Aerobics with Judges: Scoring Execution and Artistry

Inspired by competitive aerobics, each group performs a short routine that another group scores as a panel of judges, using a rubric for execution (synchronization, technique and use of space) and artistry (musicality, expression and originality). Students learn to observe critically and give reasoned feedback.

How to play

1. Present the rubric, with four levels per criterion, along with video examples (4 min).
2. Each group of five rehearses a 64-count routine from earlier sessions or creates a new one with basic steps (10 min).
3. Performance round: each group performs while its assigned judging group scores first individually and then by consensus (12 min).
4. Each panel gives its score to the group it judged, with one strength and one improvement, both explained (4 min).

Rules

• Judges score only the rubric criteria, not their personal taste.
• Feedback is respectful and always includes something positive.
• No acrobatic elements or risky jumps.
• The audience stays quiet during the performance and applauds at the end.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: performs in the routine in the wheelchair or serves as the group's head judge.
• Visual impairment: performs alongside a reference partner and, as a judge, scores musicality based on what they hear and what is described to them.
• Performance anxiety: may stand in the second row of the formation.

Learning goals

• Evaluate routines using objective, reasoned criteria.
• Perform a group routine with synchronization and expression.
• Accept and make use of feedback from classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1
• scoring rubrics: 30

Teacher tip

Assign panels so no group scores the group that is scoring it. The rubric can be reused for the unit's final assessment.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School