SHAPE STANDARDS
S1.E5.3- Performs teacher-selected and developmentally appropriate dance steps and movement patterns.
S2.E1.3- Recognizes the concept of open spaces in a movement context.

CASEL STANDARDS
Social Awareness: Appreciating Diversity

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

 

Objective: Perform a folk dance with a partner

Dance Unit | Level 14

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to perform a folk dance with a partner.

IMPORTANCE
Performing a folk dance with a partner is important because it introduces you to different styles and genres of music. Performing with a partner allows you learn more advanced dance moves.

VOCABULARY
Folk dance:
a dance created and passed down by the common people of a region or country.

MEXICAN HAT DANCE

Instruction without music

Demonstration with music

TIME
10-20 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions

EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Mexican Hat Dance” by Mariachi Neuvo Tecalitan
Optional: 1 dot per student

STORYLINE
Today we are going to do the “Mexican Hat Dance”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • I will divide the class into partners.
  • Before the dance begins, stand next to your partner and spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away.
  • When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
  • You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
  • If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
  • When the chorus comes on, I will say either:
    • “ELBOW SWING” – elbow swing with your partner staying in the same space you started.
    • “STAR” – put your right hands up and together and walk to the right. Switch to your left hand and walk to the left.
  • At the end of each song, I will assign new partners.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Switch directions – students line up facing the right or left.  
Game 3: Students do not have assigned partners. During the chorus they can elbow swing or star with whichever partner they want for eight seconds.
Variation: Put out dots for each student to stand if spacing becomes difficult.
Exit Ticket: Students perform a folk dance with a partner.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach:
    • Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
  • ELL Accommodation: 
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation: 
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
    • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
    • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Reflection: 
    • What is a folk dance?
    • What is one way you encouraged your partner today?

COTTON EYE JOE

Instruction without music

Demonstration with music

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TIME
10-20 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions

EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Cotton Eye Joe” by Starsound
Optional: 1 dot per student

STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Cotton Eye Joe”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • I will divide the class into partners.
  • Before the dance begins, stand next to your partner and spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away.
  • When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
  • You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
  • If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
  • When the chorus comes on I will say either:
    • “ELBOW SWING” – elbow swing with your partner staying in the same space you started.
    • “STAR” – put your right hands up and together and walk to the right. Switch to your left hand and walk to the left.
  • At the end of each song, I will assign new partners.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Switch directions – students line up facing the right or left.
Game 3: Students do not have assigned partners. During the chorus, they can elbow swing or star with whichever partner they want for eight seconds.
Variation: Put out dots for each student to stand if spacing becomes difficult.
Exit Ticket: Students perform a folk dance with a partner.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach: 
    • Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
  • ELL Accommodation: 
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation: 
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
    • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
    • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Reflection: 
    • What is a folk dance?
    • What is one way you encouraged your partner today?

CONGA

Instruction without music

Demonstration with music

TIME
10-20 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions

EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Conga” by Gloria Estefan
Optional: 1 dot per student

STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song the “Conga”. Your goal is to be able to follow the sequence of steps to perform a folk dance with a partner.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Before the dance begins, spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away from the student next to you.
  • When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
  • You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
  • If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Have students get in one big conga line (teacher in front) and perform the sequence of steps.
Game 3: Have students get into pairs and form a conga line while performing the sequence of steps.
Exit Ticket: Students perform a folk dance with a partner.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach:
    • Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
  • ELL Accommodation: 
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation: 
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
    • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
    • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
  • Reflection: 
    • What is a folk dance?
    • What is one way you encouraged your partner today?