NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Fifth - Eighth Grade Modern Dance Project

Objectives

 To introduce the Modern Dance style.

 To use Modern Dance as a fun form of exercise to increase strength, flexibility, balance and
coordination.

 To allow students to experience the joy of dance.

 To introduce the history of modern dance.

 To encourage students who have an interest in dance to continue to pursue opportunities

which will enhance their personal development and appreciation of the art form.

 To have fun and explore creativity through movement

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 1
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Dance Activity (approx activity length 45 minutes)

Equipment

Something to play music on (stereo, mp3 player and speakers, etc)

Songs that fit the descriptions provided with the individual exercises.

Movement Exercise General Information

Space the students far enough from each other that they will have room to move without being in
another student’s personal space.

The students will need a fair amount of room to move in safely. The gym or a large all purpose
room would be the best spaces.

Suggest that the students bring a large bath or beach towel to class with them. Many of the
exercises are done on the floor. If your school doesn’t have a classroom dedicated to dance,
having the students perform the floor work on a towel is a better option then on a floor that has a
lot of shoe traffic on it.

Typically a modern class is done in bare feet. This is not a sanitary option in the average
academic school. A better option would be to have the students wear socks. If using this
option, remind the students that socks can be slippery. Socks with a gripper bottom would be a
good choice if students have them.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 2
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Positions of the Feet

Parallel First The feet are together (with up to 1 inch distance between them), toes facing
straight forward and heels straight back. Not everyone is able to achieve a
pure parallel position. Allow students to slightly turnout their feet if it helps
with proper body alignment and balance between the ankles, knee and hip
joints.

First The legs are rotated out from the hip so that the toes are
facing away from each other and the heels remain together.
There can be a slight space between the two heels to allow
for individual leg structures. Watch the arches of the feet for
rolling in (eversion) or out (inversion). This will hold true in
all turned out positions.

Parallel Second The feet are placed sits bones width apart. The toes are facing straight
forward and the heels straight back. If there is any torque in the knees or
rolling in the feet when the feet are truly in parallel position, allow the feet to
slightly out toe until the alignment through the other joints in the knee is
corrected.

Second A step to the side from first position opens the legs into 2nd.
The heels are under the hip sockets and the rotation of the
legs away from each other is maintained.

Arm Positions

First Position The arms are brought up in front of the body, in line with
the bottom of the sternum, while maintaining the rounded
line described above. The thumbs are folded behind the
index fingers without touching. The elbows remain higher
than the wrists, so there is a downward slope from the
shoulder, through the elbow to the wrist.

Second Position The arms are opened out from the first position so that they
are almost to the side of the body. The elbows remain
slightly in front of the body, which helps prevent the back
from arching. The hands remain facing each other and the
downward slope described above is maintained. The arms
can also be opened virtually straight to the side with the
palms facing down and no curve to the arm. Even when
straight the elbows should not be behind the chest.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 3
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Basic Movements Defined

Brush or Tendu The working foot slides along the floor until it is fully extended to a point with
just the toes touching the floor. The process is then reversed to close. In
any action where the foot is pointed the foot needs to be in a neutral
alignment with the ankle. When the foot is turned out from the ankle it is
commonly called winging. When the foot is turned in from the ankle it is
commonly referred to as being sickled. The term tendu is derived from the
word etendre meaning to stretch. In this lesson the exercise is done in a
parallel alignment throughout. Watch for the height of the hips to shift.
One hip lower than the other indicates a problem with alignment, weight
distribution (generally there is weight on the working leg), and or sitting in
the standing hip. The posture of the body remains pulled up with a neutral
pelvis. If you see the pelvis tilting forward or backward remind the students
that their tailbone needs to be extending to the floor.

Flat Back The body hinges at the hips to extend the torso in front of the lower half of
the body, with the head and spine maintaining a straight line. Depending on
the student’s body type there will be different amounts of curvature in the
lower back. As long as the abdominal muscles are engaged and the ribcage
is not hyper extended forward a slight curve in the lower back is okay.

Plie’ The knees are bend over the toes and then are straightened to return to the
starting position. A demi plie’ allows the knees to bend as far as possible
keeping the alignment over the toes and maintaining heel contact on the
floor. This is the same in both parallel and turned out positions. In 2nd
position, parallel and turned out, the demi plié stops at approximately the
halfway point. When bending the knees (using plie’) it is important that the
knees track over the middle three toes of the feet. The weight placement
should remain evenly distributed. When the knees bend watch for changes
in the pelvic placement. If you see students tucking their pelvis under (which
will appear to flatten their back) remind them to release their tailbone to the
floor. If you see students who appear to release their hips forward to gain
movement (often arching their lower back) cue them to lengthen their
tailbones to the floor. The feeling of a plie’ should be one of resistance. As
your knees and ankles flex forward the body should remain tall to avoid the
appearance of getting shorter. There is a feeling of pulling up to go down.
As the knees straighten there should be a feeling of lengthening through the
backs of the legs into the floor.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 4
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Alignment and Awareness

Music – instrumental, not a strong beat, relaxing and easy to speak over
Time – approximately 3 minutes

Part A – Legs
Begin with the students lying on their backs. Legs extended in a straight line from their bodies
and arms long by their sides.

Have the students gently shake or move their legs for a couple of seconds and then allow their
legs to just relax. Ask the students to take a mental note of where their legs want to go in a
relaxed position.

Next ask the students to consciously think about creating a parallel line for their legs. Legs in line
with sits bones, knees facing the ceiling, feet may or may not be facing the ceiling based on the
structure of the tibia. Try to encourage the students to think about lining up the three joints in the
leg – ankle, knees and hips.

Repeat the relaxation and tone the legs to a neutral position.

At the conclusion of the last repetition, tell the students to bend their knees and place their feet
flat on the floor, sits bones width apart. The bent leg position often reduces pressure on the lower
back for many people.

Part B – Pelvis
Instruct the students to place their hands in a triangle on their lower abdominal area. Tell them to
gently rock their tailbones towards their noses and then down towards the floor.

As their tailbones rock towards their noses ask them to pay attention to what is happening in the
arches of their backs. As their tailbones rock towards their noses they should feel more of their
lower backs on the floor. The feeling should not be one of pressing down into the floor, but
instead of lengthening through the spine.

As their tailbones rock down to the floor, ask the students to try to find the neutral position where
they do not feel lengthened or overly arched. As their tailbones continue to move towards the
floor, the sensation will be one of increasing the arch in the lower back.

Repeat the rocking through the pelvis another 3 times. At the conclusion ask the students to find
the neutral / centered position of their pelvis. In the neutral position the students should be able
to see their hands level if they glance down at their fingers.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 5
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Alignment and Awareness – continued

Part C – Ribcage
Have the students place their hands on their lower ribcages with their fingers placed gently
between each other. Ask the students to inhale and feel their ribcage expand from side to side.
They will also feel their fingers slide away from each other.

Exhale and have the students feel their ribs return to the position where the ribcage is in a more
closed position. Repeat this breathing exercise.

At the conclusion, have the students lift both arms up to the ceiling, palms facing each other, while
keeping their shoulder blades on the floor.

Part D – Arm / Ribcage Relationship

Have the students feel the placement of their ribcages on the floor. Ask them to lower their arms
to the floor behind them. Encourage the students to go as far as possible without experiencing
pain in their shoulders or neck. Have the students return their arms to the starting position.

Next have the students repeat the movement, this time paying attention to the changes in their
ribcage placement on the floor. As their arms go overhead towards the floor the ribs will release
from the floor. As their arms return towards the starting position their ribs will return to the floor.

Now have the students repeat the movement, this time stopping their arm movement as soon as
they begin to feel the change in the alignment of their ribcages on the floor. Return the arms
towards the ceiling. Repeat this movement 3 more times.

Part E – Shoulder
With the students maintaining the position of their arms to the ceiling, ask them to feel their
shoulder blades lying as flat as possible on the floor. Ask the students to reach their fingers
towards the ceiling, have them concentrate on the feeling of their shoulder blades sliding away
from their spines and possibly even losing contact with the floor. Next, have the students return
their arms and shoulder blades to the starting position.
Repeat this movement 3 more times.

Teaching Notes

• The focus of this exercise is to begin increasing the body awareness of the students
through certain movements. As the lessons progress, more direction will be given on how
to complete the movements and later on the integration of the movements into dance
exercises.

• Adding additional repetitions to areas where the students need more experience to
understand the connection would be very beneficial to the students.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 6
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Spinal Movement and Breath

Music – instrumental, not a strong beat, relaxing and easy to speak over
Time – approximately 3 minutes

Part A – Seated
Have the students sit with their legs either tailor crossed or with their knees bent and the soles of
their feet together. Ideally their backs will have the natural curve at the lower back and in the
torso.

Have the students breathe normally a few times. Next, instruct them to inhale and exhale more
deeply and pay attention to what happens throughout their torsos. On the inhale, the natural
tendency should be of lifting and opening through the torso. As they exhale the tendency should
reverse and become one of closing and rounding. As the students perform the movements,
explain to them that due to these natural tendencies created by breathing we are able to add
support or create more range of motion in many movements by incorporating specific breathing
with the exercise.

Complete the following sequence 4 times:

Roll Down and Up

Inhale in the starting position

Exhale and roll down starting with the head and then through the spine, one piece at a time,
stopping before the pelvis changes position

Inhale in the rounded position feeling the breath expand the back muscles

Exhale to return to sitting, restacking the vertebra one at a time from the bottom of the spine up
to the head

Inhale and allow the spine to gently arch by lifting the collar bones towards the ceiling (maintain
the alignment of the head and neck to the spine)

Exhale and return to the starting position

Part B – Standing
Have the students stand with their legs in parallel alignment and their feet sits bones width apart.
The students should be standing with their pelvis and spines in neutral.

Repeat the Roll Down and Up sequence as described in the seated section 4 times

While the sequence of movements and breathing remains the same, it is important to note 2
changes in the execution. First, the weight should remain centered on both feet throughout the
exercise. Second, the pelvis will probably change positions in the standing version.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 7
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Exercise 2 – Spinal Movement and Breath continued

Teaching Tips

• If a student is unable to sit up comfortably in this position have them sit on a phone book
or roll a piece of clothing and place it under their sits bones. Changing the angle will allow
muscles in the lower back, hip and thigh areas to relax and often will allow a student to sit
up properly.

• When sitting correctly the weight should be evenly divided between both sits bones and
remain there throughout the exercise.

• The tendencies for the spine to arch or round with only the breath as the impetus are
distinguishable but not large movements. It is important that the students begin to
understand that we are using the body’s natural instinct for movement and adding to it to
create the movement patterns in the exercise.

• If turning the feet to a perfect parallel creates any sensation or evidence of twisting at the
knee, allow the students to slightly out toe their feet until that twisting is released. It is
important that the out toeing come from the foot and is not to be confused with turning out
the legs from the hips (like in ballet).

• In the standing exercise, when the students round forward, the natural tendency is often to
shift the pelvis backwards towards or behind the heels. This counter balance technique is
often used to compensate for weaker abdominals (or lack of awareness on how to engage
the abdominals). At this level, remind the students to try to maintain their weight
placement, but it is not the emphasis of the exercise.

• In the standing exercise, when the students round forward many students will allow the
knees to bend. The knees should remain straight, but not locked. Bending the knees is
often compensation for tightness in the hamstrings or the lower back. At this level simply
ask the students to not roll down quite so far.

• In the standing exercise, remind the students to control the rolling down and up by
engaging their abdominal muscles. It is very easy to give into gravity and drop forward
and then use momentum to return upright.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 8
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Flat Back

Music – instrumental preferred, 4/4 meter, approximately 70 beats per minute

Counts – 64 counts

Starting position – sitting with the soles of the feet together and not pulled in too tightly. If
there is enough wall space for every student to sit with their back against a wall it would be
beneficial for this exercise as it adds to the proprioceptive input the students receive.

Counts Movement
1-4 Lift the arms as close to the ears as possible without the ribcage moving,
keeping the elbows straight
1-4 Hinge the torso from the hips maintaining the flat back
1-4 Return the torso to the starting position
1-4 Lower the arms to the starting position

1-4 x 12 Repeat the above combination 3 more times

Teaching Tips
• Demonstrate the movement one time with the arms high and one time with the arms low.

• Encourage the students to reach their arms away from their bodies as they hinge forward.
The reaching of their arms will encourage the students to manage their body weight away
from their hips instead of down to the floor.

• Performing the exercise sitting helps the students to stabilize against the change of torso
weight.

• While the shoulders will lift slightly, it is important that the students try to control the
amount of lifting that the shoulders do.

• Explain to the students that their abdominal muscles must remain engaged throughout the
exercise to support and control the movement.

• A good cue to help the students maintain abdominal engagement is to ask them to pull
their navels towards their spines.

• The movement occurs from the pelvis hinging on the thighs. The flat back needs to be
maintained when the pelvis hinges forward and returns.

• Explain to the students that they need to stop as soon as they feel their spines changing
shape.

• If the wall is being used, remind the students to maintain the same feeling through their
spines that they have when their backs are against the wall and when the position is hinged
forward.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 9
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Contraction

Music – instrumental preferred, 4/4 meter, approximately 70 beats per minute

Counts – 64 counts

Starting position – sitting with the soles of the feet together and not pulled in too tightly, hands
resting on the thighs

Counts Movement
1-4 Tuck the pelvis under and roll the weight back off of the sits bones. Allow
the lower back to round at the same time
1-4 Return to the starting position

1-4 x 6 Repeat 3 more sets and raise the arms to 1st position

1-4 x 8 Repeat the exercise above with the arms in 1st position

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate the movement 1 time with the hands on the thighs and one time with the
arms in first position.

• The feeling should be one of lifting, not dropping.

• Once the arms are lifted to 1st position more abdominal support will be needed then with
the hands on the thighs.

• A good cue for many students is to suggest a scooping movement from the pelvis.

• The position of the legs in a diamond allows the pelvis to move more easily on the thighs.

• The back rounds only because of the movement of the pelvis.

• If the movement is initiated from the back instead of the pelvis a dropping sensation
instead of a lifting sensation will occur.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 10
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Rotation

Music – instrumental preferred, 3/4 meter, approximately 70 beats per minute

Measures – 32 measures

Starting position – sitting with the soles of the feet together and not pulled in too tightly,
fingertips resting on the floor on either side of the thighs, arms slightly rounded

Measures Movement

1 Rotate the torso to the right

2 Return to the starting position
3 Rotate the torso to the left
4 Return to the starting position

1-4 x 3 Repeat the exercise above 3 more sets, as you return to center the last time,
lift the arms to a slightly rounded 2nd position

1-4 x 4 Repeat the exercise above with the arms in 2nd position

Teaching Tips

• It is important that the spine stay lengthened throughout the rotation.

• The fingertips should lift to just off of the floor during the rotation with the arms in the
lower position.

• While the movement happens in the torso, there may be very minimal movement in the
pelvis. Trying to ground the pelvis and not allow movement could create a shearing force
in the spine which can lead to injury.

• The position of the legs in a diamond creates a wider base of support and provides more
stability.

• Lifting the arms to 2nd position creates more resistance during the rotation due to having to
support the weight of the arms against gravity.

• The movement is created by the abdominal and back muscles. If you notice a student’s
back arching, cue them to rotate the ribcage so that their focus is brought to the front of
their body. If you notice a student’s torso rounding, cue them to rotate from their back.
This will bring their focus to the back of their body which will help the student to stay
lengthened through the torso.

• It is very common for the range of motion to be different on the two sides of the body.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 11
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Side Bending

Music – instrumental preferred, 3/4 meter, approximately 70 beats per minute

Measures – 16 measures

Starting position – lying on your back, legs straight and sits bones width apart and arms
lengthened by the sides. If there is enough room to have the students place their feet flat against
the wall with at least a foot distance between each person would be beneficial to the students but
is not crucial.

Measures Movement

1 Pull the right hand down towards the right foot. Allow the head and spine to
bend to the right
2 Return to the starting position
3 Repeat the movement to the left
4 Return to the starting position

1 -4 x 3 Repeat the exercise above 3 more sets

Teaching Tips

• It is important that the spine stay lengthened throughout the side bend. There should not
be a crunching feeling on either side of the body.

• From the pelvis down, the body should remain still.

• If the students are able to ground their feet against the wall it should be easier for them to
maintain stability through the lower body.

• It is very common for the range of motion to be different on the two sides of the body.

• The range of motion should only be as far as the movement can remain smooth.

• The students might have more range of motion when their feet are stabilized against the
wall.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 12
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Plié

Music – instrumental preferred, 4/4 meter, approximately 80 beats per minute

Counts – 98 counts

Starting position – standing in the center with the feet in parallel 1st position, arms are held long
by the sides

Counts Movement

1-4 Demi plié in parallel 1st position

1-4 Stretch legs
1-4 x 2 Repeat

1-4 Turn both legs out into 1st position

1-4 Maintain the position

1-4 x 4 Repeat the combination in 1st position

1-4 Lift the heels and turn the legs to a parallel 2nd position alignment. The feet
will be approximately under the sits bones
1-4 Maintain the position

1-4 x 4 Repeat the combination in parallel 2nd position

1-4 Turn both legs out into 2nd position

1-4 Maintain the position

1-4 x 4 Repeat the combination in 2nd position

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate 1 plié and show the students the 4 positions of the feet and legs that are
being used.

• Remind the students to keep their pelvis in a neutral position, not tilt forward or tuck under.

• The knees only bend as far as the heels remain firmly on the floor.

• It is important to remain pulled up through the torso as the knees bend.

• If the students have not had exposure to other dance training you might need to take more
time to explain the plié movement.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 13
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Brush / Tendu

Music – instrumental preferred, 4/4 meter, approximately 80 beats per minute

Counts – 128 counts

Starting position – standing in the center with the feet in parallel 1st position, arms are held in
2nd position

Counts Movement

1-4 Tendu the right foot to the front, fully stretching the foot and ankle
1-4 Return the foot to parallel 1st position
1-4 x 2 Repeat

1-4 x 2 Repeat the combination to the side

1-4 x 2 Repeat the combination to the back

1-4 x 2 Repeat the combination to the side

1-4 x 16 Repeat the combination on the left side

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate 1 tendu to each direction.

• Remind the students to keep their pelvis in a neutral position, not tilt forward or tuck under.

• Remind the students that their weight needs to stay on their supporting sides, not travel
with the tendu.

• It is important to remain pulled up through and the knees stay straight throughout the
exercise.

• Explain to the students that they need to use their foot against the resistance of the floor.
Tendus are designed to strengthen the 5 layers of intrinsic muscles in the feet.

• Encourage the students to use their arms to help them maintain balance during the
exercise.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 14
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Levels

Music – instrumental, not a strong beat, relaxing and easy to speak over
Time – approximately 4 minutes

Explain to the students the three levels of space to move in.

Low – with the majority of the body on the floor through the kneeling level

Medium or Middle – with the feet on the floor

High – in the air

Have the students explore different ways to move on the low level. There are no correct or
incorrect movements to include as long as they are being done with the majority of the body on
the floor through the kneeling level. Allow the students to explore movement on this level for 1
minute.

Remind the students of the difference between low and middle level movement. Have the
students explore different ways to move on the middle level. As with the low level, there are no
correct or incorrect movements as long as they are being done at the standing / pedestrian level.
Allow the students to explore movement on this level for 1 minute.

Remind the students that the high level movement needs to take place in the air. Have the
students explore different ways to move on the high level. As with the previous levels there are
no correct or incorrect movements as long as they are being done with some part of the
movement in the high level. Allow the students to explore movement on this level for 1 minute.

Teaching Tips

• Encourage the students to try different movements on each level.

• The movements can be linear, circular or axial.

• Remind the students to maintain a safe distance between each other as they are moving.

• Low movement occurs on the ground level. This includes crawling, slithering, rolling,
kneeling, etc.

• Medium movement occurs at the pedestrian or walking level. This includes, walking,
running, sliding, etc.

• High movement occurs in the air. This includes hopping, skipping, jumping, leaping, and
being a lifted body.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 15
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Walking in Rhythm
Music – instrumental with a consistent beat in the meter indicated in each section. The music
should be a moderate tempo so that it is comfortable to walk to
Time – approximately 3 minutes

Part A – Walking forward in 4/4

Divide the students into small groups or pairs. Have the students walk forward in time with the
music. Remind the students that the normal gait is for the heel to hit first and roll through the
foot to push off of the toes.
Have the students move along the diagonal from one corner of the room to the opposite corner

Part B – Walking sideways in 3 / 4

With the students still in the groups from Part A change the music to the new meter.
Have the students walk sideways from right to left and from left to right
The movement of the feet should be a step together action, not crossing.

Part C – Walking backwards in 2 / 4

Maintain the same groups as the previous parts and change the music to the new meter.
Have the students move along the diagonal from one corner of the room to the opposite corner
Remind the students that the normal gait when walking backwards is to step toe first and then
transfer the weight to the heel.

Teaching Tips

• The eye focus needs to be straight ahead throughout the walks in all directions.

• Encourage the students to walk as normally as possible.

• Remind the students to keep the hips, shoulders and head in the same direction.

• The length of the steps in the forward and backwards directions should be approximately
the same length.

• The sideways steps should be between hip and shoulder width.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 16
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Triplets
Music – instrumental with a consistent beat in a 3/4 meter, approximately 75 beats per minute
Time – approximately 4 minutes

Starting position – standing in corner #6, legs are in parallel 1st position and the arms are
relaxed by the sides

Counts Movement

1 Step forward on the right foot, through the toe, ball, heel and into a bent
knee

2 Step forward on the left foot, onto the ball of the foot (relevé position), on a
straight leg

3 Step forward on the right foot, onto the ball of the foot (relevé position), on a
straight leg

1-3 Repeat the same combination with the left leg starting the movement

Continue alternating between starting the pattern on the right and left sides until the whole
diagonal is completed.

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate 1 triplet with the right foot starting and 1 with the left foot starting.

• The pattern can be called out as down, up, up.

• At this level, the concentration is on learning the movement pattern of the feet and legs.

• As the students execute the pattern there should be no holds in the timing between each
set.

• Remind the students to keep the hips, shoulders and head facing in the direction of travel.

• The length of both the down and up steps should be approximately the same.

• The weight should transfer completely onto each step.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 17
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Footwork

Music – instrumental preferred, 2/4 or 4/4 meter, approximately 80 beats per minute
Counts – 128 counts

Starting position – standing in the center with the feet in parallel 1st position, hands on the hips

Counts Movement

1-2 Bend the right knee and lift the heel of the right foot off of the floor, keep the
ball of the foot on the floor
3-4 Stretch the foot fully, until just the tips of the toes are on the floor
1-2 Return the foot to the relevé position
3-4 Place the heel back on the floor

1-4 x 14 Repeat 7 more repetitions

1-4 x 16 Repeat the combination on the left side

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate 1 set of the movement.

• Remind the students to keep their pelvis in a neutral position, not tilted forward or tucked
under.

• The movement is created from the foot up, not the knee down.

• It is important that there is no weight put on the gesture foot when the toes are fully
stretched.

• Watch the alignment of the leg between the ankle, knee and hip, all three joints should
face in the same direction.

• The rest of the body should remain still throughout the movement.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 18
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Release and Recover

Music – instrumental preferred with a definite 4/4 meter, approximately 80 beats per minute
Counts – 64 counts

Starting position – standing with the feet sits bones width apart in parallel 2nd position, the arms
are reaching up towards the ceiling

Counts Movement
1-4 Swing the arms down, drop the head and roll down through the body and
allow the knees to soften

1-4 Return the body to the starting position

1-4 x 14 Repeat the exercise 7 more times

Teaching Tips

• Demonstrate 1 release and recover.

• The release is a controlled drop.

• The recovery is the return to the starting position.

• When demonstrating the exercise it is important that the students understand that there is
control in the movement.

• While there is momentum to the movement, it is important that the students remember the
sequence taught in the roll down so that the release is safe for the body.

• The abdominal muscles control the movement of the release.

• During the return to the starting position it is important that the pelvis and spine are
returned to their neutral positions.

Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 19
NATIONAL DANCE WEEK LESSON PLAN GRADES 5-8 MODERN DANCE

Choreography Project (approximate length can vary from a few minutes to a full class)

Have the students think about the movements that were done in the class and incorporate those
movements with travelling steps. Encourage the students to try turning and jumping in a side
bend or contraction. Suggest linking the stationary movements together to create a movement
phrase or perform a travelling step and use a stationary movement as an accent.

If the activity is designed to take a full class, encourage the students to work with specific phrases
in music and write down the combinations that work well. Assigning a theme to the phrase can
help students find direction the creation of their combination.

Once the choreography portion is done, have the students perform, either alone or in small groups
and then switch roles with the observers. Another option is to have a student teach another
student or a small group of students and then reverse roles.

Research Project (approximate length can vary from a few minutes to a full class)

Have the students research a famous figure in modern dance and present their findings to the
class. Encourage the students to show pictures, demonstrate movements based on the pictures or
present a brief oral report. The following is a starting list of modern dancers:
• Isadora Duncan
• Mary Wigam
• Lester Horton
• Martha Graham
• Loie Fuller
• Rudolph Von laban
• Ruth St. Denis
• Ted Shawn
• Doris Humphrey
• Charles Weidman
• Katherine Dunham
• José Limon
• Hanya Holm
• Donald McKayle
• Erik Hawkins
• Merce Cunningham
• Alvin Ailey
• Judith Jamison
• Trisha Brown
• Paul Taylor
• Twyla Tharp
• Alwin Nikolais
• Sean Curran
• Mark Morris
Adapted from “Introduction to Modern Dance” by www.abcfordance.com For National Dance Week 20