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How to Use Math to Create Dance Movements

A beat is one unit that can be seen as part of an overall equation that creates a musical piece. Math is the same in that each unit acts as one piece of an overall combination. Using math as a means of counting out steps and combining them for dance moves is one way that teachers can instruct their students. This method helps the dancer grow but also is a creative and entertaining tool for teaching dance and math to young students.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice basic addition steps: Think of two plus two equals four. One way to do this is to tap your right foot two times, "one-two," then immediately tap your left foot two times, "one-two." Snap your fingers or clap your hands at the same time if you can. Visualize and say to yourself "One-two plus one-two equals four."

    • 2

      Dance out a basic multiplication dance rhythm. Think two times three equals six. One choice for dancing this equation may be to to tap your right foot, "one two," then your left foot, "one two three." Then choose a motion to do six times. Perhaps the move will conclude with six jumps. Visualize and say to yourself, "One, two times one, two, three, equals one, two, three, four, five, six!"

    • 3

      Challenge yourself to work out a dance rhythm to a small division problem. Think four divided by two equals two. One creative way to do this math dance would be to stomp your foot and snap your fingers at the same time for four counts of, "one two three four." Then swing your arm across your body twice to signify, "one, two." Then jump up straight with your body stiff and hand raised over your head to, "one,two." Visualize and say to yourself, "One two three four divided by one two, equals one two!"

    • 4

      Create more dances by creating other combinations of problems. Put on some of your favorite music and count out the beats. Listen to the beats and imagine how many notes you hear in a segment. If you hear sixteen beats think of how you can configure that as a dance equation. For example, "four times four equals sixteen" would mean two motions repeated four times and then a new motion repeated sixteen times. Follow the music and enjoy counting!

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