- Definition
Theme and variation" in dance means starting with one main movement idea and then repeating it several times, but each time with small changes like doing it faster or slower, or in a different spot, while still keeping the original idea recognizable.
A dancer does a sequence of three jumps (the theme), then repeats it with their arms out wide (variation 1), then repeats it very slowly (variation 2).
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Theme and variation is like singing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' but changing how you sing it each time — once fast, once slow, once like a robot.
Ask your child: Make up a short dance move. Now, how could you do it bigger or smaller?
Common mix-up: Kids might think a variation is a totally new dance. A variation keeps the original movement's main idea, just changing one or two things about it, like its speed or size.
Examples
- Doing a spin, then doing the same spin but on a lower level, close to the floor.
- Performing a leaping sequence, then doing the exact same sequence while facing a different direction.
- Making a simple shape with your arms, then repeating it but making the movements sharp and jerky instead of smooth.
theme and variation 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 ↗
