- Definition
Improvisation in dance is when a dancer makes up movements on the spot, without planning them beforehand, either by themselves or with others.
When a teacher asks students to dance like fluttering leaves, they are using improvisation to create their movements.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Improvisation is like when the music comes on and you just start dancing however you feel, without any planned moves.
Ask your child: What kind of moves would you make if you were a melting snowman?
Common mix-up: Kids may think dance is always about learning specific steps in order. Improvisation is about creating movement on the spot, so there are no wrong moves.
Examples
- In a dance circle, each person takes a turn adding a new, unplanned move in the middle.
- Dancing freely in your room to a favorite song, making up the moves as you go.
improvisation 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 ↗
