When you think of teaching ballet terminology, you might picture students lined up at the barre, carefully repeating each word after the teacher. But in a summer dance camp setting, there’s room to mix things up. One of my favorite ways to reinforce ballet terms while keeping students engaged and moving is with a Ballet Terminology Scavenger Hunt.
This lesson is especially great for dancers ages 6 and up. It gives them a hands-on way to explore ballet vocabulary, encourages teamwork, and brings a fresh energy to the studio, perfect for those long summer days when attention spans start to wander.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how to set up and run your own scavenger hunt, using items you already have in your studio. I’ll also offer tips to adapt the activity for different ages and levels, so you can make it your own.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to enhance your dance curriculum, be sure to check out:
👉 Teaching Dance History at Summer Camp: How I Bring Legends Like Katherine Dunham and Bojangles to Life
👉 Why Teaching Tap Dance History Matters: Honoring the Greats and Building a Well-Rounded Dance Education
👉 Your One-Stop-Shop for Dance Inspiration & Education
Now, let’s get started!
Why Use a Ballet Terminology Scavenger Hunt?
At its core, ballet is a language, and just like learning any language, repetition and context are key. But memorizing long lists of terms can feel dry, especially for younger dancers. A scavenger hunt brings movement and curiosity into the process.
Through this game, students practice identifying the meaning of ballet terms and connecting them with physical objects or ideas in the studio. It helps solidify both vocabulary and deeper understanding, all while having fun with their classmates.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this activity is that it doesn’t require any special supplies. You can run the entire scavenger hunt using what’s already in your classroom or studio. Here’s what I recommend:
- Studio props (scarves, ribbons, beanbags, balls)
- Dance equipment (barres, mirrors, mats, yoga blocks)
- Items from the students (water bottles, shoes, dance bags)
- Anything else creative you can think of!
You’ll also need:
- A list of ballet terms and their definitions
- Paper and pencil (optional, if you want them to write their answers)
How to Set Up the Lesson
1️⃣ Prepare Your Terms
Before class, create a list of 10–15 ballet terms appropriate for your students’ level. For ages 6–8, I like to stick with basic terms they’ve already encountered, such as:
- plié
- relevé
- tendu
- passé
- arabesque
- port de bras
- jeté
- sauté
- chassé
- plié in second position
For older or more advanced students, you can include:
- en croix
- épaulement
- sous-sus
- grand jeté
- penché
Write out the definitions (in age-appropriate language). You can display these on the board, print them out, or read them aloud one at a time.
2️⃣ Introduce the Activity
Gather the dancers and explain the challenge:
They will hear a ballet term and must quickly find an object in the room that represents the meaning of that term.
For example:
- If you say plié (“to bend”), they might choose a soft yoga block that bends or compresses.
- For arabesque, they might position a scarf or ribbon to mimic the shape of the extended leg and arms.
The goal is to get them thinking creatively and connecting movement concepts to real-world visuals.
3️⃣ Run the Scavenger Hunt
You can play in a few different ways:
Option 1: Group Challenge
Divide the class into small groups (2–3 dancers). Call out a term and give them 30 seconds to find an object that represents the term. Each group presents their item and explains why they chose it.
Option 2: Individual Relay
For a higher-energy version, run it relay-style: dancers take turns racing to find an object for each term. This is especially fun with slightly older dancers who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
Option 3: Silent Hunt
For a quieter version (good when students are extra wiggly), give them a list of terms and have them find all the objects on their own, then return and share with the group.
4️⃣ Reflect and Discuss
After each term, take time to reinforce the meaning of the word and correct any misconceptions. Ask questions like:
- Why did you choose this object?
- How does it show tendu or sauté?
- Can we demonstrate this term with our bodies now?
Encourage dancers to share their ideas and celebrate creative thinking.
Tips for Success
- Set expectations at the beginning so students stay focused and respectful of the studio space.
- Rotate roles — let different students read the definitions or lead the next round.
- Use music to add energy — a light background playlist keeps the room lively.
- Adapt to your group — younger students may need more guidance; older dancers will surprise you with their creative interpretations!
Why It Works
This lesson taps into multiple learning styles:
- Visual: Students see the shape or idea in an object.
- Kinesthetic: They move around the room and manipulate props.
- Auditory: They hear the term and its definition.
It also encourages collaboration and critical thinking — skills that support not only dance education, but overall personal growth.
And best of all, it makes ballet terminology feel alive instead of abstract. Students are more likely to remember and apply terms they’ve explored in a fun, memorable way.
Wrapping Up
The Ballet Terminology Scavenger Hunt is a perfect addition to your summer dance camp curriculum. It breaks up the routine, reinforces vocabulary, and keeps kids moving — all while sneaking in a bit of learning through play.
I’ve used this lesson again and again with ages 6 through teen, and it’s always a hit. Give it a try this summer, and you might just find it becomes a favorite part of your teaching toolkit.
And if you’re looking for more creative ideas to build well-rounded dancers, don’t miss:
👉 Teaching Dance History at Summer Camp: How I Bring Legends Like Katherine Dunham and Bojangles to Life
👉 Why Teaching Tap Dance History Matters: Honoring the Greats and Building a Well-Rounded Dance Education
👉 Your One-Stop-Shop for Dance Inspiration & Education
Happy dancing — and happy hunting
Taylor B.
