8-count Mastery Lesson Plan 8-Count Mastery
Lesson Plan: Hip Hop Fundamentals
50 Minutes
Objective
Mastering complex waving, Toyman, and Loose Legs sequences through structured 8-count counts and rhythmic precision.
Audience
Hip Hop dance students (Intermediate/Tier 1)
Gear List
Music player + tracks
Water bottles
Comfortable clothing
Rhythm Quiz
Instructional Sequence
10m
Introduction & Warm-Up
Light stretching and dynamic warm-up to prepare joints for isolation.
Introduce the objective: Learning an 8-count with waving, Toyman, and Loose Legs.
Explain the critical role of counting (1-e-and-a-2...) and rhythm in street styles.
10m
Technique Breakdown
Demonstrate the full sequence. Break down moves slowly:
WAVING Fluid isolation through shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
TOYMAN 90-degree angles, "broken" robotic joints.
LOOSE LEGS Weight shifts, crosses, and light-on-feet bounces.
15m
Guided Practice
Practice as a group at 50% speed (no music).
Incorporate slow-tempo tracks to match movements to counts.
Focus on transitions: How do we go from a fluid Wave into a rigid Toyman?
10m
Freestyle & Small Groups
Allow students to "fill" the counts between major moves. Perform in groups of 3-4 to build performance confidence and supportive peer feedback.
05m
Quiz & Cool-Down
Quick check on terminology and counting. Finish with static stretching and a "vibe out" circle to conclude.
Mastering the Beat Slides HIP HOP
8-COUNT
Technique & Mastery
The Core Three
Technique
Waving
Fluid isolations. Think of water flowing through your joints from one fingertip to the other.
Toyman
90-degree angles. Imagine you are an action figure with stiff, clicking joints.
Loose Legs
Weight shifts and crosses. Lightness in the feet with bouncy energy.
Mastering the 8-Count
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Pro Tip
"Don't just count the numbers. Feel the Pocket. Use 'and' counts for transitions between movements."
LEVEL UP
YOUR
Focus on Clean Lines
Make every angle sharp in Toyman.
Flow in Transitions
Smoothly connect the Wave to the footwork.
Add Your Sauce
Freestyle elements make it yours.
Stay Loose. Stay Fresh.
Hip Hop Rhythm Quiz Rhythm Check
8-Count Mastery Assessment
Dancer:
Date:
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question below.
1
How many beats are in a standard hip hop 8-count?
4
6
8
10
2
What is the primary purpose of counting in dance?
To keep track of duration
To stay in rhythm with the music
To remember the specific steps
All of the above
3
Which of the following is NOT a common move taught in today's lesson?
Slide
Waving
Cabriolé
Toyman
Bonus Question
Briefly explain the difference between a "Toyman" move and a "Wave".
Rhythm Quiz Answer Key Answer Key
Teacher Resource: Rhythm Check
Confidential
1
How many beats are in a standard hip hop 8-count?
8
Rationale: In hip hop choreography, phrases are almost universally organized into sets of 8 beats.
2
What is the primary purpose of counting in dance?
All of the above
Rationale: Counting serves as a chronological roadmap (time), a rhythmic guide (music synchronization), and a mnemonic device (step memorization).
3
Which of the following is NOT a common move taught in today's lesson?
Cabriolé
Rationale: "Cabriolé" is a classical ballet term. Waving, Toyman, and Loose Legs are foundations of the Street/Hip Hop vocabulary used in this lesson.
Bonus Key
Explanatory Note:
A correct answer should emphasize the contrast in Texture.
Toyman: Rigid, angular, robotic, and "staccato" movements mimicking a toy with clicking joints.
