Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Ballroom Dancing

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with an initial and comprehensive understanding of ballroom dance, highlighting the diversity of styles, their characteristics, and fundamental rules. This prepares students for a deeper and more specific learning in the subsequent stages of the class.

Main Objectives

1. Present the ballroom dance modality and its main characteristics.

2. Explain the rules and basic fundamentals of the main ballroom dances: samba de gafieira, forró, lambada, salsa, tango, and waltz.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with an initial and comprehensive understanding of ballroom dance, highlighting the diversity of styles, their characteristics, and fundamental rules. This prepares students for a deeper and more specific learning in the subsequent stages of the class.

Context

Start the class by explaining that ballroom dance is a form of social dance that originated in ballrooms and social events in the 19th century. Highlight that ballroom dance involves partnerships, rhythm, harmony, and coordination, and is practiced worldwide in various styles. Emphasize that ballroom dance is not just a physical activity but also a form of cultural and artistic expression, capable of connecting people and cultures.

Curiosities

Did you know that ballroom dance is often featured in competitions and TV shows such as 'Dança dos Famosos' and 'Dancing with the Stars'? These programs have helped to further popularize this practice, showing that anyone can learn to dance and have fun.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' knowledge of each style of ballroom dance, providing detailed explanations and practical examples. This way, students will understand the distinct characteristics, origins, and rules of each dance, as well as clarify doubts and make important notes to consolidate their learning.

Covered Topics

1. Samba de Gafieira: Explain that it is a style of Brazilian ballroom dance that originated in Rio de Janeiro. Highlight that it is characterized by elegant and smooth movements, as well as quick steps and spins. 2. Forró: Detail that it is a typical dance from northeastern Brazil, known for being danced in pairs and for its fast beats and energetic movements. 3. Lambada: Describe that it is a dance of Brazilian origin, famous in the 80s, that combines elements of carimbó, merengue, and maxixe, with sensual movements and fast rhythms. 4. Salsa: Explain that salsa is a dance of Cuban origin, but it has gained popularity throughout Latin America. It is known for its quick steps and hip movements. 5. Tango: Detail that tango is a ballroom dance that originated in Argentina, marked by passion and intensity, with precise and often dramatic movements. 6. Waltz: Describe that the waltz is a classic dance of European origin, characterized by its smooth and rotating movements, typically danced in three beats.

Classroom Questions

1. What are the main characteristics of samba de gafieira? 2. How does forró differ from other ballroom dances mentioned? 3. Describe the origin and main elements of lambada.

Questions Discussion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the knowledge acquired by students during the class, promoting an enriching discussion about the various ballroom dances presented. This moment allows students to clarify doubts, share their perceptions, and deepen their understanding, in addition to encouraging critical reflection on cultural influence and the importance of dance as a form of expression.

Discussion

• Explain the main characteristics of samba de gafieira: Samba de gafieira is a style of Brazilian dance that originated in Rio de Janeiro. It is characterized by elegant and smooth movements, as well as quick steps and spins. The dance is led by the gentleman, who guides the lady through subtle body signals.

• Discuss how forró differs from the other ballroom dances mentioned: Forró is a typical dance from northeastern Brazil, known for being danced in pairs and for its fast beats and energetic movements. Unlike the other ballroom dances, forró has a faster rhythm and a closer connection between partners, as well as being more informal and often danced at popular parties.

• Describe the origin and main elements of lambada: Lambada is a dance of Brazilian origin, famous in the 80s, that combines elements of carimbó, merengue, and maxixe, with sensual movements and fast rhythms. The dance is known for its hip movements and the closeness of the dancers, as well as being danced to music with strong beats.

• Explain the characteristics of salsa: Salsa is a dance of Cuban origin but has gained popularity throughout Latin America. It is known for its quick steps, hip movements, and the dynamic interaction between partners. Salsa is often danced in clubs and parties and has a variety of regional styles.

• Detail the peculiarities of tango: Tango is a ballroom dance that originated in Argentina, marked by passion and intensity, with precise and often dramatic movements. Tango dancers maintain an upright and elegant posture, and the dance is characterized by interwoven steps and quick changes of direction.

• Describe the characteristics of waltz: The waltz is a classic dance of European origin, characterized by its smooth and rotating movements, usually danced in three beats. The dance conveys a sense of lightness and fluidity and is traditionally associated with formal events such as balls and weddings.

Student Engagement

1. Ask students which of the ballroom dances presented they find most interesting and why. 2. Request that students compare the different origins of ballroom dances and discuss how the culture of each region influenced the dance styles. 3. Encourage students to reflect on how ballroom dance can be a form of cultural and artistic expression. 4. Suggest that students think of other forms of dance they know and compare them to the ballroom dances presented. 5. Ask students if they have ever watched any TV show or ballroom dance competition and what they found most impressive.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired during the class, ensuring that students understand the main points addressed. Furthermore, this stage highlights the practical and cultural relevance of the theme, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of ballroom dance in different contexts.

Summary

• Introduction to ballroom dance, highlighting its origin, cultural, and social importance.
• Detailed exploration of the main styles of ballroom dance: samba de gafieira, forró, lambada, salsa, tango, and waltz.
• Discussion about the characteristics, origins, and rules of each dance style.
• Engagement of students through questions and reflections on the dances presented.

The class connected theory with practice by providing detailed explanations and clear examples of each dance style, allowing students to visualize the movements, understand the specific characteristics, and reflect on the cultural and social importance of ballroom dance. This helped to transform theory into practical and applicable knowledge.

Understanding ballroom dance is important not only as a physical activity but also as a form of cultural and social expression. Ballroom dance promotes coordination, rhythm, and social interaction, in addition to being a practice that can be enjoyed in various contexts, from social events to competitions. This understanding broadens students' views on forms of cultural interaction and pleasurable physical activities.