Dancing to Express Emotions
Learn to use dance for emotional expression
In this lesson, students will explore how dance can be used to express emotions and as a form of therapy. This will help them articulate their feelings through movement, promoting emotional awareness and self-regulation.
Learn to use dance for emotional expression
Music player with selected songs, Open space for dancing, and Printable Emotion Cards
- Briefly discuss with students how we express emotions (e.g., talking, drawing).
- Introduce the idea that dance is another way to express emotions and tell them they will be exploring this today.
- Lead students in a simple warm-up routine to get their bodies moving (e.g., stretching, shaking out their arms and legs).
- Emphasize having fun and feeling the movements.
Step 3
Guided Dance Activity
10 mins
- Play different selected songs, each representing a different emotion (e.g., happy, sad, angry, calm).
- Ask students to dance how the music makes them feel.
- Provide encouragement and positive feedback to all forms of expression.
Step 4
Reflection Discussion
4 mins
- Gather students in a circle and ask them how dancing made them feel.
- Use Printable Emotion Cards to help prompt discussion. Ask questions like, 'Which dance made you feel happiest?' and 'How did it feel to dance when the music was slow?'
- Encourage students to share and listen to each other.
- Summarize the key points: Dance can be a fun and powerful way to express our emotions.
- Thank students for their participation and encourage them to use dance to express their feelings at home.
