Savoy”

African American dancers On some kind of stage Black and white photo Competition – people dancing, people watching Both hands of dancers thrown out Male is wearing a zoot suit Watchers are on a floor that is off the ground They are happy – mouths are open, smiling, jumping Energy More than one row of observers Observers looking with shock or awe – their mouths are open
 * What do you notice?**

Jazz music Talent show Old people stepping Jazz age – black and white Separation of races
 * What does it remind you of?**

Energy Happy Boring in background Fun
 * What feelings does this evoke?**

When did this happen Why are they watching in the background? Why aren’t there many people dancing? What are the people watching feeling? Is this a job or for fun? Is this a performance? Are people in background white or black? Where are they? In a club? Are the background people for civil rights?
 * What questions does this raise?**

Showing that black people can dance too Talent show – competition People in background are jealous or angry because black people are dancing People in background are judges.
 * Speculate - what does the photographer want you to understand?**

Students liked working in pairs or tabletop groups in the past. Maybe prepare in pairs and then move to a whole group discussion
 * Reflection on the protocol:**