Dance Lesson Ideas

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Name of Activity: Create-A- Line Dance

Purpose of Activity: This lesson serves as an assessment demonstrating students' understanding of the processes, principles, and structure of line dance. Through original choreography, students apply their knowledge of previously learned line dance elements. This lesson fulfills National Standards: 1, 2, and 4.

Prerequisites: Prior to this lesson the students should have experienced several different line dances and become familiar with the structure of a line dance and the movement elements included, such as scuff and grapevine. I had previously taught the "Elvira", "Hill Billy Lion", Western Slide", and the "Lindy Lou" to the students.

Suggested Grade Level: 9 - 12

Materials Needed: Stereo, boom box, pencil and paper for each group, posters explaining movement elements learned thus far

Recommended music: Any music with a steady, clear beat may be used. The following have worked well. Shania Twain - Come on Over cd - Track 3 - "Love Gets Me Every Time" (Tracks 1, 3, and 4 are all great for line dancing) I also encouraged students to bring in any music they would like to perform their dance to, screened beforehand by myself of course, as line dancing can be performed to any music, as long as there is a steady beat.

Beginning dance formation: Students are divided into groups of three or four. Groups are scattered throughout the gymnasium space as they work to choreograph their line dances.

Description of Idea

Variations:

Students could be asked to add additional criteria such as:

*a half time/double time element
*a level change
*a sound making element (snaps, claps, stamps, etc.)
*a specific number of counts used while facing each wall

Students could be videotaped and asked to critique their own dances.

This format could be used for any dance style if criteria are changed. This was the unit I had while student teaching at the high school level, just line dancing.

Assessment Ideas:

Teacher can assess students on rhythm, on utilization of previously learned movement elements, on cooperative work within a group, and on cognitive knowledge of dance steps by having each student complete a write up of their dance.

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Use a drum beat or hand clap to emphasize the beat for any students with hearing impairment.

Students who are wheelchair bound can be aided by another student, if necessary. Each student’s needs and abilities are different so adjustments need to be made individually.
Students who are developmentally challenged should have the performance criteria modified.