Critical Learning

The elements of dance are the building blocks of movement.  

The elements are dance are used and combined in different ways to create different genres/styles of dance.

Guiding Questions

How are the elements of dance used in Hip hop dance?  

How is this different from how they are used in African dance?

Learning Goals

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify how the elements of dance are used in hip hop
  • create a short dance phrase using pictures of Hip Hop dance as a stimulus
  • Identify the similarities and differences between Hip Hop and African dance
Readiness

Students should be comfortable working in small groups to create choreography.

Terminology

Hip Hop

Materials

Minds On (~10 minutes)

Whole Class > Discussion

  • Lead the class through a brief discussion about where Hip Hop originated from (see Materials for suggested resources).
  • Identify on the map where Hip Hop originated from.

Whole Class > Analyzing Images

  • Prepare images of various hip hop moves (see Materials for suggestions on where to find sample images online) and spread them out in a circle around the room.
  • Group students around each image (2-3 students per image).
  • Ask students to interpret the image through movement. Remind them that it should not be an exact replica, but rather an interpretation of what they see.
  • After students have had 2-3 minutes to create their movement, have them rotate clockwise to the next image. Repeat the process until students have 3 shapes/movements.

Action (~30 minutes)

Pairs > Creating a Movement Sequence

Partner students up and direct them to teach their three movements to their partner. Each pair now has 6 movements. Instruct students to decide on which order they want to put the movements in and to create transitions between each movement. Give students time to rehearse.

Prompt: How will you go from one movement to the next? Are you going to slide? spin? Will you change levels? Are you doing it in unison?

Pairs > Sharing with the Class

Keep students in the space they are working in and, one group at a time, have partners share with the class.

Whole Class > Debrief

Lead a class discussion about the similarities and differences between the African dance from lesson one and Hip Hop.

Key Questions for Discussion:
  • How were the elements of dance used in the same ways? How were they used differently?
  • How is energy used in both styles of dance?
  • What levels are used in African and Hip Hop?
Quick Tip

While students are working, play a variety of music. Some suggestions:

  • no music to begin with
  • just percussion
  • African music
  • hip hop music

Consolidation (~20 minutes)

Pairs > Venn Diagram Comparison

Ask students to work together in partners to complete a Venn Diagram comparing the use of the elements of dance in African dance and Hip Hop dance. Ensure that once students have completed their Venn Diagram, they write a summary statement at the bottom of the page to synthesize their learning. Post Venn Diagrams around the room so students can reference them while they are working.

Assessment for Learning (AfL)

Venn Diagrams will help you determine who has understood the difference between the two dance styles and whether or not the class is ready to proceed to the culminating task.

Assessment as Learning (AaL)

Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the dance styles.