Grade One

Visual and Performing Arts: Dance Content Standards.

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the
Language and Skills Unique to Dance
Students perceive and respond, using the elements of dance. They demonstrate
movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Development of Motor Skills and Technical Expertise
1.1 Demonstrate the ability to vary control and direct force/energy used in basic
locomotor and axial movements (e.g., skip lightly, turn strongly, fall
heavily).
Comprehension and Analysis of Dance Elements
1.3 Name basic locomotor and axial movements (e.g., skip, slide, stretch, roll).
Development of Dance Vocabulary
1.4 Perform simple movements in response to oral instructions (e.g., walk, turn,
reach).
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and
communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance
of dance.
Creation/Invention of Dance Movements
2.1 Use improvisation to discover movements in response to a specific
movement problem (e.g., find a variety of ways to walk; create five types
of circular movement).
2.2 Respond in movement to a wide range of stimuli (e.g., music, books,
pictures, rhymes, fabrics, props).
2.3 Create a short movement sequence with a beginning, a middle, and an
end.
2.4 Create shapes and movements at low, middle, and high levels.
2.5 Imitate simple movement patterns.
Communication of Meaning in Dance
2.6 Express basic emotional qualities (e.g., angry, sad, excited, happy) through
movement.
2.7 Perform improvised movement ideas for peers.
Development of Partner and Group Skills
2.8 Work with others in a group to solve a specific dance problem (e.g., design
three shapes high, medium, and low; create slow and fast movements).
3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Dance
Students analyze the function and development of dance in past and present
cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and
dancers.
Development of Dance
3.1 Name and perform folk/traditional dances from other countries.
3.2 Describe aspects of the style, costumes, and music of a dance.
3.3 List commonalities among basic locomotor movements in dances from
various countries.
History and Function of Dance
3.4 Identify where and when people dance.
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works of Dance
Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance
of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic
qualities.
Description, Analysis, and Criticism of Dance
4.1 Use basic dance vocabulary to identify and describe a dance observed or
performed (e.g., shapes, levels, directions, tempo/fast-slow).
Meaning and Impact of Dance
4.2 Describe the experience of dancing two different dances (e.g., Seven
Jumps, La Raspa).
4.3 Describe how they communicate an idea or a mood in a dance (e.g., with
exaggerated everyday gesture or emotional energies).
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Dance to Learning in Other Art
Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers
Students apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They
develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and
management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career
skills. They also learn about careers in and related to dance.
Connections and Applications Across Disciplines
5.1 Demonstrate curricular concepts through dance (e.g., growth cycle, animal
movement).
5.2 Give examples of how dance relates to other subjects (e.g., mathematics
shape, counting; language arts beginning, middle, and end).

Grade Two
Visual and Performing Arts: Dance Content Standards.

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the
Language and Skills Unique to Dance
Students perceive and respond, using the elements of dance. They demonstrate
movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Development of Motor Skills and Technical Expertise
1.1 Show a variety of combinations of basic locomotor skills (e.g., walk and
run, gallop and jump, hop and skip, slide and roll).
1.2 Show a variety of combinations of axial movements (e.g., swing and
balanced shapes, turn and stretch, bend and twist).
Comprehension and Analysis of Dance Elements
1.3 Perform short movement problems, emphasizing the element of time (e.g.,
varied tempos, rhythmic patterns, counting).
1.4 Expand the ability to incorporate spatial concepts with movement problems.
Development of Dance Vocabulary
1.5 Name a large number of locomotor and axial movements used in dance.
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and
communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance
of dance.
Creation/Invention of Dance Movements
2.1 Create and improvise movement patterns and sequences.
2.2 Demonstrate multiple solutions in response to a given movement problem
(e.g., In how many ways can you travel from point A to point B?).
Application of Choreographic Principles and Processes to Creating Dance
2.3 Create a simple sequence of movement with a beginning, a middle, and an
end, incorporating level and directional changes.
2.4 Create shapes and movements, using fast and slow tempos.
2.5 Develop a dance phrase that has a sense of unity.
Communication of Meaning in Dance
2.6 Create, memorize, and perform original expressive movements for peers.
Development of Partner and Group Skills
2.7 Work cooperatively in small and large groups.
2.8 Demonstrate partner skills (e.g., imitating and leading/following).
3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Dance
Students analyze the function and development of dance in past and present
cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and
dancers.
Development of Dance
3.1 Name and perform social and traditional dances from various cultures.
3.2 Explain commonalities among basic locomotor and axial movements in
dances from various countries.
3.3 Name and perform rhythms from different cultures (e.g., through clapping,
stamping, using whole body movement).
History and Function of Dance
3.4 Describe dances seen in celebrations and community events.
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works of Dance
Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance
of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic
qualities.
Description, Analysis, and Criticism of Dance
4.1 Use basic dance vocabulary to name and describe a dance observed or
performed (e.g., levels, rhythm patterns, type of energy).
4.2 Describe how the movement in dances of peers communicates ideas or
moods to the viewer (e.g., ocean environment or a sad or joyous dance).
Meaning and Impact of Dance
4.3 Describe the similarities and differences in performing various dances (e.g.,
direction changes, steps, type of energy and tempo).
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Dance to Learning in Other Art
Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers
Students apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They
develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and
management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career
skills. They also learn about careers in and related to dance.
Connections and Applications Across Disciplines
5.1 Use literature to inspire dance ideas (e.g., poem, cartoon, nursery rhyme).
5.2 Demonstrate language arts concepts through dance (e.g., show different
punctuation marks through movement).
Development of Life Skills and Career Competencies
5.3 Describe how choreographers create dances.
5.4 Describe how dancing requires good health-related habits (e.g., adequate
nutrition, water, and rest; proper preparation for physical activity).

Grade Three
Visual and Performing Arts: Dance Content Standards.

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the
Language and Skills Unique to Dance
Students perceive and respond, using the elements of dance. They demonstrate
movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Development of Motor Skills and Technical Expertise
1.1 Combine and perform basic locomotor skills, moving on a specific pathway
(e.g., skip in circles, slide in zigzags, run in a variety of linear paths).
Combine and perform locomotor and axial movements (e.g., walk and
turn, stretch and slide).
1.2 Demonstrate the ability to start, change, and stop movement.
Comprehension and Analysis of Dance Elements
1.3 Perform short movement problems, emphasizing the element of
force/energy (e.g., swing, melt, explode, quiver).
1.4 Expand the ability to incorporate spatial and time concepts in movement
problems (e.g., select and combine three locomotor movements traveling
in three different path-ways and using three different tempos).
Development of Dance Vocabulary
1.5 Describe dance elements used in personal work and that of others.
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and
communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance
of dance.
Creation/Invention of Dance Movements
2.1 Create and perform complex improvised movement patterns, dance
sequences, and studies.
2.2 Improvise and select multiple possibilities to solve a given movement
problem (e.g., find four different ways to combine a turn, stretch, and
jump).
Application of Choreographic Principles and Processes to
Creating Dance
2.3 Create a sequence that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Name and
refine the parts of the sequence.
2.4 Create a wide variety of shapes and movements, using different levels in
space.
Communication of Meaning in Dance
2.5 Perform dances to communicate personal meaning, using focus and
expression.
2.6 Compare and contrast the role of the performer with that of a member of
the audience.
Development of Partner and Group Skills
2.7 Demonstrate a variety of partner skills (e.g., imitation, leading/following,
mirroring).
2.8 Create, memorize, and perform original movement sequences with a
partner or a small.
3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Dance
Students analyze the function and development of dance in past and present
cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and
dancers.
Development of Dance
3.1 Describe commonalities among and differences between dances from
various countries.
3.2 Describe and demonstrate ceremonial and folk/traditional dances that show
work activities (e.g., harvesting, fishing, weaving).
History and Function of Dance
3.3 Explain the function of dance in ceremonial and social community events in
Native American cultures.
3.4 Describe how costumes and shoes influence dance movement.
Diversity of Dance
3.5 Name and demonstrate dances of Native Americans.
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works of Dance
Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance
of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic
qualities.
Description, Analysis, and Criticism of Dance
4.1 Name specific criteria to assess the quality of a dance performance of
peers (e.g., focus, level of personal involvement, physical control).
4.2 Explain and demonstrate what it means to be a good audience member.
Meaning and Impact of Dance
4.3 Explain how a performers dance skills contribute to communication of ideas
and moods when performing a dance (e.g., focus, strength, coordination).
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Dance to Learning in Other Art
Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers
Students apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They
develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and
management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career
skills. They also learn about careers in and related to dance.
Connections and Applications Across Disciplines
5.1 Explain relationships between dance elements and other subjects (e.g.,
spatial path-ways maps and grids; geometric shapes body shapes).
5.2 Describe how dancing develops physical and mental well-being (e.g.,
control, flexibility, posture, strength, risk taking).
Development of Life Skills and Career Competencies
5.3 Explain how the time management, problem solving, and self-discipline
skills required for composing a dance apply to other school activities.
5.4 Give examples of ways in which the activities of professionals in the
performing arts are similar to each other (e.g., observing discipline,
practicing skills, rehearsing performances).

Grade Four
Visual and Performing Arts: Dance Content Standards.

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the
Language and Skills Unique to Dance
Students perceive and respond, using the elements of dance. They demonstrate
movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Development of Motor Skills and Technical Expertise
1.1 Demonstrate mental concentration and physical control in performing
dance skills.
1.2 Demonstrate the ability to use smooth transitions when connecting one
movement phrase to another.
Comprehension and Analysis of Dance Elements
1.3 Demonstrate increased range and use of space, time, and force/energy
concepts (e.g., pulse/accents, melt/collapse, weak/strong).
1.4 Explain the principles of variety, contrast, and unity and apply to a dance
sequence.
Development of Dance Vocabulary
1.5 Describe a specific movement, using appropriate dance vocabulary.
1.6 Identify, define, and use phrasing in dances learned or observed.
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and
communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance
of dance.
Creation/Invention of Dance Movements
2.1 Create, develop, and memorize set movement patterns and sequences.
2.2 Improvise extended movement phrases.
Application of Choreographic Principles and Processes to
Creating Dance
2.3 Describe, discuss, and analyze the process used by choreographers to
create a dance.
2.4 Create a dance study that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Review,
revise, and refine.
Communication of Meaning in Dance
2.5 Convey a range of feelings through shape/postures and movements when
performing for peers.
2.6 Perform improvised movement and dance studies with focus and
expression.
Development of Partner and Group Skills
2.7 Demonstrate additional partner and group skills (e.g., imitating,
leading/following, mirroring, calling/responding, echoing).
3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Dance
Students analyze the function and development of dance in past and present
cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and
dancers.
Development of Dance
3.1 Perform and identify dances from various countries with different
arrangements of dancers (e.g., lines, circles, couples).
3.2 Name the musical accompaniment and explain how it relates to the dances
they have studied.
History and Function of Dance
3.3 Perform and describe dances that reflect the geographical place in which
the dances are performed (e.g., deserts, rain forests, islands).
Diversity of Dance
3.4 Perform and identify folk/traditional and social dances from California
history.
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works of Dance
Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance
of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic
qualities.
Description, Analysis, and Criticism of Dance
4.1 Use dance vocabulary to describe unique characteristics of dances they
have watched or performed from countries studied in the history social
science curriculum (e.g., rhythms, spatial patterns, gestures, intent).
4.2 Name and use specific criteria in assessing personal and professional
dance choreography (e.g., contrast, phrasing, unity).
Meaning and Impact of Dance
4.3 Describe ways in which a dancer effectively communicates ideas and
moods (strong technique, projection, and expression).
4.4 List the expectations the audience has for a performer and vice versa.
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Dance to Learning in Other Art
Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers
Students apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They
develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and
management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career
skills. They also learn about careers in and related to dance.
Connections and Applications Across Disciplines
5.1 Explain how dance practice relates to and uses the vocabulary of other art
subjects (e.g., positive and negative space, shape, line, rhythm,
character).
5.2 Describe how dancing develops strength, flexibility, and endurance in
accordance with physical education standards.
5.3 Demonstrate a recognition of personal space and respect for the personal
space of others.
Development of Life Skills and Career Competencies
5.4 Analyze the choreographic process and its relation to the writing process
(e.g., brain-storming, exploring and developing ideas, putting ideas into a
form, sequencing).

Grade Five
Visual and Performing Arts: Dance Content Standards.

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the
Language and Skills Unique to Dance
Students perceive and respond, using the elements of dance. They demonstrate
movement skills, process sensory information, and describe movement, using
the vocabulary of dance.
Development of Motor Skills and Technical Expertise
1.1 Demonstrate focus, physical control (e.g., proper alignment, balance), and
coordination in performing locomotor and axial movement.
1.2 Name and use a wide variety of movements (e.g., isolations/whole body).
Comprehension and Analysis of Dance Elements
1.3 Demonstrate a greater dynamic range in movement utilizing space, time,
and force/energy concepts.
1.4 Incorporate the principles of variety, contrast, and unity with dance studies.
Development of Dance Vocabulary
1.5 Use appropriate dance vocabulary to describe dances.
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and
communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance
of dance.
Creation/Invention of Dance Movements
2.1 Create, memorize, and perform complex sequences of movement with
greater focus, force/energy, and intent.
2.2 Invent multiple possibilities to solve a given movement problem and
analyze problem-solving strategies and solutions. Application of
Choreographic Principles and Processes to Creating Dance
2.3 Describe and incorporate simple dance forms in dance studies (e.g., AB
form, canon).
2.4 Demonstrate principles of opposing weight and force/energy, balance and
counterbalance, or cantilever.
Communication of Meaning in Dance
2.5 Convey a wide range of feeling and expression through gestures, posture,
and movement.
Development of Partner and Group Skills
2.6 Demonstrate cooperation, collaboration, and empathy in working with
partners and in groups (e.g., leading/following, mirroring,
calling/responding, echoing, opposing).
3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Dance
Students analyze the function and development of dance in past and present
cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to dance and
dancers.
Development of Dance
3.1 Describe how and why a traditional dance may be changed when
performed on stage for an audience.
History and Function of Dance
3.2 Identify and perform folk/traditional, social, and theatrical dances done by
Americans in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Diversity of Dance
3.3 Select traditional dances that men, women, or children perform and explain
the purpose(s) of the dances.
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works of Dance
Students critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance, performance
of dancers, and original works according to the elements of dance and aesthetic
qualities.
Description, Analysis, and Criticism of Dance
4.1 Use dance vocabulary to identify and support personal preferences for
dances observed or performed.
4.2 Apply specific criteria to analyze and assess the quality of a dance
performance by well-known dancers or dance companies (e.g., technical
skill, musicality, dynamics, mood).
Meaning and Impact of Dance
4.3 Identify the special and challenging characteristics of the experience of
dancing for an audience.
4.4 Explain how outstanding dancers affect audience members emotionally or
intellectually.
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Dance to Learning in Other Art
Forms and Subject Areas and to Careers
Students apply what they learn in dance to learning across subject areas. They
develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and
management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career
skills. They also learn about careers in and related to dance.
Connections and Applications Across Disciplines
5.1 Describe how historical events relate to dance forms (e.g., the rebellion of
the 1960s was represented in popular social dances with a move from
partners to individual expression).
5.2 Describe how dancing requires good health-related habits (e.g., individual
and group goals for flexibility, strength, endurance, stress management,
nutrition).
5.3 Cite examples of the use of technology in the performing arts.
Development of Life Skills and Career Competencies
5.4 Demonstrate social skills that enable students to become leaders/teachers
and followers/learners.