Soul Train Dance Line

The class forms two facing lines that make an aisle, and pairs of students dance down the middle to the end while everyone else keeps the beat with claps and a basic step. Students work on free expression, self-confidence and supporting the group.

How to play

1. Form two facing lines about 10 feet apart; the two students directly across from each other are partners (1 min).
2. Teach the line's basic step: step right and close, step left and close, with claps on counts two and four (2 min).
3. Start the music: the first pair dances down the aisle to the end with any move they like (strutting, little hops, spins, robot moves) and joins the end of the lines (2 min).
4. The next pair starts when the previous one reaches the middle, so the line never stops; everyone else keeps the basic step going and cheers (6 min).
5. Second round with a challenge: call out a style before each pair (slow motion, melting statues, mirror moves) and the pair performs it (4 min).

Rules

• The lines cheer with claps and never laugh at anyone.
• Dance down the middle of the aisle without touching people in the lines.
• Anyone who doesn't want to freestyle can go down using the basic step or with the teacher.
• No floor slides or acrobatics.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: widen the aisle for the wheelchair, and the student dances with arms, chair spins and gestures.
• Shyness: the student can go down in a group of three or with the teacher, and pick their own style in round two.
• Hearing impairment: the lines exaggerate claps and sways so the beat is easy to see.

Learning goals

• Express yourself through free movement to the music in front of the group.
• Keep a group basic step going without stopping.
• Cheer on classmates and build a supportive class climate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music: 1

Teacher tip

Go down the aisle first with a volunteer to break the ice. If a student freezes up, always offer the basic-step option: what matters is that everyone goes down the line.

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