Let's Celebrate! International Dance Day

Title: International Dance Day

Grade Level: Teenagers (16-17 years old)

Duration: 60 minutes

 

Objectives:

To understand the significance of International Dance Day and its celebration worldwide.

To explore the various forms of dance from different cultures.

To encourage creativity, self-expression, and physical activity through dance.

To foster appreciation for dance as an art form and a means of cultural expression.

Materials:

Whiteboard or flipchart

Markers and colored pens

Audiovisual equipment for playing music and videos

Access to the internet for research purposes

Printed materials with information on different dance styles and cultures

Open space for movement and dance activities

Procedure:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

A. Greet the students and introduce the topic of International Dance Day.

B. Explain the history and significance of International Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29.

C. Discuss the importance of dance as an art form, cultural expression, and a means of communication.

II. Activity: Dance Reflection (10 minutes)

A. Ask students to reflect individually on the following questions:

1. What does dance mean to you?

2. Have you ever experienced the joy of dancing? Share a memorable dance moment.

3. How do you think dance can bring people together and bridge cultural gaps?

B. Allow a few students to share their reflections with the class, fostering a discussion.

III. Exploring Dance Styles and Cultures (20 minutes)

A. Introduce students to various dance styles from around the world, such as ballet, hip-hop, salsa, flamenco, etc.

B. Show short video clips or images representing each dance style, highlighting their unique characteristics and cultural significance.

C. Discuss the origins, costumes, music, and key movements associated with each dance style.

D. Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts or experiences related to any of the dance styles.

IV. Activity: Dance Workshop (20 minutes)

A. Divide the class into small groups.

B. Assign each group a dance style to explore and learn.

C. Provide resources (printed materials or online tutorials) and music related to each dance style.

D. Instruct the groups to spend time practicing and creating a short dance routine showcasing their assigned style.

E. Encourage creativity and self-expression while maintaining respect for the cultural origins of the dance styles.

F. Give each group an opportunity to perform their routine in front of the class.

V. Activity: Choreographing Your Own Dance (10 minutes)

A. Invite students to individually or in pairs create their own dance routine.

B. Encourage them to incorporate elements from different dance styles or experiment with their own movements.

C. Provide a selection of music options for students to choose from or allow them to select their own preferred music.

D. Allow students to share their choreography with the class if they feel comfortable doing so.

VI. Conclusion (5 minutes)

A. Recap the key points discussed throughout the lesson, emphasizing the importance of dance as an art form and cultural expression.

B. Encourage students to celebrate International Dance Day by participating in local dance events, watching dance performances, or even organizing their own dance activities.

C. Discuss how dance can foster personal growth, self-confidence, and appreciation for diversity.

D. Thank the students for their participation and enthusiasm.

 

Note: Adjust the timing and activities as needed to fit the allotted class time and the specific needs of the students. Consider having a safe and suitable dance space available for the dance workshop and choreography activities.

 

 

 

Task 2 – A-Z of Dancing

What does a word Dancing mean to you?

 Can you find more words for each letter?

A – Art, Argentine Tango	N -
B - Ballet, Belly-dancer, Bolero	O -
C – Charleston, custom	P -
D - Disco	Q -
E -	R -
F - Flamenco,  Folk dance, Foxtrot	S – Salsa, Samba, Sword Dance
G - Galop	T - Tango, Tap dance, Tarantella, Twist, tradition
H - Hopak, Hip-Hop	U -
I - Irish dance	V - Viennese Waltz
J - Jazz dance	W - Waltz
K -	X -
L - Lambada	Y -
M - Music, Mazurka, Movement	Z- Zumba

Task 2 – A-Z of Dancing

What does a word Dancing mean to you?

 Can you find more words for each letter?

 

A	N
B	O
C	P
D	Q
E	R
F	S
G	T
H	U
I	V
J	W
K	X
L	Y
M	Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task 1 – A-Z of dancing

What does a word Dance mean to you?

 Can you find more words for each letter?

 

A	N
B – ballet, ballroom, belly dance, ballerina	O
C - costumes	P – partner, party, polka, performers
D - dancer	Q - quickstep
E	R - rumba
F – folk dance, flamenco, foxtrot	S – salsa, samba, step
G - good mood	T – tango, techno, twist
H - hip-hop, hopak	U
I	V
J - jazz	W - waltz
K	X
L	Y
M - music, movements, mambo	Z