Incorporating Black History Month into your dance classes is a beautiful opportunity to honor Black culture, celebrate its impact on the arts, and inspire young dancers to learn through movement. As a dance educator, I know firsthand how powerful dance can be as a teaching tool to engage students while connecting them to history and culture.
In this article, I share a week-long dance lesson plan for Kindergarten through 5th grade, specifically designed for public school settings. These lesson plans meet Georgia State Standards and National Dance Standards, incorporate movement activities, exit tickets, and a final summative assessment. By the end of the week, students will gain a deeper appreciation for Black contributions to dance while developing their creative skills.
Why Dance is a Powerful Tool for Black History Month
Dance is not only a celebration of movement but also a reflection of culture, history, and community. Black artists have profoundly shaped the world of dance, from Katherine Dunham’s modern influence to Alvin Ailey’s iconic Revelations. Teaching these stories through dance gives students a hands-on, embodied understanding of history, helping them make connections between art and cultural identity.
For me, as a dance educator, Black History Month is a time to share these stories with pride and purpose. It’s also an opportunity to show students that dance is more than technique—it’s storytelling, emotion, and cultural heritage.
Standards Addressed in This Lesson Plan
Georgia State Standards for Dance:
- ESD1.CR.1: Demonstrate an understanding of creative and choreographic principles, processes, and structures.
- ESD1.RE.1: Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in dance.
- ESD1.CN.1: Demonstrate an understanding of dance as it relates to history and culture.
National Dance Standards:
- DA:Cr1.1: Explore movement to express ideas, emotions, and stories.
- DA:Re7.1: Analyze dance in relation to its cultural and historical context.
- DA:Cn10.1: Relate dance to societal, cultural, and historical influences.
Week-Long Dance Lesson Plans for K-5
Theme: Honoring Black History Through Dance
Goal: Students will learn about significant Black dancers and choreographers, explore various dance styles influenced by Black culture, and create short movement phrases inspired by the week’s lessons.
Day 1: Introduction to Black History in Dance
- Objective: Students will be introduced to Black contributions to dance, focusing on key figures like Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey.
- Activity: Show short videos of Revelations by Alvin Ailey and Katherine Dunham’s work. Discuss their impact on dance.
- Movement Exercise: Students will learn a few basic movements inspired by Dunham Technique.
- Exit Ticket: Write or draw one thing you learned about Black dancers today.
Day 2: African Dance and Its Influence
- Objective: Students will learn about African dance roots and their influence on modern dance.
- Activity: Introduce African dance movements using a video demonstration. Discuss rhythm and community in African dance.
- Movement Exercise: Teach simple African dance movements (e.g., body isolations, grounded steps).
- Check for Understanding: Partner discussion: How does African dance feel different from other dances you know?
- Exit Ticket: Name one movement or rhythm you enjoyed today.
Day 3: Jazz Dance and Its Legacy
- Objective: Students will explore the history and cultural impact of Jazz dance.
- Activity: Share a brief history of Jazz dance, highlighting Black pioneers like Jack Cole and Alvin “Cholly” Atkins.
- Movement Exercise: Teach a short Jazz dance phrase using upbeat music. Emphasize energy, syncopation, and rhythm.
- Check for Understanding: Ask students how Jazz dance differs from African dance.
- Exit Ticket: Draw a pose that shows your favorite part of today’s dance.
Day 4: Creating Movement Inspired by Black History
- Objective: Students will use their knowledge of African, Jazz, and Modern dance to create their own movement phrases.
- Activity: Review movements from the previous days. Ask students to create 4-8 counts of their own choreography inspired by what they learned.
- Group Work: Students collaborate in small groups to combine their phrases.
- Check for Understanding: Walk around and ask groups how their movement connects to the themes of Black History Month.
- Exit Ticket: Share one idea or inspiration behind your choreography.
Day 5: Performance and Reflection
- Objective: Students will perform their group dances and reflect on what they learned.
- Activity: Each group performs their choreography. Celebrate their creativity and effort!
- Reflection Discussion:
- What did you learn about Black dancers this week?
- Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month in dance?
- Summative Assessment: Students will write or draw:
- One thing they learned about Black dancers or dance history.
- How they felt performing their own choreography.
Summative Assessment and Exit Tickets
- Daily Exit Tickets: Short reflections, drawings, or answers to key questions.
- Summative Assessment: Written or drawn responses assessing students’ understanding of Black dancers’ contributions and their ability to connect history with movement.
Resources and Materials
- Videos of Revelations by Alvin Ailey: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Katherine Dunham Dance Technique: Smithsonian Education on Dunham
- African Dance Examples: YouTube videos highlighting traditional African dance styles.
- Jazz Dance History: Books such as “The Dance: African American History Through Rhythms”.
- Music: A mix of African drum rhythms, Jazz classics, and modern music.
Final Thoughts
The celebration of Black culture in dance spans a rich and vibrant history, from the iconic performances of Majorette HBCU Dance: A Legacy of Culture, Style, and History to the importance of inclusivity in ballet highlighted in The Power of Representation: Why Skin-Tone Tights Matter in Ballet. For further inspiration, 10 Quotes by Legendary Black Dancers and Choreographers shines a light on the wisdom and artistry of dance pioneers who have shaped the field. Together, these resources celebrate the artistry, representation, and cultural impact of Black dancers and choreographers, providing valuable tools for educators, dancers, and enthusiasts alike.
Teaching dance during Black History Month is about more than movement—it’s about honoring the stories, culture, and pioneers who paved the way for future generations. This week-long lesson plan combines history, technique, and creativity to give students a deeper appreciation for Black contributions to dance.
As a dance educator, I’ve seen how these lessons can spark curiosity, creativity, and pride in students of all backgrounds. Dance is a powerful way to bring history to life, and I hope these plans inspire you to celebrate Black History Month with purpose and joy in your classroom.
Do you have a favorite Black dance artist or resource you’ve used in your teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B
