Lesson 1: Introduction to Dance Styles Objective: Introduce students to different dance styles and their characteristics.

• Begin by discussing the importance of dance as a form of expression and exercise.
• Show videos or perform short demonstrations of various dance styles such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and cultural dances.
• Discuss the characteristics, history, and cultural significance of each dance style.
• Have students try out basic movements from each style and encourage them to explore their own preferences.

Lesson 2: Basic Ballet Techniques Objective: Teach students fundamental ballet techniques and positions.

• Start with a warm-up to prepare the body for ballet movements.
• Teach students the five basic ballet positions of the feet and arms.
• Demonstrate and practice pliés, tendus, and relevés.
• Introduce simple ballet combinations and encourage students to focus on proper posture and alignment.

Lesson 3: Introduction to Hip-Hop Objective: Familiarize students with hip-hop dance and its basic movements.

• Begin with a discussion on the history and cultural origins of hip-hop dance.
• Teach students basic hip-hop moves such as popping, locking, and breaking.
• Demonstrate and practice simple hip-hop combinations.
• Encourage students to explore their own creativity and style within hip-hop dance.

Lesson 4: Jazz Dance Techniques Objective: Introduce students to jazz dance techniques and movements.

• Start with a jazz dance warm-up to prepare the body for movement.
• Teach students jazz walks, kicks, turns, and leaps.
• Demonstrate and practice jazz isolations and syncopated movements.
• Incorporate these movements into a short jazz dance routine.

Lesson 5: Contemporary Dance Exploration Objective: Explore the expressive and fluid movements of contemporary dance.

• Begin with a discussion on the characteristics and influences of contemporary dance.
• Teach students basic contemporary dance techniques such as contractions, spirals, and floor work.
• Guide students in creating their own short contemporary dance phrases.
• Encourage students to experiment with different dynamics and emotions in their movements.

Lesson 6: Cultural Dances Objective: Introduce students to various cultural dances from around the world.

• Select a few cultural dances from different countries or regions.
• Show videos or perform demonstrations of these dances.
• Teach students basic movements and steps from each cultural dance.
• Discuss the cultural significance and history behind each dance.

Lesson 7: Partner Dance Basics Objective: Teach students the basics of partner dancing and collaboration.

• Begin with a warm-up that focuses on partner stretches and trust-building exercises.
• Teach students basic partner dance techniques such as leading and following.
• Demonstrate and practice simple partner dance moves such as turns, spins, and lifts.
• Encourage students to work together and communicate effectively with their partners.

Lesson 8: Improvisation and Creative Movement Objective: Foster students’ creativity and self-expression through improvisation.

• Start with a warm-up that focuses on body awareness and movement exploration.
• Guide students in improvisation exercises, encouraging them to explore different movements and emotions.
• Provide prompts or themes for students to base their improvisations on.
• Allow students to share their improvisations with the class and discuss their creative choices.

Lesson 9: Choreography Basics Objective: Introduce students to the process of choreographing a dance piece.

• Discuss the elements of choreography, such as space, time, energy, and form.
• Teach students basic choreographic tools such as motif development, repetition, and variation.
• Guide students in creating their own short dance phrases or sequences.
• Encourage students to collaborate and provide feedback to each other.

Lesson 10: Performance Preparation Objective: Prepare students for a final dance performance.

• Review and refine the dance pieces created by students throughout the unit.
• Focus on polishing technique, timing, and performance quality.
• Discuss stage presence, facial expressions, and audience engagement.
• Organize a final performance for students to showcase their dance pieces to their peers or parents.