TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to create or imitate movement to rhythm and music.
IMPORTANCE
Creating or imitating movement to rhythm and music is important because it is the foundational steps needed later in more complex dance sequences. Being able to follow simple steps helps you prepare for different types of music like line dancing and folk dancing.
VOCABULARY
Rhythm: a repeated pattern of sound or movement.
FREEZE DANCE
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Freeze Dance” by Kiddie Palooza
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Freeze Dance”. Your goal is to create or imitate movement to rhythm and music as you dance when the music is playing.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the dance begins, spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away from the person next to you.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- When the music stops, you must freeze your whole body.
- Resume moving when the music starts again.
- We will begin a new game at the end of the song.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Jog or run in between freezes.
Game 2: Hop on the right foot, left foot or two feet in between freezes.
Game 3: Crab walk, leap frog or bear crawl in between freezes.
Exit Ticket: Students dance to rhythm of the music as they line up.
TEACHING TIPS
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- A repeated pattern of sound or movement is know as __________.
- I worked hard today by...
MEXICAN HAT DANCE
Instruction without music
Demonstration with music
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Mexican Hat Dance” by Mariachi Neuvo Tecalitan
Optional: 1 dot per student
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Mexican Hat Dance”. Your goal is to create or imitate movement to rhythm and music by following the sequence of steps.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into partners.
- Before the dance begins, stand next to your partner and spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
- If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
- When the chorus comes on skip, gallop or dance in any direction inside the boundary cones.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Switch directions – students line up facing the right or left.
Game 3: Skip and form a circle during the chorus. When the chorus ends, get back to your original position.
Variation: Put out dots for each student to stand if spacing becomes difficult.
Exit Ticket: Students dance to rhythm of the music as they line up.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- A repeated pattern of sound or movement is know as __________.
- I worked hard today by...
CONGA
Instruction without music
Demonstration with music
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Conga” by Gloria Estefan
Optional: 1 dot per student
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Conga”. Your goal is to be able to create or imitate movement to rhythm and music by following the sequence of steps.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the dance begins, spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away from the student next to you.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
- If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Have students get in one big conga line (teacher in front) and perform the sequence of steps.
Game 3: Have students get into pairs and form a conga line while performing the sequence of steps.
Exit Ticket: Students dance to rhythm of the music as they line up.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- A repeated pattern of sound or movement is know as __________.
- I worked hard today by...