Diamond Dance - Outcome A (4-6)-9

Students get into groups of four and form a diamond (not a square) in an open space in the gymnasium.

Levels, Shapes, Directions and Pathways

One student is chosen to lead the group through creative movements. The leader stands at one of the points of the diamond, facing away from the group. The leader uses actions which explore different levels, directions, and pathways. The leader performs a pre-determined number of movements (e.g., eight movements) in a manner that is slow enough that the other three group members can follow and mirror the movements.

Once the leader has completed the movements, he/she does a quarter or half turn, making one of the other three group members the new leader. Continue as above so that each member has the opportunity to be the leader at least once.

For example, for eight counts, one leader may choose to do two claps, two twists at a low level, two forward steps, and two backward steps.

The next leader in the diamond could choose four jumps stretched very tall, and four finger snaps while moving forward, very low to the ground. Once all students have been the leader, repeat the sequences again, or create new actions.

Challenge the groups to choreograph their routines so that all four members’ movements flow with the others to create one longer routine.

Allow students to choose thematic music and to adapt routines to the music (e.g., popular movie theme songs such as Mission Impossible, or songs from Disney movies).

Vary the number of movements each group member is responsible to lead.

These are clues that you have reached the outcomes ...

Students are able to match their movements to the music.

Each group member performs the pre-determined number of movements with control and rhythm.

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