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Chase Strand
LLED 360
Break Dancing lesson
“Movement Unit”
Part 1
Subject:
Lesson Number: ___1____of ___5___
_____Theatre__________
Time: _____60__ minutes
Grade: __9_______
Big Idea or Question for the Lesson:
Students are asked to choreograph a beginner break dancing routine by demonstrating their
own movement in an ensemble. This activity is part of a movement lesson plan that will
encompass Break dancing, contemporary dance and Commedia Dell Arte.
Objectives:
Students will devise and perform Choreography at a rudimentary level in a collective
fashion that is safe and cooperative. In doing so, the drama 9 class will develop a strong
grasp of tempo and rhythm while developing a sense of discipline and group cohesiveness.
Ultimately the main goal of the dance routine is for students to have fun in a safe,
collaborative environment.
Materials/equipment needed: 1) Stereo and music
2) Black boxes for levels and stage composition
3) Felt pens and charts
4) Internet resources
5) Youtube videos and pictures will be accessed by students as resources at the beginning
of the first class.
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Assessment Plan: Students will be assessed on their contribution to the structuring of the
choreography of the dance and it’s execution of the performance at the end of class 5.
Focus on Evaluation will not on the polished product but rather on the cohesiveness of the
group dynamics and the process of the dance lessons.
Adaptations: Those that are not capable of dancing will contribute to the exercise by
devising and structuring the choreography. Key terms will be discussed and clarified in
class as to diminish any confusion.
Modifications: This activity will be modified at the end of the unit plan with 5 lessons on
contemporary dance. The aim of this group activity is to challenge the students by
increasing the level of difficulty of the dance routine. Students will write a reflection at
the end of the lesson plan which will be handed in.
Extensions: This activity is essential as movement is a quintessential aspect to drama and
theatre. Videos of various beginner dance routines will be viewed as models for the
activity. Students have access to the chalk board and poster boards to map out the routine.
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Part 2
Hook and Introduction
The teacher will hook the students in with Youtube videos of break dancing routines. This will make the
exercise more interactive and engaging by giving the students a visual aid and demonstrating what is expected
of them. Following the video, the facilitator will provide a short demonstration of a break dancing routine
that they practiced if comfortable. The facilitator will explain to the class that break dancing is one aspect of
the “movement” lesson plan. Ultimately this lesson plan is aimed to build the students up to the commedia
Del arte lesson plan at the end of the unit.
Introduction: “Today we are going to devise and perform short break dancing scenes that will be performed
at the end of class. This exercise is part of the movement unit plan . Think about how you can incorporate
the techniques and elements of movement and tempo from gr 8 into this dance routine?
Development
- Teacher-led
The purpose of this activity is for students to become aware of their bodies in a precise, accurate fashion and
how movement is essential to theatre and drama. The facilitator will demonstrate some key dance moves
that will be applicable to the routine as options. Students will find ways in which they are challenged
physically by exploring dance moves that are stimulating and physically demanding. Students will be asked
various questions as part of the facilitation process. Some examples of these questions are: How can I
incorporate my Gr 8 dance moves into the routine? Am I working cooperatively as a group? How can I have
fun with the routine while staying on task and focused as a group? How will this activity benefit my
Commedia Del arte education at the end of the unit plan? As a homework assignment, students will be asked
to find professional YouTube clips to show their peers that motivate and inspire the group.
- Class/Group Activity:
The class will perform a 5 minute break dancing routine in the drama room. Students will work in groups of 5
and each group will perform during the remaining 20 minutes of class. 30 minutes of class are allotted for
devising and practicing Chorography and 20 minutes for presentations of polished products.
- Independent Work :
The last 5 minutes of class will be spent reflecting on the benefits of the activity.
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Closing (5 min): Indicate that this break dancing lesson is part of the “movement” lesson plan which is
ultimately geared toward performing Commedia Del Arte at the end of the lesson plan.
Follow-up discussion: At the end of class students will have a group discussion that highlights the benefits
and successes of the dance routine. They will also examine personal and group strengths and weaknesses of
the activity.