Add-On Dance Team Routine

Each team member adds an 8-count move to the ones before it until the team has a full routine, which they rehearse and perform. Movement idea cards help students who get stuck. Students work on creativity, memory and teamwork toward a shared goal.

How to play

1. Five teams of 5, each with idea cards: travel, jump, turn, arms, low level and pose (2 min).
2. Challenge: each member creates an 8-count block, teaches it, the team repeats it, and the next member adds theirs (2 min).
3. Creation with background music: about 2 minutes per student to teach a block and dance it all from the top (10 min).
4. Rehearsal: choose a formation (line, circle or V), one formation change and an ending pose; run it three times (6 min).
5. Performance: each team dances, and the others name a block they liked and why (5 min).

Rules

• Every block is exactly eight counts and is counted out loud when taught.
• Every idea makes it in: nobody's move gets thrown out, it can only be improved.
• Moves must be safe: no flips or lifts.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student contributes a block using arms and torso, and the team adapts it so everyone dances it the same way.
• Shyness or autism: the student can choose a block from the cards and teach it to one partner who passes it on.
• Skill level: fast-working teams can add a sixth block or a high-low level change.

Learning goals

• Create an 8-count movement block and teach it to the group.
• Memorize and link a routine built by the whole team.
• Work with the team to put together a shared performance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music: 1
• cards: 30

Teacher tip

Visit each team and count with them, since blocks often come out as seven or ten counts. Choose music with a very clear beat and no sudden tempo changes.

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