Here is a lesson plan that I would use for one of the first weeks in a beginner jazz dance class for 6 to 8 year old dancers.
The lesson plan includes stretches, across the floor skills, and tips for navigating this class as the dance instructor!
| Class Segment | Skill/Position | Activity Description | Teacher notes |
| Stretch/Warm-up | Cardio warmup | Jumping jacks 4 x 8 counts | Use an upbeat and energetic song to get the class excited to dance! |
| Run in place 4 x 8 counts | |||
| High knees 2 x 8 counts | |||
| Stretch | Butterfly, stretch forward 2×8 counts | Add in other stretches as necessary, this is just a basic outline! | |
| Straddle, reach right left and center 2×8 counts each | |||
| Pike stretch, pointing and flex toes | |||
| Alternate pointing and flexing one foot at a time, roll ankle in circle one at time | |||
| Cobra stretch, stretch feet towards head | |||
| stretch wrists/shoulders | |||
| Across the Floor | Jazz walks | Forward jazz walks | Focus on style and finding the rhythm of the song |
| Side jazz walks (facing the mirror and stepping to the side) | |||
| Pas de bourres | Right and left side, facing the mirror | ||
| Start with hands on hips first | |||
| Degages (Battement prep exercise) | Degages to the front/devant (alternating right and left legs) | Watch for lifted hips and bent supporting legs. This is a prep excersize to prepare for full battements | |
| Degage to the side/second (alternating right and left leg) | |||
| Degage to the back (alternating right and left legs) | |||
| Chasses | Facing the mirror, tendu to the side and “chase” your front leg | Keep hands on hips at first. Then add in arms in 1st | |
| Facing the side of the room tendu to the front and “chase” your front leg | |||
| Barre | Pirouette prep | (keep both hands on the barre for balance) | working on the pattern of tendu>plie>passe. Can add releves once ready! |
| Tendu to the side, plie in 4th | |||
| Press up to passe | |||
| Try to let go of the barre once you have your balance! | |||
| Short combo | Teach 3-5 eight counts that include the following skills worked on in class: | Pas de bourres | |
| chasses | |||
| Pirouette prep | |||
| Jazz walks | |||
| Pivot turns | |||
| Rhythm steps: hip shakes, step-clap, etc. |
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