Dance Choreography Lesson Plans

Students produce a short choreography composition. Specific guidelines and choice of music are provided. The grade/evaluation takes place in the form of video documentation and a teacher-created rubric.

Sixth graders combine sounds or movements to create rhythm in dance and language. In this rhythm instructional activity, 6th graders read a poem and listen to the rhythm in the words. Students complete dance movements using sequence of pattern movements. Students then create a word bank and clap the rhythm of the words. Students participate in a rhythm choreography dance and journal reflections.

Students complete this assignment after several lessons where they have experienced creating their own choreography. It can be done as homework or an in class assignment. It could also be completed at a writing station during a station activity.

Students research rhythm and choreography as a career. In this career lesson, students look at the requirements, benefits and skills needed to become a choreographer as an occupation. Students then find rhythm in poetry, movement, and dance then document their experiences in their journals.

Students explore body movement.  In this shapes and dance instructional activity, students demonstrate body movements and positions that resemble simple shapes.  Students read I Spy Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwait and choose shapes from the book to "build" with their bodies.  Students generate choreography and record their "shape" dances.

Eighth graders evaluate choreography. In this choreography lesson, 8th graders improvise and choreograph dance moves based on a title given to them by the teacher. Students discover that a good title helps the audience interpret the choreography.

Students explore the use of floor paths on the stage. In this floor paths instructional activity, students evaluate choreography for use of the floor space on the stage. Students design a short choreography piece that exhibits an understanding of space on the stage.

Students examine dance and choreography in Russian history. In this Russian history lesson, students discover details about Russian ballet and the work of Marius Petipa as they conduct independent research and present their findings to their classmates.

Young scholars discover the movements possible in their own body by performing dances in class.  In this physical education lesson, students define several key terms related to dancing which will help them follow instructions.  Young scholars practice dance choreography then perform their dance solo in front of classmates.

Third graders recognize a round in singing groups and apply to choreography movements.  In this rounds lesson, 3rd graders memorize movements with songs at specific places.  Students perform a three part round.