Lesson Plan
Dance Your Own Beat Lesson Plan
Students will collaborate to design a short dance routine—applying basic choreography elements, sequencing movements, and performing confidently after a proper warm-up.
This lesson builds creativity, teamwork, physical fitness, and confidence through movement, supporting students’ artistic expression and social skills.
Audience
K-12 Students
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Guided warm-up, group planning, rehearsal, and performance.
Materials
- Choreography Planning Worksheet, - Music Selection List, - Audio Device And Speakers, - Timer Or Stopwatch, and - Cones Or Markers To Delineate Dance Area
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Clear and arrange a safe, open dance space.
- Set up audio device and queue tracks from the Music Selection List.
- Print one copy of the Choreography Planning Worksheet per group.
- Review warm-up stretches and key choreography concepts to support students.
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
- Lead full-body stretches targeting arms, legs, torso, and neck.
- Include dynamic movements: arm circles, leg swings, and gentle lunges.
- Emphasize proper breathing and safe range of motion.
Step 2
Introduction & Demonstration
5 minutes
- Define choreography and discuss its elements (e.g., repetition, levels, tempo).
- Show or perform a simple routine to illustrate these elements.
- Invite students to note creative moves they find inspiring.
Step 3
Choreography Planning
10 minutes
- Divide into groups of 3–4 students.
- Distribute the Choreography Planning Worksheet.
- Each group selects a song from the Music Selection List.
- Outline 3–5 key movements sequenced over 16–32 counts.
- Teacher circulates to guide creativity and structure.
Step 4
Rehearsal
10 minutes
- Groups play their chosen music and practice their routine.
- Focus on timing, spatial patterns, and smooth transitions.
- Teacher offers feedback on synchronization and expression.
Step 5
Group Performance
8 minutes
- Each group presents their routine (1–2 minutes each).
- Classmates give positive feedback, highlighting teamwork and creative elements.
- Teacher notes strengths for informal assessment.
Step 6
Cool-Down & Reflection
2 minutes
- Guide gentle stretches to relax muscles.
- Prompt quick reflection: “Which movement are you most proud of?” and “How did your team collaborate?”
Warm Up
Stretch & Groove Warm Up
Duration: 5 minutes
Objective: Prepare students’ bodies for choreography by increasing blood flow, flexibility, and energy with dynamic stretches and light movement.
Materials:
- Open, safe dance space
- Optional upbeat music from the Music Selection List
Instructions
- Shoulder Rolls (30 seconds)
- Roll shoulders forward for 5 counts, then backward for 5 counts.
- Repeat continuously to release tension.
- Arm Circles (40 seconds)
- Extend arms out to sides and make small circles, gradually increasing size.
- Perform 10 circles forward and 10 backward.
- Hip Circles (40 seconds)
- Place hands on hips and circle hips clockwise for 10 counts, then counterclockwise for 10 counts.
- Leg Swings (1 minute)
- Hold onto a partner or wall for balance.
- Swing one leg forward and backward for 10 reps, then switch legs.
- Torso Twists (40 seconds)
- Stand feet hip-width apart, arms out to sides.
- Rotate torso left and right, tapping elbow to opposite knee lightly for 12 reps each side.
- Dynamic Lunge with Reach (1 minute)
- Step forward into a lunge and reach arms overhead, then switch legs.
- Alternate sides for 10 reps per leg.
- Step-Touch Groove (30 seconds)
- Step to the right and touch left foot beside it, then step left and touch right.
- Encourage students to add a small sway and arm movement to the beat.
Transition smoothly into the main choreography lesson now that bodies are warmed, engaged, and energized!
Worksheet
Choreography Planning Worksheet
Group Members
- _______________________________________
2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
Song Selection
Choose one song from the Music Selection List:
Title & Artist: _______________________________________
Total Counts (16–32): _______________________________________
Key Movements (List 3–5)
- Movement 1: _________________________________ Counts: _______
2. Movement 2: _________________________________ Counts: _______
3. Movement 3: _________________________________ Counts: _______
4. Movement 4 (optional): ______________________ Counts: _______
5. Movement 5 (optional): ______________________ Counts: _______
Sequence Outline & Spacing
Describe how each movement flows into the next and where your group will stand.
- 1→2: ___________________________________________________________________________
2. 2→3: ___________________________________________________________________________
3. 3→4: ___________________________________________________________________________
4. 4→5: ___________________________________________________________________________
Formation Sketch
Draw or diagram your group’s spacing and pathways (use back of page if needed).
Transitions & Cues
Note any special timing marks, signals, or transitional moves to keep everyone in sync.
- ___________________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________________
Performance Notes
List one or two reminders to help your group perform with confidence and expression:
- ___________________________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________________________
Reflection (Post-Rehearsal)
What worked really well?
What would you improve next time?
Teamwork highlight:
______________________________________________________________________________