Lesson Plan
Why Dance Matters Lesson Plan
Students will explore how dance serves as a form of cultural expression, physical activity, and emotional release, then articulate their insights through guided discussion and written reflection.
This lesson builds cultural awareness, promotes physical and emotional health, and encourages self-expression, empowering students with a deeper appreciation for the arts and personal well-being.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Media-rich discussion and reflective activities.
Materials
- Projector and Speakers, - Dance Video Compilation, - Reflection Worksheet, - Lined Paper and Pens, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Assessment Rubric: Dance Reflection
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and copy Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Queue up Dance Video Compilation and test audio.
- Review Assessment Rubric: Dance Reflection.
- Familiarize with National Core Arts Standards for dance (Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting).
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
10 minutes
- Pose the question: “What images or ideas come to mind when you think of dance?” and record responses on chart paper.
- Share the lesson’s objectives and explain how dance connects to culture, health, and emotion.
- Conduct a quick think–pair–share: students name one dance style they know and its purpose.
- Formative check: ask volunteers to share key takeaways.
Step 2
Cultural Expression Discussion
15 minutes
- Display images or short clips of traditional dances (e.g., Kathak, Flamenco, Hip-Hop).
- In pairs, students discuss: “How does this dance reflect cultural values or identity?”
- Reconvene and list themes on chart paper (ritual, celebration, storytelling).
- Differentiation: Provide sentence frames for EL learners (e.g., “In __ culture, dance shows __”).
Step 3
Video Analysis
15 minutes
- Play the first half of the Dance Video Compilation (5 minutes).
- Distribute Reflection Worksheet.
- Students note examples of cultural themes, physical movements, and emotional tones.
- Prompt: “Select one segment and describe its impact on physical health or emotional well-being.”
- Circulate to support students and clarify prompts.
Step 4
Reflection and Assessment
10 minutes
- Students complete the remaining sections of the Reflection Worksheet individually.
- Use the Assessment Rubric: Dance Reflection to self-evaluate clarity and depth.
- Teacher circulates to provide targeted feedback.
- Differentiation: Allow students to sketch responses instead of writing if preferred.
Step 5
Closure and Sharing
10 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share one insight from their worksheet.
- Summarize how dance functions in cultural expression, physical health, and emotional well-being.
- Introduce an optional follow-up choreography mini-project for interested students.
- Collect completed worksheets and thank students for their participation.
Slide Deck
Why Dance Matters
Explore the importance of dance in cultural expression, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Share personal story about a dance you’ve experienced. Explain that over the next hour we’ll explore how dance connects to culture, health, and emotion.
Hook: Your Thoughts on Dance?
• What images or ideas come to mind when you think of dance?
• Think–pair–share one dance style you know and its purpose.
Use a marker or digital annotation to jot student responses live. Encourage quick think–pair–share after initial brainstorming.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of today, you will be able to:
• Identify how dance expresses cultural identity
• Describe physical benefits of dancing
• Explain emotional impacts of movement
• Reflect on dance through writing or sketching
Read each objective aloud and connect it to why it matters for their lives. Check for understanding.
Dance as Cultural Expression
In pairs, discuss:
“How does this dance reflect cultural values or identity?”
Themes to consider:
• Ritual & Celebration
• Storytelling & Tradition
Show images or short clips of Kathak, Flamenco, Hip-Hop. Ask volunteers to describe cultural symbols or stories they notice.
Examples of Traditional Dances
• Kathak (Northern India): storytelling through footwork & gestures
• Flamenco (Spain): expression of joy, sorrow, identity
• Hip-Hop (USA): community, protest, self-expression
Briefly summarize each style’s origin and significance. Invite EL students to use sentence frames.
Watch the first half of our Dance Video Compilation.
Play only the first 5 minutes of the compilation. Pause at natural transitions to let students jot notes.
Video Analysis Prompt
On your Reflection Worksheet:
- Note examples of cultural themes, physical movement, emotional tone.
- Select one segment and describe its impact on physical health or emotional well-being.
Guide students as they fill out their worksheets. Circulate to clarify prompts and support observations.
Reflection & Assessment
• Complete remaining worksheet sections individually.
• Self-evaluate clarity & depth with the Assessment Rubric.
• Teacher feedback available during work time.
Remind students to use the rubric for self-evaluation. Offer sketching option for those who prefer visuals.
Closure & Sharing
• Share one key insight from your reflection.
• Summarize: Dance connects culture, health, emotion.
• Optional mini-project: create a short choreography that tells a story.
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share insights. Highlight common themes and unique perspectives.
Worksheet
Dance Reflection Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ____________
Instructions
Watch the first half of the Dance Video Compilation. Then complete the sections below, using specific examples from the video. After finishing, use the Assessment Rubric: Dance Reflection to self-evaluate your responses.
1. Cultural Themes Observed
List at least two cultural themes or symbols you noticed in the video. Explain how each theme reflects the values or identity of the dance’s culture.
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Theme or Symbol: __________________________________________
Explanation:
-
Theme or Symbol: __________________________________________
Explanation:
2. Physical Movements & Health
Identify two physical movements from the clip and describe how each movement benefits physical health (e.g., strength, flexibility, endurance).
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Movement: __________________________
Health Benefit:
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Movement: __________________________
Health Benefit:
3. Emotional Tone & Impact
Describe the emotional tone (mood, energy, feeling) you observed in the video. How do the dancers’ expressions and music work together to create that tone?
Emotional Tone: __________________________
Explanation:
4. Deep Reflection on One Segment
Choose one segment of the video (e.g., a particular dance style, sequence, or moment). Reflect on its impact on either physical well-being or emotional well-being, or both. Use specific details.
Segment Description: ______________________________________________________
Reflection:
5. Self-Assessment
Refer to the Assessment Rubric: Dance Reflection. Circle the level that best describes your work in each area:
• Depth of Analysis: 1 2 3 4
• Use of Specific Examples: 1 2 3 4
• Clarity of Explanation: 1 2 3 4
• Connection to Objectives: 1 2 3 4
1 = Emerging 2 = Developing 3 = Proficient 4 = Exemplary
Comments on your work:
6. Personal Reflection
Think of a time you participated in or watched a dance. How did that experience affect your emotions or physical state?
Description of Experience:
Effect on You:
7. Creative Extension (Optional)
Use the space below to sketch a scene from the video, write a short poem about dance, or map out your own choreography idea.
Rubric
Dance Reflection Assessment Rubric
Use this rubric to evaluate your written reflection on the dance video. Circle the level that best describes your work in each area.
| Criteria | Emerging (1) | Developing (2) | Proficient (3) | Exemplary (4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Analysis | Surface‐level observations; reflection is minimal and shows little connection to objectives. | Some analysis present but insights are basic or only partially address objectives. | Thoughtful analysis with clear insights that address the objectives. | In‐depth, nuanced analysis demonstrating original insights and strong alignment with objectives. |
| Use of Specific Examples | Few or no examples; examples lack relevance or detail. | Includes some examples, but they may be vague or only loosely tied to points made. | Provides relevant examples with sufficient detail to support reflection. | Multiple, vivid examples that strongly illustrate and enrich the analysis. |
| Clarity of Explanation | Ideas are confusing or disorganized; reader struggles to follow the reflection. | Explanations are somewhat clear but may be disjointed or lack full coherence. | Explanations are clear, organized, and easy to follow. | Explanations are exceptionally clear, well‐organized, and engaging, guiding the reader smoothly. |
| Connection to Objectives | Reflection shows little or no connection to lesson objectives. | Some reference to objectives, but connections are superficial or inconsistent. | Clear and consistent connection to one or more lesson objectives. | Insightful and comprehensive connections to all lesson objectives, demonstrating deep understanding. |
Scoring Key: 1 = Emerging • 2 = Developing • 3 = Proficient • 4 = Exemplary
Total Score: ____ /16
Teacher Comments: