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Magic of Storytelling | Little Mermaid: Tambourine Dance

By Disney

Join hosts Barbara Gibbs in a heartening episode of the "Disney Magic of Storytelling" podcast, where the timeless tale of Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" is revisited through her enchanting voyage of tambourine dancing. This auditory adventure delves into Ariel's discovery of a new passion at a bustling marketplace and her earnest efforts to master the rhythmic art form, despite the initial stumbles and challenges that come with learning something entirely new.

Ariel's narrative eloquently unfolds as we explore the profound impact of friendship and perseverance in the face of discouragement. Listeners will be transported into Ariel's world, witnessing the unwavering support from her eclectic group of friends – from Sebastian's practical aids to Flounder's words of encouragement, and Scuttle's fervent cheerleading. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of camaraderie and community that not only celebrates Ariel's personal growth and eventual success but also ignites a spark of aspiration in a new generation of would-be dancers.

Magic of Storytelling | Little Mermaid: Tambourine Dance

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Magic of Storytelling | Little Mermaid: Tambourine Dance

1-Page Summary

Ariel's Tambourine Dancing Journey

Learning about Tambourine Dancing

Ariel discovers tambourine dancing at a market and enrolls in a local dance class. Excited but inexperienced, she grapples with the steps, her attempts often ending in stumbles. Her instructor, Isabella, comforts her, reinforcing that all dancers start as beginners.

Getting Help from Friends

Ariel feels discouraged, but her friends rally to her support. Sebastian helps her distinguish between left and right, utilizing his orchestral conducting experience. Flounder boosts her confidence by praising her efforts, and Scuttle enthusiastically cheers her on, contributing to her improvement in the technique.

Continuing Hard Work and Improvement

Through dedicated practice and friend's support, Ariel progressively improves. Their assistance was crucial to her success, and she acknowledges the joint effort in her dancing journey.

Participating in Ribbon Tradition

On the day of her first performance, Ariel is surprised by her family and friends who present her with seaweed and satin ribbons. This gesture is part of a tradition signifying their pride and encouragement.

Performing Confidently in Class Dance

In front of a cheering crowd, Ariel confidently participates in the class dance, showcasing the skills she has honed. Her poise and ability shine through, especially with an impressive final spin.

Inspiring Another Young Girl to Try Dancing

Ariel's performance inspires a young spectator who wants to learn to dance but feels intimidated. Ariel empathizes, shares her early struggles, and encourages the girl by offering her tambourine, symbolizing a continuity of inspiration and mutual support within the tambourine dancing community.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ariel's relationship with Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle is characterized by their unwavering support and encouragement towards her tambourine dancing journey. Sebastian helps her with direction, drawing from his conducting experience. Flounder boosts her confidence with praise, while Scuttle cheers her on enthusiastically, contributing to her improvement in technique. Their collective support plays a vital role in Ariel's progress and success.
  • In tambourine dancing, offering a tambourine symbolizes passing on inspiration and support to encourage someone to start their dancing journey. It represents a gesture of solidarity and mentorship within the dancing community. The act of giving a tambourine signifies a connection between the experienced dancer and the aspiring one, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for the art form. It serves as a tangible symbol of encouragement and a welcoming invitation to join the dance.

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Magic of Storytelling | Little Mermaid: Tambourine Dance

Ariel's Tambourine Dancing Journey

Ariel’s underwater adventure into the world of tambourine dancing is marked by initial struggles, the helpful fins of friends, and a tradition that uplifts her to a triumphant performance, even inspiring another young girl to take up dancing.

Learning about Tambourine Dancing

Ariel first encountered tambourine dancing at the market, which piqued her interest and led her to a local dance class. Despite her excitement, Ariel struggled with the dance steps, stumbling and nearly falling with each spin. The class's instructor, Isabella, reassured her by reminding that all dancers begin as novices.

Attending First Dance Class and Struggling with Steps

During her first dance class, Ariel found dancing much more difficult than she had anticipated. Her nervousness was evident as she worked through the stumbling blocks of learning the new dance form.

Getting Help from Friends

Ariel’s friends saw her frustration and each offered their own unique form of assistance to help her improve her dancing.

Sebastian Teaching Left from Right

Sebastian, experienced in conducting the orchestra, applied his knowledge to assist Ariel by teaching her how to distinguish her left from her right.

Flounder Assisting with Spinning

Complimenting Ariel as "tambourine terrific," Flounder’s encouragement suggests he may have played a part in helping Ariel master the spinning element of her dance, an aspect that was challenging for her at first.

Scuttle Providing Encouragement

Scuttle's enthusiastic encouragements, calling Ariel "tambourine terrific," bolstered her confidence as she practiced her steps and the technique of tambourine dancing.

Continuing Hard Work and Improvement

Ariel’s persistence and the support from her friends culminated in significant improvement over time. She acknowledged she couldn't have done it without their help, revealing a shared success among them.

Participating in Ribbon Tradition

A tradition among dancers is to receive ribbons from their families on the day of their first performance, symbolizing support and pride.

Families Surprising Her with S ...

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Ariel's Tambourine Dancing Journey

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Tambourine dancing involves incorporating the use of a tambourine as a prop while performing dance movements. Dancers typically use the tambourine to create rhythmic sounds that complement the music being danced to. Techniques in tambourine dancing can include spinning the tambourine, tapping it in specific rhythms, and incorporating it into choreographed movements to enhance the overall performance. Learning tambourine dancing requires coordination, rhythm, and practice to master the unique blend of dance and musical elements.
  • Ariel's underwater world is a fantastical realm depicted in the story, where she lives as a mermaid princess. Her friends, including Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle, are sea creatures who play significant roles in supporting and assisting Ariel on her tambourine dancing journey. Each friend brings unique skills and qualities to help Ariel overcome challenges and improve her dancing skills. Their camaraderie and encouragement showcase the strong bond they share in navigating the underwater world together.
  • In dance traditions, receiving ribbons symbolizes support and pride from families and friends. The act of presenting ribbons before a performance signifies encouragement and celebration of the dancer's journey. Ribbons are a tangible representation of the dancer's progress and the community's backing. They hold sentimental value and serve as a gesture of solidarity and recognition within the dance community.
    • Sebastian is a red Jamaican crab known for his musical talents and wise advice in Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
  • Flounder is a bright yellow and blue tropical fish who is Ariel's be ...

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