Every summer, I look forward to dance camp. It’s a chance to step outside the usual studio structure and get creative. This year, I’m especially excited because I’m teaching dance history, not just steps and choreography, but the stories behind the movement. I want our campers, ages 6 to 11, to leave with more than just physical skills. I want them to know whose shoulders they stand on.
That’s why I built a four-week curriculum that centers on influential African American dancers. We’ll explore the groundbreaking work of Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Each of these artists brought something unique to the world of dance, and their stories are powerful entry points for students to learn about perseverance, creativity, and cultural expression.
Why Dance History Matters
Too often, dance class focuses only on technique or performance, and history gets pushed aside. But understanding where movement comes from enriches everything else. When students know that Katherine Dunham studied anthropology and used dance as a tool to preserve Caribbean culture, they begin to see movement as more than just choreography. When they watch videos of Bojangles gliding effortlessly up the stairs, they begin to understand the level of discipline and showmanship that defined early tap.
For Black students especially, representation matters. Seeing dancers who look like them in the curriculum reminds them that their culture is valuable and influential. For all students, learning these stories fosters empathy and broadens their view of what dance can be.
4-Week Dance History Lesson Plan for Ages 6-11
Class meets twice a week
Week 1: Who Tells Your Story?
Objective: Introduce students to the idea that dance is storytelling. Lay the foundation for why learning dance history matters.
Day 1 Activities:
- Icebreaker game: “Dance Detective” — I do a mystery move, and students guess what style it might come from (tap, jazz, ballet, etc.)
- Group discussion: What is dance? Why do people dance?
- Watch a short video montage of influential dancers (30 sec clips)
- Storytime: Read a children’s book or short bio on Katherine Dunham
- Creative movement activity: Have students create their own “signature” move that tells us something about them
Day 2 Activities:
- Introduce Katherine Dunham more deeply
- Show footage of her Caribbean-influenced dances
- Movement class: Learn a short Dunham-inspired phrase
- Craft: Create a “Dance Passport” with pages for each dancer we’ll study
Week 2: Katherine Dunham and the Power of Culture
Katherine Dunham dancing in her ballet “L’Ag’Ya,” which premiered in 1938.
Day 1 Activities:
- Review and reflect: What did we learn about Katherine Dunham?
- Vocabulary Game: Match terms like anthropology, Caribbean, isolations
- Movement practice: Build on Dunham phrase from last week
- Partner work: Create duets using Caribbean rhythms
Day 2 Activities:
- Extension: Learn a simple Haitian or Afro-Caribbean rhythm with drums or body percussion
- Discussion: How do dances from other cultures help us understand people better?
- Art activity: Draw or paint a Caribbean dance scene
Week 3: Pearl Primus and Dance as Protest
Day 1 Activities:
- Read a short article or bio about Pearl Primus
- Watch a clip of “Strange Fruit”
- Discussion: How can dance express emotion or speak out about something?
- Movement: Students create a short phrase showing an emotion (anger, hope, sadness)
Day 2 Activities:
- Learn a Primus-inspired phrase using strong, grounded movement
- Group work: In small groups, students create a dance about something important to them
- Share-out circle: Each group performs, and others offer compliments
Week 4: Bojangles and the Art of Tap
Day 1 Activities:
- Watch Bojangles perform (“Stair Dance” and clips with Shirley Temple)
- Try tap basics: shuffles, heel drops, and step-touches (no tap shoes needed!)
- Rhythm relay: Practice rhythm sequences using claps and foot stomps
- Fun challenge: Tap through an obstacle course of spots on the floor
Day 2 Activities:
- Choreograph a group number inspired by Bojangles’ flair
- Discussion: What made Bojangles so special?
- Final recap: Fill out the last page of the Dance Passport
- Performance: Invite families for a mini showcase of everything we learned
Extension Activities
- Dance History Bingo: Use terms and dancer names to reinforce what we’ve learned
- Coloring Sheets: Printable portraits of Dunham, Primus, and Bojangles with fun facts
- “Living Museum”: Students dress up and embody their favorite dancer, giving a one-minute speech
- Spotify Playlist: Curated tracks from jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and protest music to listen to at home
Reflecting on the Experience
Every time we close out a camp session, I’m reminded how hungry kids are for stories. They ask questions. They make connections. They start seeing the links between music, culture, and history. I hear students say things like, “I want to dance like her!” or “He was the first Black tap dancer I ever saw!”
If you’re a dance teacher, don’t be afraid to dive into history. Kids can handle more than we give them credit for, especially when we keep it interactive and fun. They’ll surprise you with what they remember and how they express what they learn.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
- The 5 Elements of Dance: A Simple Framework for Powerful Movement in the K–5 Dance Classroom
- Tips for Beginner Dance Teachers
- What’s the Difference Between Teaching Dance in Public Schools vs. Private Studios?
- What to Pack for a Summer Dance Intensive: Essentials List
- How to Make the Most Out of Your Summer Teaching Schedule: Tips for Dance Educators
Let’s keep passing on the legacy, one dance step at a time.
Visit myorderedsteps.co for more dance resources and inspiration.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
