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Santa Susana High School

Teaching A Dance Class

Senior Project Final

Lara Haddajian
English Honors Period 4
Mrs. Bradley
November 20, 2015
Dancing has a way of bringing people together and happiness. It is a form of
expression and art created through body movement. Whether one is watching or participating in
a dance, it is an inspiring activity. My main purpose is to gather information and learn new things

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that I did not know about dancing and teaching a class. I will be teaching a jazz dance class to
children and at the end of the class I will be teaching a small dance. This will take me numerous
of days. The way I teach has to be different than teaching people my age. My purpose is to learn
and research the things I did not know. I would like the chance to express my love for dance
through this paper and project. Dance is not something that is one sided. It connects to not only
the dancers, but the audience as well. Teaching a dance class to children may bring me some
complications that my research will help me with. I will have to create an exciting and simple
dance class, understand how children learn, and how to teach effectively. My passion is dance
and would be my major at Santa Susana. I have been dancing since freshman year. It is
something I love and always want to be doing. Dance is everything to me and want to share my
love for it with others. The type of research I would have to do would relate to teaching a dance
class. I would have to look for things that help me understand how teaching is very different
from just dancing. First, I will describe how I will create a simple dance that is easy for kids to
understand and do. Second, I will examine the way children learn and understand the right way
to teach kids in order for them to listen and understand my teaching. Third, I will discuss how I
can teach effectively because dancing is very different from teaching a dance.
Teaching a dance class to children may bring me some complications that my research
will help me with. I will have to create a fun and simple dance class, understand how children
learn, and how to teach effectively. Creating a dance for kids is different than choreographing
for students of similar age. The children I will be teaching may have little or no experience. In
order for the kids to be able to understand the dance, I will have to make it simple but still fun to
perform. The choreography and exercises I make for the kids will have to be fun for them to do
or else they will not enjoy my class. To keep my class entertaining, I will have to make sure I
interact with the students and keep them moving. Interacting with the kids helps create a bond

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between the students and teacher, allowing kids to be open to learning. Interaction promotes the
desire to work and a feeling of recognition (Blueprint For Teaching and Learning in Dance 23)
for the students because it puts them in a happy state of mind. If the students do not feel a
connection with their teacher, they are less likely to give their full attention and participation.
Another way to keep the class fun and happy is to provide specific positive feedback...support
them for being on task(Blueprint For Teaching and Learning in Dance 23). Giving the kids good
critique helps them feel confident and want to continue learning on and enjoy what they are
doing.
Keeping the kids moving and active also creates a fun environment. Kids often get bored
when something or someone is repetitive and always in one motion. As the teacher, I will be able
to travel through the dance room in a manner unpredictable in direction and timing (Blueprint
for Teaching and Learning in Dance23). Instead of me teaching the class from one spot, it is
important for me to move around and give directions as I am moving around or switching
locations often. Doing this will grab the students attention because it creates a sense of inclusion
for every student (Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Dance 23). Moving around in
different parts of the room makes students feel included because they will feel that my attention
is not focused in one area, it is focused on everyone is that class. If I were to stay in one spot at
the front of the class, only the kids in the front will feel the inclusion. But, when I switch
locations--moving to the front, back, side, etc.--I am showing that I want every student to be
involved. Everyone would get the chance to have a close physical proximity and a clear vision of
what I am doing.
I will have to provide the children a fun class environment by interacting with the kids
and staying in motion. Because I will be teaching 2nd and 3rd graders, I have to understand the
way children learn. The way you teach kids is different than the way you would teach a teen or

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adult. Kids often enjoy working in groups and interacting with others because they are
influenced by peers and are extremely social (Great Information 3). This tells me that it may
be helpful to sometimes divide kids into groups or give them time to practice with one another to
give them some socialization with one another. Instead of having them stay quiet the entire class
period, I will have them ask questions and learn from their peers. This allows them to socialize
and give their minds a break from focusing on one thing for too long.
Kids like to be creative and imaginative. When you give an imagery to kids, this helps
them remember or understand better. For example, you might see a teacher and preschoolers
sitting with their legs crossed, swaying from side to side...if you realized that we are imagining
ourselves on a boat trip, riding the ocean waves...you would understand the enthusiastic smiles
on the childrens faces (Dow). This quotes gives me ideas on how I will approach my students. I
will ask the students to visualize and understand what the dance means to them. Before teaching
them the dance I have planned, I can ask all the kids to sit down and close their eyes as I play the
music to the dance. As they are listening to the song, I can ask them to visualize or look for what
the song makes them feel. This will help the children understand the dance more and put more
energy into it because they already have an idea on how the song is supposed to make them feel.
They will understand the mood of the dance. This is a learning stretch because it gives me an
understanding of how kids learn and comprehend what I am teaching. Children also need a
relaxed atmosphere where you, like them, are human with your own share of faults and
shortcomings (Leblanc). They do not want a teacher who is stiff and easily gets mad at
mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and it is my job to remain calm and have a positive attitude
in order to help the kids learn from their mistakes.
Understanding the way children learn will help me come up with ways that I will
approach the kids and how I teach them. I will also have to know how to teach effectively. I will

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discuss how teaching effectively will help me through my project. Teaching effectively involves
many aspects. It is important to be friendly and assertive at the same time. To grasps the students
respect and attention, having a balance of being strict and friendly is an effective way to teach.
Being a good teacher needs qualities such as strong and visionary leadership (Leblanc). I must
be able to be strong and make sure I get my point across in a way where they will listen.
Children often get noisy and distracted, so having a strong and assertive style of teaching will
help get a lot done. While being assertive, I will also have to be friendly and social with the kids.
Being nurturing and caring will help with developing minds and talents (Leblanc). Providing
students with a comfortable and calm environment helps open the minds of students, allowing
them to take on instruction easier.
I must know and understand the audience I am teaching. Every student in the
class will be different. While teaching, I have to know that different groups require very
different approaches (Powers 2). Each kid has a different style of dancing and different dance
experience. Taking this into consideration, I will have to be patient and be able to teach kids in
different approaches if they are not understanding. Knowing my audience, being a good teacher
is about listening, questioning, and being responsive (Leblanc). I will have to listen and be
observant to how the students take instruction. Once in awhile, I will have to ask if anyone has
questions and attend to everyones needs. These qualities make a good teacher because it is
important that you are observant of how the kids are handling what they are being taught. Asking
them questions and listening to their questions will help the students be confident that they
understand what they are doing. It also shows that they can feel comfortable to ask me whenever
they need something.
First, I will describe how I will create a fun and simple dance class that is easy for the
kids to understand. Second, I will examine the way children learn and understand the right way

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to teach kids in order for them to listen and understand my teaching. Third, I will discuss how I
can teach effectively because dancing is very different from teaching a dance. Teaching a dance
class to children may bring me some complications that my research will help me with. I will
have to create a fun and simple dance class, understand how children learn, and how to teach
effectively. Dance brings people together, whether we are a part of it or just watching it. It has a
way of connecting people with the music and choreography. It brings a smile to everyone's face
and has a way of touching every person in its own personal way. That is the beauty of dance.
That is why I am very excited to teach this dance class to children--I would be able to show my
passion and spread its beauty to kids who may have never been able to take a dance class.

Works Cited
Bergstein Dow, Connie. "Young Children and Movement." Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Blueprint For Teaching and Learning in Dance." New York City Department of Education
Office of Arts and Special Projects, 1 May 2009. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Great Information." UC Davis Cancer Center

. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.

Leblanc, Richard. " Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements." Good Teaching: The Top Ten
Requirements. Association for Experiential Education, 1999. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Powers, Richard. "Teaching Guidelines." Teaching Guidelines. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.

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Annotated Bibliography
Bergstein Dow, Connie. "Young Children and Movement." Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Blueprint For Teaching and Learning in Dance." New York City Department of Education
Office of Arts and Special Projects, 1 May 2009. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Great Information." UC Davis Cancer Center

. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.

Leblanc, Richard. " Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements." Good Teaching: The Top Ten
Requirements. Association for Experiential Education, 1999. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Powers, Richard. "Teaching Guidelines." Teaching Guidelines. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Dance Show Is pure Collaboration." - Inside Binghamton University. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The main purpose of the article is to show how collaboration in dance is an effective way to
have a great dance.
3) The article talks about how usually they create their dances separately with one teacher
choreographing their own piece. It then explains how they decided to combine each teacher to

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mix their different styles of dance. Theyve combined hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, and African to
show how collaborating was very successful.
4) The audience is aimed for dancers to show them how collaboration works. Also, it can be for
people who are thinking of going to the university of binghamton.
5) This article is helpful to me because it shows me that collaboration is a great tool when
making a dance so it may be something I would want to use.
6) The article gives many quotes from professors from the school
7) The article does contain bias information because it often boasts about their dance and school
trying to get people to join.

"Guide To Stage Management." Web. 17 Sept. 2015.

2) The purpose of this article is to provide information on putting on a dance show. It helps you
prepare and gives you a lot to think about.
3) The content has a several sections with a large amount of information. It tells you the things
you should check off when preparing for rehearsals such as getting to know the theatre, knowing
safety information, and more. It also describes how running the rehearsals should go. It explains
how the director makes all the calls and you have to make sure you like all the artistic designs
and technical features.
4) The audience is for anyone who is putting on a dance show
5) This information is important because it explains in depth everything you have to think about
while putting on a dance show. It helps you through the rehearsal process and getting to know the
area of your performance.
6) There are pictures to show stage directions and how to stay organized.

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7) The only weakness there is is that the article mostly talks about the rehearsals and does not go
through the whole show process.
"DANCE PERFORMANCE REVIEW OUTLINE." DANCE PERFORMANCE REVIEW
OUTLINE. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this website is to tell people what to look for when watching a dance
performance to understand what the performance was about and to critique the dance correctly.
3) The article tells the audience to think about certain things while watching a performance. It
tells you to ask yourself what the piece was about and what the dance is trying to say (its
theme). You have to see if the dance portrays and emotions or makes you feel differently. You
also have to look to see if the dancers are well rehearsed and know what they are doing. It is
good to see if there is a purpose for props and costumes and if they fit well with what they are
trying to do.
4) The audience seems to be for students who are given a dance performance assignment, but
also is there to help people evaluate a dance properly.
5) This information can help me with my research because it tells me what people look for when
they are watching a dance. It also helps me decide what dances I should accept into my show.
6) There are no special features.
7) The weakness in this article is that it is not very long and does not have too much information,
only a little.
"Process of Improvisational Contemporary Dance." Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this article is to explain to people on how to do a show or dance based on
contemporary improvisation.
3) The article explains how you have to dance with the emotions of the song and let yourself be
inspired by the music. You have to be aware of other dancers and see what movement and speed

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they are going, It is good to tell a story or show an emotion based on the music. It helps to have
images and thought in your head when doing an improv dance.
4) The audience of this article is for anyone who wants to try and do an improv dance. It can be
difficult so it gives you all the steps
5) This information is relevant to me because it gives me a different way to teach students or
have something different in my show.
6) There are some charts that are organized and easy to read
7) The weakness is that it may be bias because it only focuses on their ideas and not others.
"Choreography Suggestions." Choreography Suggestions. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) This articles purposes is to help people make their choreography unique and different from
everyone elses. It helps from keeping your choreography from being boring or basic.
3) The article gives you thinks to ask yourself before you start dancing. You have to know what
your audience wants to see and what will interest them. As a dancer, you have to make them feel
the way you are feeling while dancing. If the dance is not meaningful to them, it will lose their
interest.
4) The audience is for choreographers, teachers, or anyone who needs help making a dance.
5) This information is important because it gives me tools to make my own dance show or
choreography unique. It will help me keep my audience's attention and make it a successful
show.
6) There are no special features.
7) The weakness in this article is that it is a little bias because it only focuses on their suggestions
"Teaching Guidelines." Teaching Guidelines. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this work is to inform people of how to teach a dance or dance class

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3) This article goes step by step on how to be a good dance teacher. You have to know your
audience and make sure you approach them in a friendly, but stern way. It is important to know
every dancer's level and abilities. It is good to always have a lesson plan and backup plans in
case things do not end up working out. It is never acceptable to lose your temper while teaching,
you must always remain calm and explain things thoroughly.
4) The audience is for those who want to teach a class and need advice or new tips
5) This article is helpful because it gives me an understanding of how students think and what
works with them. It gives you a lot of effective information and helps you find your own way of
teaching.
6) There are no special features.
7) The article may be bias because it focuses on their way of teaching and not other ways
"Dance: Student Perspectives." Dance: Student Perspectives. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this article is to show the feelings students have with their dance classes and if
they are comfortable with them or not.
3) The article interviews students who go to that school and ask them how they feel about the
dance faculty and their peers. Students enjoy how their teachers care and connect with students
rather than just teaching.
4) The audience is for anyone who is thinking of joining the school's dance program
5) This information is relevant because it helps me understand how students are happier when
they feel a connection with their dance teachers and always have support. This gives me ideas on
how to act with dancers I would teach or accept in my show.
6) There are no special features.
7) This may be bias because the students only talk about the school and are trying to make the
school look good for people to join.

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"Dance Theme Ideas and Decorations." Sugar Doodle. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this article is to give people ideas on how to decorate their dance shows and
what themes they can do.
3) The article lists many themes and ideas. There's Wild West where the dancers have to base
their songs and costumes from things from the West. Or there is Neon Nite where the costumes
are bright or glow and the song choice and dance have to match the theme.
4) The audience is for anyone who needs help picking a theme for a dance show.
5) This article is useful because it gives me many ideas for themes if I am putting on a dance
show. It helps me think of costumes and how I want to decorate my show.
6) There are no special features.
7) The articles weakness is that it is a .net site, therefore I do not know if the information is the
best.
"Arts and the Common Core Unit Plan Dance." Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this article is to give dancers many ways to make their dance different and
incorporate original ideas
3) The article is an assignment for students to make a dance using literature and haikus. It
informs people that they should think about the emotions and feelings that are going into the
choreography. It gives many questions to ask yourself while making a dance. You have to ask
yourself how the theme is going to help you dance, You also have to work well with others and
accept everyones different ideas.
4) This article is aimed for dancers who need help making a dance and what things to think about
5) This article is relevant because it gives me a lot of things I can look for in dances. I can see if
people thought of these things before creating a dance
6) There are no special features.

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7) The weakness in this article is that it only talks about making a haiku dance rather than giving
information about all kinds of dance.
"Theme Ideas." Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
2) The purpose of this article is to give dance theme ideas to whoever needs help coming up
with them
3) The article only lists several names of dance themes that you can use for a show. It gives
themes such as California Dreamin, Winter Wonderland, La Fiesta, and so much more.
4) The audience is for people who need a theme for a dance show
5) This information is relevant because it gives me a lot of ideas that I can use for a dance show
or even a choreography.
6) There are no special features
7) The only weakness is that the article does not give much description on each theme, it only list
the names of them