Get In the “Swing” of Things…Teach Dance! Kate Cox Corte Madera School

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

Who can teach dance? EVERYONE!!! T Teachers with very little dance experience to professional dancers can have effective dance programs T Models risk taking T 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 T Captures, motivates and inspires student learning Identify potential pitfalls (problem students)

Pitfalls/Areas of Concern Communication T Verbal T Non-verbal Sweatshirts Body language (ex. rolled eyes)

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

Stages of Motor Learning Verbal Cognitive Stage T Say it, Do it T Cues are very helpful when first learning a dance/skill T Visual learners appreciate having cues on the wall for reference

Teaching Cues One word or syllable per step Starting cue for Swing T Rock step, ready, go

Choosing and rotating partners Everyone participates Unequal numbers of men and women T Solo dancers Rotate often to vary partners and include solo dancers Stand in dance position in specified area

Teaching Progression Cont. Routine format T Helps build confidence and rhythm T Reduces anxiety T Takes pressure off leader T Teacher still provides instruction in how to lead and follow for each move Freestyle T 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 T Lunchtime Dance Board presentation with student demonstration

Swing Steps and Cues Basic T Rock step, side, side Fly-by T Rock step, fly, by Single under T Rock step, fly, by

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.) Catch her T Rock step, catch, her Push her T Rock step, push, her

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.) He Goes T Rock step, he goes She Goes T Rock step, she goes London bridge T Rock step, London bridge

Swing Steps and Cues (cont.) Pretzel T Rock step, Pret- zel T Rock step, belt buckle T Rock step, single under

Music The Brian Setzer Orchestra T Jump Jive an’ Wail Big Bad Voodoo Daddy T Used for jump swing T Go Daddy O

Thanks for Coming! Questions/Comments? Kate Cox