Dance Narrative Teacher Guide
Dance Narrative
Teacher Guide • Musical Storytelling
Duration
30 mins / band
Why This Matters
Students create a story and use dance movements to represent different characters and events. This encourages creativity and helps students understand narrative structures while enriching artistic and kinesthetic skills through collaboration.
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate narrative understanding and creative expression by mapping story elements (characters, events, sequence) to kinesthetic dance movements.
Preparation
- Selection of instrumental music (varying moods)
- Copies of Story Stage Worksheet
- Clear floor space for movement
The Kickoff (5 mins)
Greet the students and introduce Musical Storytelling. Explain that they will be "choreographing" a narrative.
- Discuss how movements represent emotions (e.g., fluid/sad, sharp/angry).
- Discuss how size and speed represent actions (e.g., big heavy steps for a giant).
- Ask: "How would a character move if they were excited? What about if they were nervous?"
Grade-Specific Facilitation
Grades K-2
Warm-Up (5 min)
Follow-the-leader activity mimicking animals (hopping bunnies, stomping elephants).
Story Creation (10 min)
Divide into small groups. Create a simple 3-part story (First, Next, Last) using the worksheet.
Dance Mapping (10 min)
Assign simple movements to characters. Practice telling the story while moving.
Grades 3-5
Warm-Up (5 min)
Stretching and creative movement exploring space (skipping, spinning, tip-toeing).
Story Creation (10 min)
Groups develop a cohesive narrative with clear conflict and resolution.
Dance Mapping (10 min)
Incorporate varied levels (high/low) and speeds to distinguish characters.
Grades 6-8
Warm-Up (5 min)
Dynamic stretches + improvisation based on descriptive words (sharp, smooth, heavy).
Story Creation (10 min)
Detailed story planning focusing on character motivation and setting.
Dance Mapping (10 min)
Use abstract movements to represent internal feelings and external events.
Grades 9-12
Warm-Up (5 min)
Flexibility/balance focus followed by a technical dance combination.
Story Creation (10 min)
Complex narrative themes (allegory, symbolism) with nuanced character arcs.
Dance Mapping (10 min)
Intricate choreography focusing on transitions and expressive quality.
Presentation & Reflection (5 mins)
The Performance
Have each group perform. You may choose to narrate the story aloud or have it remain silent (mimed storytelling).
PRO TIP: Play appropriate background music during each group's presentation to enhance the mood.
Reflection Prompts
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- "How did the movement change your understanding of the character?"
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- "Which part of the story was easiest to show through dance? Which was hardest?"
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- "How did seeing other groups help you understand their story without words?"
Observer Checklist
- Identifiable characters through movement
- Clear narrative sequence (Start/Middle/End)
- Collaboration within the group
- Effective use of space and level
- Creative expression of emotion
Story Stage Worksheet
Story Stage
Narrative Planning Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Use this stage to plan your story! Note down your characters, events, and the sequence of your performance.
Title of the Story
What do you want to call your story?
Characters in the Story
Who are the characters? Describe how they look or act.
Events of the Story
What happens in the story? What is the big problem or goal?
Sequence of the Story
1
First...
2
Next...
3
Last...
