Choreographer's Cue Cards: Unison, Canon and Freeze Live
One student in each group acts as choreographer and, while teammates dance a familiar phrase, flashes cue cards that change the piece live: unison, canon, freeze, low level, change facing, or mirror. Students work on focus, quick responses, and understanding choreography tools.
How to play
- Each group of 5 spends 3 minutes making six cards with a word and a picture: UNISON, CANON, FREEZE, LOW LEVEL, CHANGE FACING, and MIRROR.
- Teach or review a 16-count phrase everyone knows (3 minutes).
- One student stands in front with the cards; the other four dance the phrase on a loop with music. Every 8 counts the choreographer shows a card and the group applies it right away (2 minutes per turn).
- Rotate the choreographer role until all five group members have had a turn (10 minutes total).
- In the last stretch, each group picks the three cards that worked best and sets them into a short piece to show the group next to them (2 minutes).
Rules
- The choreographer shows each card on count 8 so dancers have time to react.
- On LOW LEVEL, lower yourself by placing a hand or knee down first.
- On CHANGE FACING, turn on the spot without traveling toward other groups.
Variations
Easier
Use only three cards (unison, freeze, low level) and change every 16 counts.
Standard
Six cards changing every 8 counts, with the choreographer role rotating.
Harder
The choreographer can show two cards at once, such as canon plus low level.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be choreographer for longer, and on their dancing turn applies the cards with arms and torso.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the activity is visual, which plays to their strengths; place them in front with a clear view of the cards.
- Skill level: groups who struggle use an 8-count phrase.
Learning goals
- Recognize and apply choreography tools in real time.
- React quickly to visual cues while keeping the rhythm.
- Take on the choreographer role and make decisions about the piece.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cardstock: 30
- markers: 10
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Choreographers tend to flip cards too fast; have them count quietly to 8. Laminating the cards lets you reuse them in later classes.
PatioLab has "Choreographer's Cue Cards: Unison, Canon and Freeze Live" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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