Floor Pattern Map: Drawing the Dance Path
Each group draws its dance path on paper using straight lines, curves, and zigzags, marking where it changes direction and facing. Then they dance it on the floor and trade maps with another group, building spatial awareness and the ability to read pathways.
How to play
- Spend 2 minutes explaining the symbols: straight line, curve, zigzag, turn (circle), and facing arrow (where dancers look). Draw an example on the whiteboard or butcher paper.
- Form groups of 4. Each group gets butcher paper, markers, and 4 cones to mark the corners of a 20 x 20 ft stage.
- In 5 minutes, groups design a 32-count path with at least three changes of direction and two changes of facing, writing the counts for each section.
- They dance it on the floor with a simple step (march, grapevine, or side step) and adjust the drawing if it doesn't fit the music (6 minutes).
- Groups trade maps with the group next to them, who must perform it with no explanation for 5 minutes.
- Each group shows its version of the other group's map and the authors check whether it matches their drawing (4 minutes); discuss which symbols caused trouble.
Rules
- The whole path stays inside your group's cones.
- When traveling backward, look over your shoulder.
- No verbal explanations of a traded map; you can only read it.
Variations
Easier
A 16-count path with two direction changes, always facing the front.
Standard
A 32-count path with three direction changes and two facing changes, trading maps.
Harder
Each dancer follows a different path and all four cross in the center on count 16.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: travel the path in a wheelchair with wider curves and lead the group's reading of the traded map.
- Visually impaired students: mark the path with cones on the floor and have a partner guide them by the arm on turns.
- Skill level: groups who struggle use only straight lines.
Learning goals
- Show a dance's pathway and facings on a map.
- Read pathways drawn by others and turn them into movement.
- Work as a group to solve a spatial problem.
Equipment for a class of 25
- butcher paper: 6
- markers: 12
- cones: 24
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Students often mix up direction (where I travel) with facing (where I look); spend time on that with two clear examples. Weigh the paper down with cones if you're outside and it's windy.
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