Grades 6-8 Lesson: Moccasins Are Made for Dancing
Students will read either of Tomie DePaola’s versions of two Native American legends: The Legend of the Bluebonnet or The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush.
Dance, Folklore, Native America, America, World Cultures

Grades 6-8 Lesson: Systems of the Body: Movement and Choreography
In this lesson, students will create movement patterns that express information about the basic systems, organs, and processes of the human body
Choreographers, Dance, Physical Activity, Science

Grades 6-8 Lesson: Elements of Ballet
Explore and discover the elements of dance by demonstrating various simple movements. This exercise will help assess the students’ level of experience and ability.
Ballet, Dance

Grades 6-8 Lesson: Interpreting Mythology Through Dance
In this lesson, students learn about Ancient Egyptian rituals and attitudes about death and the afterlife.
Greece, Literature, Dance, World Cultures

Grades 9-12 Lesson: Nureyev: Bringer of Light
This lesson focuses on the alignment of Nureyev’s artistic endeavors and achievements in the dance world of the West.
Choreographers, Dance Legends, Ballet, World Cultures

Grades 9-12 Lesson: Nureyev: The Unconquerable Will
This lesson provides an overview of how creative expression developed in the West, particularly in the development of dance.
Choreographers, Dance Legends, Ballet, World Cultures

Grades 9-12 Lesson: Nureyev: After Petipa
Nureyev’s early life and work were affected by changing social, political, and cultural forces in Russia. His artistic genius was influenced by the work of Marius Petipa.
Dance Legends, Ballet, World Cultures, Choreographers

Grade 5 Lesson: Moving Tales
Students practice using their bodies to communicate through movement, improvisation, and pantomime games. Groups then read and interpret an assigned Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale
Dance, Folklore, Literature, Physical Activity

Grade 5 Lesson: Discovering Russian Folk Dance
Students will learn the Russian folk dance "Troika." Then, they will work in groups of three (the traditional grouping used in the "Troika") to research Russian culture and history.
Europe, Dance, Folklore

Grades 3-4 Lesson: The Monkey Dance: Exploring Balinese Culture
The Kecak is a Balinese dance drama based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, which was compiled between 500 and 400 BC.
Asia, Dance, Physical Activity, World Cultures, Animals

Grades 3-4 Lesson: You’re Invited to a Ceili: Exploring Irish Dance
Listen to Irish music, learn about ceilis, which are festive dance celebrations, view the intricate costumes worn by Irish dancers, and listen to an Irish poem.
Dance, Europe, World Cultures, Music, Fashion, Poetry

Grades 3-4 Lesson: Ballet and Classical Music
This lesson will introduce students to both conceptual and practical elements of classical ballet.
Ballet, Dance, Music, Orchestra

Grades 3-4 Lesson: Island Breezes: Exploring Hula Dance
A hula dance is a choreographed interpretation of a poetic text, or mele, that tells a story through hand and arm gestures and rhythmic patterns.
Dance, Folklore, Geography, Asia, World Cultures

Grades 3-4 Lesson: Harriet Tubman: Dancing on the Freedom Trail
In this lesson, students are introduced to the emotional struggles Tubman faced as she helped slaves escape and travel north along the Underground Railroad.
America, History, Folklore, Dance

Video Series: Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons
Our collection of Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons will teach the moves that will let you hit the dance floor looking like a pro. From the African Dinhe, to the East Coast Swing, Charleston, Salsa or Cha Cha Cha, we've got you covered.
Dance, Latin America, Jazz, Africa

Flash Interactive: A Dancer's Journal: Martha Graham
This interactive explores the life and works of Martha Graham from the perspective of a (fictional) new member of the Martha Graham Dance Company and includes a large library of video and audio clips.
Dance, Choreographers, Dance Legends, Controversial, Jobs in the Arts, Young Artists, Innovators & Pioneers

Interactive: Dancing With Gregory Hines
In this video-based interactive, Gregory Hines is your guide through the diverse and exciting history, people, and techniques of tap.
Backstage, Broadway, Choreographers, Dance, Dance Legends, History, Innovators & Pioneers, Musicals

Everyday Arts Challenge: Rhyme Time
How many words can you rhyme with dance? Use your list to write a short poem. Read it to a friend or family member.
Language, Poetry, Dance

Everyday Arts Challenge: Toe Tunes
Tap your feet to your favorite song. Can your feet keep the beat?
Music, Dance

Everyday Arts Challenge: Sweep Steppin’
Dance with a broom. Don’t feel silly, it won’t tell anyone. How many different dances can you two do?
Dance

Everyday Arts Challenge: Changing Channels
Change the dial on your car’s FM radio and find a song you’ve never heard before. Take a listen. Dance in your seat to an unfamiliar tune.
Rock & Roll, Music, Dance, Physical Activity

Everyday Arts Challenge: Do a Little Dance
It’s hot. It’s summer. It’s time to water the grass. Be a human sprinkler. Get into a rhythm. It’s the sprinkler dance! Make sure to cover the whole lawn!
Dance, Physical Activity, Nature, Plants

Everyday Arts Challenge: JELL-O Wiggle
Pretend you’re dancing on JELL-O. How well do you wiggle in JELL-O? Is it easy or hard to keep your balance?
Dance, Physical Activity

Everyday Arts Challenge: Jock Jams
Choose a song and use moves or actions from a sport to dance along? What sport did you choose? Now try another. Can you teach someone else the dance?
Sports, Dance, Physical Activity

Everyday Arts Challenge: Makin’ Moves
Create a new dance move. What kind of music does it go with? What do you call it?
Dance, Music, Physical Activity