Get In the “Swing” of Things…Teach Dance!

Kate Cox

Corte Madera School

kcox@pvsd.net

History of Dance at CMS

Why and how we started our dance program

Professional development

Session Objectives

Participants will leave with the knowledge, skills and confidence to teach swing dance when they return to school.

Participants will learn by doing. Have fun!!!

Standards Addressed Meets standards in Physical Education, Dance and

Performing Arts Lifelong fitness and healthy living Enjoyment Self-expression Social interaction Challenge Personal and social behavior and responsibility Choreographic process Rhythm

Who can teach dance?

EVERYONE!!! Teachers with very little dance experience to

professional dancers can have effective dance programs

Models risk taking Your enthusiasm and energy is contagious

amongst your students

Essential components for the 1st day of dance

Clear expectations High expectations and standards for ALL Everyone dances Know the dance Demonstrate finished product

Captures, motivates and inspires student learning

Identify potential pitfalls (problem students)

Pitfalls/Areas of Concern

Communication Verbal Non-verbal

• Sweatshirts• Body language (ex. rolled eyes)

Teaching Progression

Progression Step 1 Step 1 + music Step 2 Step 2 + music Step 1 & 2 + music Etc.

Stages of Motor Learning

Verbal Cognitive Stage Say it, Do it Cues are very helpful when first learning a

dance/skill Visual learners appreciate having cues on the

wall for reference

Teaching Cues

One word or syllable per step

Starting cue for Swing Rock step, ready, go

Choosing and rotating partners

Everyone participates Unequal numbers of men and women

Solo dancers Rotate often to vary partners and include solo

dancers Stand in dance position in specified area

Teaching Progression Cont. Routine format

Helps build confidence and rhythm Reduces anxiety Takes pressure off leader Teacher still provides instruction in how to lead and

follow for each move Freestyle

Once students master routine, then allow them to choose to dance freestyle

Program promotion

Get kids on board Invite administrators, teachers and

community members to observe Culminating activity

Lunchtime Dance Board presentation with student

demonstration

Swing Steps and Cues

Basic Rock step, side,

side Fly-by

Rock step, fly, by Single under

Rock step, fly, by

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.)

Catch her Rock step, catch,

her Push her

Rock step, push, her

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.) He Goes

Rock step, he goes She Goes

Rock step, she goes

London bridge Rock step, London

bridge

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.)

Pretzel Rock step, Pret-

zel Rock step, belt

buckle Rock step, single

under

Music

The Brian Setzer Orchestra Jump Jive an’ Wail

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Used for jump swing Go Daddy O

Thanks for Coming!

Questions/Comments?

Kate Cox kcox@pvsd.net