Teaching dance in middle school is a fantastic way to engage students in physical activity while fostering creativity and teamwork. Dance lessons can help students develop coordination, rhythm, and self-expression. Here are three diverse examples of dance lesson plans that cater to different styles and objectives, making learning fun and accessible for all students.
This lesson plan is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of hip-hop dance, focusing on basic movements and rhythm. It’s perfect for a 60-minute class and encourages students to express themselves through movement.
In this lesson, students will learn the history of hip-hop, basic dance steps, and a short routine to showcase their new skills.
Warm-Up (15 minutes): Start with a dynamic warm-up that includes stretches and basic hip-hop movements like the bounce and the two-step.
Introduction to Hip-Hop Steps (20 minutes): Teach students fundamental moves such as the wave, the robot, and the moonwalk. Break down each move into simple parts and practice them together.
Choreography (20 minutes): Create a short routine combining the steps learned. Allow students to work in small groups to add their personal flair to the choreography.
Performance (5 minutes): Each group performs their routine for the class, encouraging a supportive atmosphere.
Notes: You can introduce variations by incorporating different music genres or by allowing students to create their own choreography for a more personalized experience.
This lesson focuses on creative movement and improvisation, encouraging students to express themselves through dance. Ideal for a 45-minute class, it helps develop creativity and confidence in movement.
The objective is to allow students to explore different ways of moving and to create their own dance sequences.
Warm-Up (10 minutes): Engage students in a fun warm-up that includes stretching and simple movement activities, such as copying each other’s movements.
Exploration (15 minutes): Play different types of music and ask students to move freely, exploring how the music makes them feel. Encourage them to experiment with levels (high, medium, low) and different body parts (arms, legs, torso).
Choreography Creation (15 minutes): Divide students into small groups and assign them a theme (e.g., nature, emotions). Each group creates a 1-minute dance that represents their theme.
Sharing (5 minutes): Groups share their dance with the class, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for each other’s creativity.
Notes: You can adapt this lesson by incorporating props or focusing on specific emotions or stories to enhance creativity.
This lesson plan introduces students to line dancing, promoting teamwork and coordination. It’s suitable for a 50-minute class and is great for engaging students in a fun, social dance environment.
The aim is to teach students a simple line dance routine that they can perform together.
Warm-Up (10 minutes): Start with a group warm-up involving stretching and simple footwork exercises.
Line Dance Instruction (20 minutes): Teach students a popular line dance (like the Electric Slide or the Cupid Shuffle) step by step. Break down each section and practice repeatedly.
Practice (15 minutes): Allow students time to practice the dance as a group, encouraging them to help each other and work together.
Final Performance (5 minutes): Conclude the lesson with a fun performance of the line dance, inviting students to enjoy the moment together.
Notes: To vary the lesson, you can introduce different line dances from various cultures, encouraging students to learn about diverse styles.