- Definition
A dance form is like the blueprint or structure of a dance, showing how different parts are put together, such as repeating a movement or having dancers respond to each other.
In an ABA dance form, the dancers perform one sequence (A), then a different one (B), and finish by repeating the first sequence (A).
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A dance form is like the pattern in a song, with verses and a repeating chorus.
Ask your child: Can you spot the part of the dance that repeats?
Common mix-up: Kids may confuse dance form with the style of dance, like ballet or hip-hop. The form is the underlying pattern or structure of the movements, not the type of dance.
Examples
- In a call and response form, one dancer performs a move (the call) and the rest of the group answers with another move (the response).
- A canon is when dancers perform the same moves one after another, like a ripple effect or 'the wave' at a sports game.
dance form is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
