Minds On

Dance on!

Music and dancing both go hand in hand.

When we move to the rhythm of a good song that we really like, some sing along, others dance, and sometimes they do both!

Children dancing to music.

Brainstorm

Benefits of dance

Brainstorm the following:

  • What are some of the benefits of dancing? Consider both physical benefits and emotional benefits.
  • Do these benefits change depending on the type of dancing? Why or why not?

Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.

When you’re ready, press 'Let’s Check!' to access possible Benefits of dancing.

Possible benefits of dance are enjoyment, creativity, exercise, and stimulation.

Action

What is dance?

Dance is a sequence of movements.

Today, most dancing is about recreation and self-expression, although it can also be performed as a competitive activity. Dancing is an enjoyable way to be more physically active and stay fit.

Children dancing in gym and following teacher’s movements.

Dance has always been a part of human culture, celebrations, and rituals. It also encourages a strong sense of identity, culture, and traditions!

Forms of dance

There are many different forms of dance, including hip hop, Bharatanatyam, ballet, jigs, salsa, ballroom, swing dancing, and much more!

Let’s explore the various dance forms in the following videos.

Press the following tabs to explore different dance forms.

Access this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Country," to learn more about how to dance country style.

Explore this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Ballet / Hip hop," to learn more about blending completely different dance styles.

Check out this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Disco," to explore more about disco moves.

Access this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Hip Hop / Bharatanatyam," to learn more about blending completely different dance styles.

Explore this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Locking and Popping," to learn more about locking and popping moves.

Check out this video from Step By Step Let’s Dance, entitled "Ballet – Tendu," to learn more about an important step in ballet.

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

After exploring the different types of dance, respond to the following:

1. Reflect on one dance you felt connected to. Why?

2. Which dance would you like to learn? Why?

Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.

Dance styles

Let’s explore the following checklist, before choosing a dance style.

1. I enjoy dancing…

2. I would like to improve my…

3. I prefer to dance…

4. The type of music I prefer to dance to is…

5. I like…

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Consider the dance styles checklist, while reflecting on the following:

  • How would these questions affect the way we move and dance?
  • How can this list help to make choices about what each person enjoys regarding dance?
  • How does enjoying dance help a person’s physical fitness levels?

Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.

Dance for health

Dance has many health benefits for the body.

Children dancing in their dance studio at school, while practising their fitness skills.

Dance can…

  • improve the condition of the heart and lungs
  • increase our muscular strength, endurance, and motor fitness
  • improve our muscle tone and strength
  • lead to better coordination, agility, and flexibility

Dance can also improve our balance skills and spatial awareness, while increasing our physical confidence and developing our aerobic fitness skills.

Did You Know?

Did you know?

There are different movements for specific types of music.

For example, when there is faster music, we can dance with quicker steps, and short movements.

When the music changes to something slower, what sort of movements would we demonstrate?

Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.

Consolidation

Learning check!

Let’s reflect on what we explored throughout this learning activity with the following questions.

Select the correct answer, then press 'Check Answer' to see how you did.

Dance routine

Children dancing to music in the classroom, and trying new moves.

It’s your turn to create your own dance sequence!

For inspiration, you may refer back to the various videos on different dance forms in the Action section.

Check out the following steps and checklist to help guide the dance routine.

If possible, demonstrate your dance routine / sequence to a peer, teacher, or another adult.

Happy dancing!

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.