Dance Extravaganza Lesson Plan Dance Extravaganza
Lesson Plan: High-Energy Movement
Duration
60 min
Why This Lesson?
This lesson plan is designed to prepare 7-8 year olds for a fun and engaging dance competition. Through active learning strategies, students will warm up, learn and practice dance moves, and participate in a mini dance competition. This lesson will help students develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence while promoting physical activity and teamwork.
Audience
Ages 7-8
Active Learning Approach
Materials Needed
Computer & Speakers
Upbeat Dance Playlist
Printable Cards: Dance Moves
"Dance Star" Awards
Main Objective
To prepare students for the Friday Dance Competition through practice, skill-building, and group performances.
Instructional Breakdown
5 MIN
Intro
Welcome & Kickoff
Welcome students and explain the objective: preparing for a major dance competition.
Discuss how dance is great for physical health (strong hearts!) and sharing our feelings (self-expression).
10 MIN
Warm-Up
Get the Blood Pumping
Lead students through dynamic stretches: arm circles, toe touches, and light jogging.
Play upbeat music to build energy. Have students "freeze dance" for the last 2 minutes to test their focus.
25 MIN
Practice
The Routine Masterclass
Introduce the specific moves from the Dance Move Cards (Step Touch, Grapevine, Spin, etc.).
Use the Dance Groove Slides to show visuals of the steps.
Break the routine into 4 "counts of 8". Practice each count without music first, then with slow music.
Encourage students to add "flair"—how can they make the spin unique to them?
15 MIN
Perform
Mini Dance Battle
Divide students into "Crews" of 4-5 students.
Each group performs the routine. Use the computer to play the competition track.
Teach the audience how to cheer respectfully: "Hands up, making noise, but eyes on the dancers!"
5 MIN
Cool Down
Celebration & Reflection
Reflect: What was the hardest move? What was the most fun?
Emphasize that teamwork makes the routine look better.
Hand out "Dance Star" certificates for effort and energy.
Dance Moves Cards Dance Move Cards
Cut these out to practice your routine!
Step Touch
Step to the right, touch your left foot beside it. Repeat to the left!
Basic Level
Grapevine
Step side, step behind, step side, and touch. It's like a traveling zig-zag!
Intermediate
Spin
Pick a spot on the wall, turn 360 degrees, and land with your hands up!
Pro Level
Clap
Reach high or reach low. Give us a big clap on the "4" and "8" counts!
Basic Level
Jump
Explode off the ground! Keep your feet together or spread them wide.
Basic Level
Slide
One big step to the side and drag your other foot along the floor.
Intermediate
Wave
Use your arms to make a ripple from one side of your body to the other.
Pro Level
Freestyle
This is YOUR time! Do any move that makes you feel like a star.
All Levels
Dance Groove Slides Get Ready to Move
DANCE
EXTRAVAGANZA
Competition Training Session
Why do we dance?
Strong Hearts
Dance is one of the most fun ways to keep your body healthy and strong!
Be Yourself
You can show your feelings and personality through every move you make.
WARM UP TIME!
Arm Circles
Big circles like a windmill, then tiny circles like a bee!
Toe Touches
Reach for the stars, then reach for your toes!
Shake It Out
Shake your hands, your legs, and even your hair!
Mastering the Moves
STEP TOUCH
GRAPEVINE
SPIN
CLAP
JUMP
SLIDE
WAVE
FREESTYLE
Mini Dance Battle!
SHOWTIME!
The Stage is Yours
Amazing Energy!
"Which move was your favorite? How did it feel to dance with your team? You are all superstars!"
See you at the Friday Competition!
Dance Judging Rubric Performance Feedback
Mini Competition Judging Sheet
Group / Crew Name
Judge Name
Category Developing (1-2) Super (3-4) Star (5) Energy & Spirit A bit shy or tired. Great energy and smiles! Explosive energy! The room is vibrating. Move Accuracy Still learning the steps. Got most of the moves right. Perfect rhythm and footwork! Teamwork Everyone doing their own thing. Mostly together in time. Total synchronization! One crew. Confidence & Flair Waiting for cues. Showing some personal style. Owned the stage! Total star power.
Judge's Notes
Something you did great:
One tip for Friday:
Dance Star Certificate DANCE STAR
Awarded To
For showing incredible energy and superstar moves during today's training!
Signature
BOOM!
DANCE STAR
Awarded To
For showing incredible energy and superstar moves during today's training!
Signature
SHINE!
DANCE STAR
Awarded To
For showing incredible energy and superstar moves during today's training!
Signature
YES!
DANCE STAR
Awarded To
For showing incredible energy and superstar moves during today's training!
Signature
GROOVE!