TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to perform a folk dance with a partner.
IMPORTANCE
Performing a folk dance with a partner is important because it introduces you to different styles and genres of music. Performing with a partner allows you learn more advanced dance moves.
VOCABULARY
Folk dance: a dance created and passed down by the common people of a region or country.
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 do the “Mexican Hat Dance”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.
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, I will say either:
- “ELBOW SWING” – elbow swing with your partner staying in the same space you started.
- “STAR” – put your right hands up and together and walk to the right. Switch to your left hand and walk to the left.
- At the end of each song, I will assign new partners.
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: Students do not have assigned partners. During the chorus they can elbow swing or star with whichever partner they want for eight seconds.
Variation: Put out dots for each student to stand if spacing becomes difficult.
Exit Ticket: Students perform a folk dance with a partner.
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:
- What is a folk dance?
- What is one way you encouraged your partner today?
COTTON EYE JOE
Instruction without music
Demonstration with music
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Cotton Eye Joe” by Starsound
Optional: 1 dot per student
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Cotton Eye Joe”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.
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 I will say either:
- “ELBOW SWING” – elbow swing with your partner staying in the same space you started.
- “STAR” – put your right hands up and together and walk to the right. Switch to your left hand and walk to the left.
- At the end of each song, I will assign new partners.
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: Students do not have assigned partners. During the chorus, they can elbow swing or star with whichever partner they want for eight seconds.
Variation: Put out dots for each student to stand if spacing becomes difficult.
Exit Ticket: Students perform a folk dance with a partner.
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:
- What is a folk dance?
- What is one way you encouraged your partner today?
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 the “Conga”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.
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 perform a folk dance with a partner.
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:
- What is a folk dance?
- What is one way you encouraged your partner today?