1 of 16

Dance

Ghanaian Dance

Third Grade

2 of 16

3 minutes

3 of 16

In our world people look, think, act, and believe different things. These differences make us unique, special, and interesting! When we learn to respect each other, our cultures, and traditions we create a better world!

We are better together!

​

Dance Around the World!

1 minute

4 of 16

Where have we learned dance from so far?

Germany

San Diego

2 minutes

Romania

5 of 16

Question!

How can we show respect as we learn about another part of the world and their traditional dance?

What have you learned about different cultures so far in dance class?

​

​

​

​

​

2 minutes

6 of 16

I can show and describe dance from Ghana.

Today’s Objective:

1 minute

7 of 16

Where is Ghana?

Ghana

San Diego

1 minute

8 of 16

Highlife

(Ghanaian Folk Dance)

​

​

  • Traditional Ghanaian Dance

​

  • Started as a spiritual dance called “juju”.

​

  • Now is a social dance without the spiritual meaning.

​

  • Performed to a style of music called “Highlife Music.”

​

​

​

​

​

​

2 minutes

9 of 16

Let’s Get Ready to Dance!

Warm-Up

Why do we warm-up?

​

  • To get our bodies ready to dance!

​

  • To get our brains focused and ready to learn our dance!

5 minutes

Warm-Up Music Options

​

​

10 of 16

Highlife

(Ghanaian Dance)

Let’s Learn the Steps:

Part 1: Step side, half toe step

5 minutes

Part 2: Step forward & back (both sides)

11 of 16

Highlife

(Ghanaian Dance)

Let’s Learn the Steps:

Part 3: Side together, arms open out & in (repeat part 2)

5 minutes

Part 4: Prayer hands (repeat part 2)

12 of 16

Highlife

(Ghanaian Dance)

Let’s Learn the Steps:

Part 5: Imaginary partner, turn in circle

5 minutes

Part 6: Side together (low arms), repeat part 2

13 of 16

Highlife

(Ghanaian Dance)

Let’s put it all together:

Parts 1-6

10 minutes

Let’s Dance On Our Own!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

“Highlife”

14 of 16

Think About It!

  • What is special about the Ghanaian dance “Highlife”?

4 minutes

  • Think back to the Romanian Dance, “Alunelul,” the German dance “D’Hammerschmiedsgselln, and now the Ghanaian dance “Highlife,” which dance did you prefer dancing? Why did you choose that dance?

15 of 16

I can show and describe dance from Ghana.

Today’s Objective:

1 minute

16 of 16

Thank you!