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.
COTTON EYE JOE
Instruction without music
Instruction 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 and perform a folk dance with a partner.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide you 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: Before lining up, 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:
- Describe how to perform a folk-square dance.
- How is folk-square dance different from the dancing you normally do?
ZORBA THE GREEK
Instruction without music
Instruction with music
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Zorba The Greek” by Lock Stock
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Zorba the Greek”. Your goal is to be able to follow and perform a folk dance with a partner.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into partners.
- Before the dance begins, partners will put their arms around each other’s shoulders. For example, your right hand should be on your partner’s right shoulder.
- Hold your other arm straight out in the air.
- 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.
- At the end of each song, you may choose new neighbors to stand next you.
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: Have the class create two lines to do the dance.
Exit Ticket: Before lining up, 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:
- Describe how to perform a folk-square dance.
- How is folk-square dance different from the dancing you normally do?
MEXICAN HAT DANCE
Instruction without music
Instruction 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 and perform a folk dance with a partner.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide you 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: Before lining up, students perform a folk dance with a partner.
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:
- Describe how to perform a folk-square dance.
- How is folk-square dance different from the dancing you normally do?