By: Katina Anthony

Dance Dance Revolution Dance Dance Revolution is a video game that can be used with a variety of gaming systems It involves dancing to upbeat songs at a variety of speeds Great way to burn calories and stay fit while having fun!

Benefits of Dance Dance Revolution Kids love to play video games! Improves coordination, balance, and cognitive skills for all age groups A great tool for workouts indoors when the weather is inclement Ability to make a competition between the students to asses their movements and distribute grades

Equipment Needed Dance Dance Revolution game disc and floor mat, if larger number of students it may require up to 4 mats. (cost around $200 for all of this) Game system such as Playstation 2 or 3, Xbox, or Wii (cost around $200) A 32 inch Vizio LCD television that is video-game compatible (cost around $200) Flip video camera to record students (cost around $70)

Dance Dance Dance There are different versions and themes of Dance Dance Revolution Also there is a full arcade system that can also be purchased if funds are high enough

Assessments A 1-2 minute dance can be performed to test students ability to follow the music, hit the targets, assess their balance and measure their level of effort. A Microsoft excel spreadsheet can be used to organize the data received from the game for each student Also video taping the students can be a useful resource so the students can visually learn and their parents will be able to watch as well

About the Game… The levels in the game are beginner, light, standard, heavy and challenge You can also choose the setting which are game mode, workout mode, lesson mode, training mode, and you can access your records The game shows your accuracy with the targets, combinations of how many you hit in a row, and what level you are on which can all be used for grading purposes

Ways to Teach Dance Lessons You can have the students watch first as you demonstrate how do play the game Free mode can be used to practice, where their scores will not be counted and they can work on timing and rhythm The students will go 2 at a time, both displayed on screen in split mode, for 1 minute each for the practice round After a few lessons you can start the competitions They will be performed with the game on the points mode setting to record their scores and insert in the spreadsheet Also recording the dancing to point out specific moves and forms can make for a helpful lesson for students!

Overview… There are many benefits from this program: It will provide an exciting new workout, improve cognitive and movement skills, and create innovative lessons for you as a professional The equipment cost for everything needed will be around $800-1,000 dollars (a fundraiser could be used to make extra money for supplies) I believe with the addition of Dance Dance Revolution to your curriculum you will spark the interested of a larger number of students and see many healthy outcomes from what this program has to offer!

Reviews Rated 8.3/10 “Dance Dance Revolution is a great introduction to a truly unique series with incredibly addictive game play and a soundtrack that will have you humming for days.” “For more than 11 years, Dance Dance Revolution has ruled parties, dominated the arcade scene and captured the hearts — and feet — of aspiring groovers around the world” “Dance Dance Revolution has a variety of benefits including staying fit, providing fun and competition, and being a complete joy for kids at any age level”