Learning a Contemporary Phrase: Mark It, Then Dance It
The teacher teaches a 32-count contemporary dance phrase in four blocks, and students learn it the way dancers do in a studio: marking it small, dancing it full out, then changing the dynamics and facing. Students work on movement memory, movement quality, and basic technique.
How to play
- Block 1 (1-8): arm swings side to side with a side step and a drop of the weight. First mark it small with the hands, then do it full out (3 minutes).
- Block 2 (9-16): torso spiral with a half turn on both feet and opening arms. Mark it, then dance it (3 minutes).
- Block 3 (17-24): wide lunge, hands to the floor, and a controlled lowering to sit on one side (2 minutes).
- Block 4 (25-32): log roll along the floor and spiral up to standing with arms overhead (2 minutes).
- Link all 4 blocks and dance the phrase with two dynamics: first sharp and fast, then smooth and continuous (4 minutes).
- In pairs: one dances while the other acts as rehearsal director, correcting one detail per block, then switch (4 minutes).
- Dance the phrase facing a different wall and finish in groups of 6 with music, twice in a row (7 minutes).
Rules
- When going to and from the floor, place the hands first; never drop onto the knees.
- Go barefoot or in socks only if the floor is clean and not slippery; otherwise wear sneakers.
- Keep at least 6 feet between people during the turn and the roll.
Variations
Easier
Learn only blocks 1 and 2, with no floor work.
Standard
The full 32-count phrase with two dynamics and a change of facing.
Harder
Each student adds 8 counts of their own at the end that match the quality of the phrase.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: adapt blocks 3 and 4 to a torso lean and a wheelchair turn, keeping the dynamics.
- Hearing impairment: show the counts for each block with fingers and dance facing a reference partner.
- Fitness level: students with knee discomfort replace the floor descent with a deep knee bend.
Learning goals
- Learn and memorize a dance phrase using marking.
- Perform the same phrase with different movement dynamics.
- Apply basic floor technique safely.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Marking small helps students memorize without getting tired; teach it as a real dancer's tool. Put students in staggered lines and rotate the lines forward each repetition.
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