Best examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school PE

Real examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school

Let’s skip the theory and start with what you can actually teach next week. Below are real examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school that you can adapt for 1–3 class periods or build into a short unit.

Each example includes a simple goal, rough time breakdown, and tips for handling classic middle school behaviors (yes, including the “I don’t dance” crowd).

Example of a 1-day “Rhythm & Levels” intro lesson

Goal: Introduce basic dance concepts (levels, pathways, tempo) in a low-pressure way.

Class length: About 45–50 minutes.

Warm-up (8–10 minutes)
Put on a clean, upbeat track with a clear beat. Have students walk, jog, and freeze on your signal. Then add simple instructions: move at a low level (close to the floor), medium level, and high level. Switch between moving in straight and curved pathways. This is already dance—they just don’t realize it yet.

Skill development (15–20 minutes)
Talk briefly about three ideas: levels, tempo, and pathways. Instead of lecturing, show a quick example, then have them try:

• Move in a straight line at a slow tempo.
• Move in a curved path at a fast tempo.
• Switch from low level to high level on a clap.

Let them work in pairs to create a 4–8 count pattern using one level, one pathway, and one tempo. This is a simple but powerful example of how to sneak in choreography without scaring them with the word.

Group share (10–15 minutes)
Invite pairs to show their patterns to another pair, not the whole class at first. This reduces anxiety. If time allows, ask for a few volunteers to share with the whole group.

Cool-down & reflection (5 minutes)
Ask: “What felt easier—changing levels or changing tempo?” Have them do gentle stretches while they answer. This gives you quick formative assessment without a written quiz.

This is one of the best examples of a first-day dance lesson because it feels like movement games, not a performance.

Hip-Hop combo: examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school using popular styles

Middle schoolers are often more willing to try dance if it connects with music they recognize. This lesson uses basic hip-hop–inspired moves while still staying school-appropriate.

Goal: Build a simple 16-count combo using basic hip-hop foundations.

Warm-up (8–10 minutes)
Use a follow-the-leader style warm-up: step-touches, body isolations (head, shoulders, ribs, hips), and simple bounce steps. Emphasize that the focus is on control and rhythm, not looking “cool.”

Teach 4–6 basic moves (15–20 minutes)
Examples include:

• Step touch with arm swings
• Grapevine with a clap
• Simple slide right/left
• “Bounce” in place for 4 counts
• Turn over the shoulder

Teach one move at a time, then string them together in 4-count chunks. By the end, students have a 16-count combo.

Small-group practice (10–15 minutes)
Groups of 4–6 practice the combo. Encourage them to:

• Change formation (line, V-shape, staggered)
• Choose starting pose and ending pose

This is a strong example of how to give structure but still allow creativity.

Optional share (5–10 minutes)
Groups perform for each other. You can even let them vote on a fun award like “Most in sync” or “Best energy.”

If you want to align this with health and fitness standards, you can connect to physical activity guidelines from the CDC, which recommend daily moderate-to-vigorous activity for kids.

Cultural dance sampler: examples include Latin, African, and folk styles

If you’re trying to broaden students’ worldviews, a cultural dance sampler is one of the best examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school that blends movement with social studies.

Goal: Explore basic movements from 2–3 cultural dance traditions with respect and context.

Structure over 2–3 classes:
On day one, introduce a short video clip from a reputable source (museum, cultural organization, or educational site). Keep it under 2 minutes and age-appropriate. Ask students what they notice: clothing, formations, rhythm, energy.

Then teach a very simple pattern inspired by that style. For example:

• Latin-inspired: Side steps with hip sway and claps on counts 4 and 8.
• West African–inspired: Strong grounded steps, bent knees, and clapping patterns.
• American folk/line dance: Grapevine, heel digs, and simple turns.

Emphasize that these are inspired patterns, not full authentic versions, and encourage curiosity rather than stereotypes.

On later days, compare patterns: Which dances travel in circles? Which stay in lines? Which use more upper-body movement? This is a concrete example of integrating cultural awareness into PE.

For accurate cultural background, you can pull short articles or teacher notes from sites like the Library of Congress or university dance departments such as UCLA’s World Arts and Cultures/Dance.

Fitness-focused dance circuit: examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school that boost cardio

Some students will buy in more if you frame dance as a fun way to get their heart rate up.

Goal: Use dance-based stations to improve cardiovascular endurance and coordination.

Set up 4–6 stations around the gym. Examples include:

• Station with a simple 8-count cardio combo repeated to the music
• Station where students jump or hop to the beat on floor markers
• Station with partner mirroring: one student leads, the other copies
• Station with a short TikTok-style (but school-safe) combo you’ve created

Students rotate every 2–3 minutes. This is one of the best examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school when you want high activity time and less performance anxiety. Students are too busy moving to worry about how they look.

You can connect this to heart rate zones and health literacy using resources like NIH’s fitness basics for kids.

Creative choreography project: student-designed phrases

Once students have a few basic skills, give them ownership.

Goal: Have students create and perform a short dance phrase that demonstrates specific elements.

Provide a simple checklist:

• At least three different levels
• One change of direction
• One moment of stillness
• One repeated movement pattern

Groups of 3–5 choose school-appropriate music (you approve it) or use a track you provide. They create a 16–32 count phrase based on the checklist.

This is a powerful example of project-based learning in dance. You can assess:

• Use of dance elements
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to remember and perform a sequence

To reduce stress, you can have groups perform for just one other group or record on a device for private viewing and feedback.

Cross-curricular examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school

Dance doesn’t have to live in its own silo. Some of the best examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school link movement to other subjects.

Dance and math: fractions and patterns

Have students create sequences that show:

• A move that lasts 4 counts
• A move that lasts 2 counts
• A move that lasts 1 count repeated four times

Then talk about how the counts relate like fractions of a measure. This is a clear example of connecting math concepts to physical movement.

Dance and ELA: character and mood

After reading a short story or novel excerpt in class (or coordinating with the ELA teacher), ask students to:

• Choose a character or emotion
• Create a 4–8 count phrase that matches that mood (heavy, light, sharp, smooth)

Students then explain their choices verbally or in a quick written reflection. This helps them practice interpreting text in a new medium.

Planning tips using these examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school

You can use the examples above as stand-alone lessons or combine them into a 2–3 week dance unit. When you do, keep a few things in mind.

Start low-pressure, then build.
Begin with lessons like the Rhythm & Levels intro and the fitness circuit. These are gentle on self-conscious students. Then move into hip-hop combos and creative choreography once trust is built.

Offer choice wherever possible.
The strongest examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school usually include choice: choice of formation, ending pose, or even which station to repeat. Choice increases buy-in, especially for students who are nervous.

Normalize different comfort levels.
Say out loud that not everyone loves dance and that’s okay. Emphasize effort, respect, and trying something new. This lowers the emotional temperature in the room.

Align with standards and safety.
Make sure you’re hitting your state or national PE standards around movement concepts, fitness, and social-emotional learning. For reference, you can look at the SHAPE America National Standards. Also, consider:

• Clear space and boundaries
• Appropriate footwear
• Warm-up and cool-down to protect joints and muscles

If you have students with medical conditions or disabilities, check any relevant health guidance (for example, Mayo Clinic’s physical activity tips for kids) and adapt movements as needed.

Quick-reference: best examples of dance lesson plan ideas by time and energy

When you’re planning on the fly, it helps to think in terms of time and energy level.

Short, low-prep options (one class period):

• Rhythm & Levels intro lesson
• Simple hip-hop combo using 3–4 moves
• Dance circuit with 4 stations

Medium-length options (2–3 days):

• Cultural dance sampler with reflection
• Creative choreography project with checklist
• Cross-curricular math-and-dance patterns

Longer mini-units (1–2 weeks):
Combine: a basic skills intro, a cultural dance day, a hip-hop combo, and a short group choreography project leading to a low-pressure sharing day.

These groupings are real examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school that you can scale up or down depending on your schedule and how comfortable your students are with performing.

FAQ: real examples and common questions about middle school dance lessons

Q: What are some simple examples of dance lesson plan activities for very shy classes?
A: Start with non-threatening tasks: walking to the beat and freezing, mirroring in pairs, or shadow-following in lines where no one faces the group. The Rhythm & Levels intro and the fitness circuit above are gentle examples of dance lesson plan ideas that keep the focus on movement, not performance.

Q: Can you give an example of a no-music dance lesson?
A: Yes. Use clapping patterns, snapping, or drumsticks on mats as the “music.” Have students create a 4-beat body percussion pattern (clap, snap, stomp, pat) and then add simple steps. This is a great example of building rhythm skills when speakers or devices aren’t available.

Q: How do I assess dance without making it feel like a talent show?
A: Use clear, behavior-based rubrics: Did the student participate? Did they attempt the movements? Did they respect others? You’re grading effort and application of concepts, not style. Having students perform in small groups or for just one partner helps keep it from feeling like a high-stakes show.

Q: What if I’m not a confident dancer myself?
A: You don’t have to be. Choose simple steps, repeat them often, and be honest with students that you’re learning too. Many of the best examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school come from teachers who keep it simple, prioritize safety and inclusion, and let students add the flair.

Q: How do I keep dance lessons inclusive of different cultures and backgrounds?
A: Offer a mix of styles over the year, ask students what music or styles they enjoy (with school-appropriate filters), and use short, factual background notes from reliable sources like .edu or .org sites. Avoid costumes or accents that might feel like stereotypes and frame everything around respect and curiosity.

Middle school dance in PE doesn’t have to be a dreaded unit. With these real, classroom-tested examples of dance lesson plan examples for middle school, you can turn “Do we have to?” into “Can we try that again?”—and that’s a win in any gym.