North Carolina Essential Standards

Kindergarten Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

K.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, K.CP.1.1 Identify components of the elements of dance movement
structures, and processes to (body, time, space, energy).
create dances that communicate K.CP.1.2 Execute spontaneous movement during improvisational
ideas, experiences, feelings, and explorations.
images. K.CP.1.3 Understand that dance has a beginning, middle, and end.

K.CP.1.4 Create dance movement to represent words, ideas,

experiences, and feelings.
K.CP.2 Understand how to use K.CP.2.1 Understand how to control body and voice in personal and
performance values (kinesthetic general space.
awareness, concentration, focus, K.CP.2.2 Recognize that concentration is an important part of dance.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. K.CP.2.3 Identify improvements made in dance based on teacher
feedback.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

K.DM.1 Understand how to use K.DM.1.1 Illustrate the difference between whole body movement
movement skills in dance. and isolation of body parts.
K.DM.1.2 Discriminate between moving and stillness.

K.DM.1.3 Recognize basic locomotor and non-locomotor (axial)

movements.
K.DM.1.4 Use the element of time (tempo) in movement.

K.DM.1.5 Use directions, levels, and pathways in general space.

 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

K.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills K.R.1.1 Identify examples of movement skills and elements
to analyze and evaluate dance. observed in dance performed by peers.
K.R.1.2 Interpret the meaning of various dance movements and
dances.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

K.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, K.C.1.1 Use dance to illustrate how people express themselves
and interdisciplinary differently.
connections with dance. K.C.1.2 Recognize connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

First Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

1.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 1.CP.1.1 Create dance movement using elements of movement (body,
structures, and processes to time, space, energy).
create dances that communicate 1.CP.1.2 Compare spontaneous movement (improvisation) and
ideas, experiences, feelings, and planned movement (choreography).
images. 1.CP.1.3 Construct dance phrases which illustrate beginning, middle,
and ending.
1.CP.1.4 Create movement that expresses words, ideas, experiences,
and feelings.
1.CP.2 Understand how to use 1.CP.2.1 Use body and voice control in personal and general space.
performance values (kinesthetic
awareness, concentration, focus, 1.CP.2.2 Exemplify concentration during dance explorations.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. 1.CP.2.3 Understand how teacher feedback can be used to improve
dance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

1.DM.1 Understand how to use 1.DM.1.1 Identify body parts, their range of motion, and use of body
movement skills in dance. center.
1.DM.1.2 Execute a variety of body shapes.

1.DM.1.3 Contrast basic locomotor and non-locomotor (axial)

movements.
1.DM.1.4 Understand use of beat, meter, and duration in dance
movement.
1.DM.1.5 Illustrate directions, levels, and pathways in general space.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

1.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 1.R.1.1 Explain movement skills and elements observed in dances
to analyze and evaluate dance. performed by peers.
1.R.1.2 Understand how responses to dance can be used to
represent feelings and opinions.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

1.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 1.C.1.1 Recognize how dance is used in customs and traditions of
and interdisciplinary various cultures.
connections with dance. 1.C.1.2 Understand connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Second Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

2.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 2.CP.1.1 Use basic elements of movement to generate short
structures, and processes to dance phrases.
create dances that communicate 2.CP.1.2 Use teacher-led improvisation in the process of creating
ideas, experiences, feelings, and dance phrases.
images. 2.CP.1.3 Create dance phrases with simple patterns.

2.CP.1.4 Create dance phrases that express words, ideas, experiences,

and feelings.
2.CP.2 Understand how to use 2.CP.2.1 Understand how to be respectful of self and others in a dance
performance values (kinesthetic setting.
awareness, concentration, focus, 2.CP.2.2 Use concentration and focus during dance explorations.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. 2.CP.2.3 Use teacher and peer feedback to improve dance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

2.DM.1 Understand how to use 2.DM.1.1 Exemplify isolation of body parts and use of body center.
movement skills in dance.
2.DM.1.2 Illustrate a variety of body shapes in space.

2.DM.1.3 Exemplify locomotor and non-locomotor (axial)

movements in performing dance phrases.
2.DM.1.4 Recognize examples of simple rhythms and patterns in
movement.
2.DM.1.5 Exemplify a variety of directions, levels, and pathways in
general space.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

2.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 2.R.1.1 Distinguish movement skills and elements observed in
to analyze and evaluate dance. significant dance works.
2.R.1.2 Use words or images to describe possible meanings
observed in dance.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

2.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 2.C.1.1 Exemplify dance representing the heritage, customs, and
and interdisciplinary traditions of various cultures.
connections with dance. 2.C.1.2 Understand connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Third Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

3.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 3.CP.1.1 Create simple dance sequences by combining dance phrases.
structures, and processes to
create dances that communicate 3.CP.1.2 Use teacher-led improvisation to expand movement
ideas, experiences, feelings, and possibilities for creating dance sequences.
images. 3.CP.1.3 Use abstraction of everyday movement to create sequences
that communicate feelings, ideas, and stories.
3.CP.2 Understand how to use 3.CP.2.1 Use safe and respectful movement practices in the dance
performance values (kinesthetic setting.
awareness, concentration, focus, 3.CP.2.2 Understand how use of concentration enhances performance.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. 3.CP.2.3 Use teacher and peer feedback to refine performance quality
in dance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

3.DM.1 Understand how to use 3.DM.1.1 Recognize beginning principles of dance technique,
movement skills in dance. including rotation, elevation, and landing in dance
movement.
3.DM.1.2 Use transitions between multiple body shapes.

3.DM.1.3 Exemplify dance quality in performing locomotor and non-

locomotor (axial) movement.
3.DM.1.4 Recall dance movement phrases containing rhythmic
patterns in various meters.
3.DM.1.5 Understand a variety of spatial designs and relationships
used in dance.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

3.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 3.R.1.1 Compare movement elements (body, space, time, energy)
to analyze and evaluate dance. observed in dance.
3.R.1.2 Identify examples of movement skills and elements
observed in dance from one’s own and different cultures.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

3.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 3.C.1.1 Exemplify how dance is used by various groups for artistic
and interdisciplinary expression within the local community.
connections with dance. 3.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Fourth Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

4.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 4.CP.1.1 Organize dance phrases into simple dance sequences that
structures, and processes to have a beginning, middle, and end, and that vary the use of
create dances that communicate the dance elements.
ideas, experiences, feelings, and 4.CP.1.2 Use independent and/or cooperative skills to improvise and
images. create dance.
4.CP.1.3 Create short dance sequences that communicate ideas,
experiences, feelings, images, or stories.
4.CP.1.4 Understand how different strategies for problem solving in
dance lead to different outcomes.
4.CP.2 Understand how to use 4.CP.2.1 Use control of body, voice, and focus necessary for effective
performance values (kinesthetic participation in dance.
awareness, concentration, focus, 4.CP.2.2 Use concentration and focus to perform short dance
and etiquette) to enhance dance sequences.
performance. 4.CP.2.3 Identify personal goals to improve performance quality in
dance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

4.DM.1 Understand how to use 4.DM.1.1 Illustrate safe movement choices through the use of dance
movement skills in dance. technique, including balance, rotation, elevation, and
landing in dance movement.
4.DM.1.2 Illustrate a variety of ways to use shapes.

4.DM.1.3 Execute locomotor and non-locomotor (axial) movement

with clarity and intent.
4.DM.1.4 Differentiate between duple and triple meter.

4.DM.1.5 Execute a variety of group spatial designs and relationships

while dancing.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

4.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 4.R.1.1 Use dance vocabulary to describe elements of movement
to analyze and evaluate dance. (body, space, time, energy) while observing dance.
4.R.1.2 Explain how personal perspective influences interpretations
of dance.

4.R.1.3 Use different aesthetic criteria for evaluating dances.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

4.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 4.C.1.1 Understand how dance has affected, and is reflected in, the
and interdisciplinary culture, traditions, and history of North Carolina.
connections with dance. 4.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Fifth Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

5.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 5.CP.1.1 Create short dances that use simple choreographic forms and
structures, and processes to structures (musical, literary, or visual), and that vary the use
create dances that communicate of dance elements.
ideas, experiences, feelings, and 5.CP.1.2 Use collaborative skills to improvise and create dance.
images.
5.CP.1.3 Create short dances that communicate abstract ideas.

5.CP.1.4 Generate strategies for problem solving in dance.

5.CP.2 Understand how to use 5.CP.2.1 Execute control of body, voice, and focus necessary for
performance values (kinesthetic effective participation in individual and group settings in
awareness, concentration, focus, dance.
and etiquette) to enhance dance 5.CP.2.2 Use kinesthetic awareness, concentration, and focus to
performance. enhance the performance of dance sequences.
5.CP.2.3 Monitor personal goals to improve performance quality in
dance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

5.DM.1 Understand how to use 5.DM.1.1 Use muscular strength, flexibility, stamina, and
movement skills in dance. coordination in the development of beginning dance
technique.
5.DM.1.2 Exemplify how to maintain a sense of body shape while
moving and in stillness.
5.DM.1.3 Integrate locomotor and non-locomotor (axial) movement
and stillness into dance sequences through use of
transitions.
5.DM.1.4 Illustrate phrasing in a selected piece of music using dance
movement.
5.DM.1.5 Use a variety of spatial designs and relationships with
clarity and intent while dancing.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

5.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 5.R.1.1 Analyze the relationship between dance elements when
to analyze and evaluate dance. observing dance.
5.R.1.2 Illustrate the roles and responsibilities of the viewer in
interpreting dances.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

5.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 5.C.1.1 Understand how dance has affected, and is reflected in, the
and interdisciplinary culture, traditions, and history of the United States.
connections with dance. 5.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Sixth Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

6.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 6.CP.1.1 Understand the role of improvisation in choreography.
structures, and processes to
create dances that communicate Create short dances that have a beginning, middle, and end,
ideas, experiences, feelings, and and that vary the use of the dance elements.
images. 6.CP.1.3 Use abstracted movement to create dance phrases that
communicate ideas, experiences, feelings, or images.
6.CP.1.4 Use collaborative and cooperative skills to contribute
constructively to the creation of dance.
6.CP.2 Understand how to use 6.CP.2.1 Use safe and respectful behaviors as a dance class
performance values (kinesthetic participant.
awareness, concentration, focus, 6.CP.2.2 Use concentration and focus while dancing.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. 6.CP.2.3 Understand how self-assessment, teacher feedback, and peer
feedback can be used to refine dance performance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

6.DM.1 Understand how to use 6.DM.1.1 Understand the purpose of beginning dance technique in
movement skills in dance. terms of developing muscular strength, alignment,
flexibility, stamina, and coordination.
6.DM.1.2 Compare qualities within the elements of time, space,
weight, and flow in dance.
6.DM.1.3 Execute technical skills from a variety of dance forms.

6.DM.1.4 Analyze the components of time in dance.

 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

6.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 6.R.1.1 Analyze the relationship between dance elements when
to analyze and evaluate dance. observing dance.
6.R.1.2 Interpret the meanings of dances created by peers and
others.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

6.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 6.C.1.1 Understand dance in relationship to the geography, history,
and interdisciplinary and culture of world civilizations and societies from the
connections with dance. beginning of human society to the emergence of the First
Global Age (1450).
6.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
6.C.1.3 Understand how dance promotes health and physical well-
being.
6.C.1.4 Identify the various roles a person may play when putting
together and presenting a dance production.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Seventh Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

7.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 7.CP.1.1 Explain a variety of approaches to choreography.

structures, and processes to
create dances that communicate 7.CP.1.2 Create dances that use simple choreographic forms and
ideas, experiences, feelings, and structures (musical, literary, or visual), fulfill choreographic
images. intent, and meet aesthetic criteria.
7.CP.1.3 Select movement phrases to create dance sequences that
communicate ideas, experiences, feelings, images, or stories.
7.CP.1.4 Generate solutions to technical or structural movement
problems in the creative process.
7.CP.2 Understand how to use 7.CP.2.1 Use safe and respectful behaviors as a dance class
performance values (kinesthetic participant.
awareness, concentration, focus, 7.CP.2.2 Use clarity, concentration, and focus while dancing.
and etiquette) to enhance dance
performance. 7.CP.2.3 Use self-assessment, teacher feedback, and peer feedback to
refine dance performance quality.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

7.DM.1 Understand how to use 7.DM.1.1 Understand how dance technique uses anatomical concepts
movement skills in dance. of alignment, strength, and range of motion.
7.DM.1.2 Apply the effort qualities of time, space, weight, and flow
in dance.
7.DM.1.3 Apply technical skills from a variety of dance traditions.

7.DM.1.4 Use breath to facilitate movement in dancing.

 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

7.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 7.R.1.1 Use dance vocabulary to describe how elements of
to analyze and evaluate dance. movement are used to communicate ideas in dance.
7.R.1.2 Understand how personal experiences and perspectives
influence interpretations of dance.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

7.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 7.C.1.1 Understand dance in relationship to the geography, history,
and interdisciplinary and culture of modern societies from the emergence of the
connections with dance. First Global Age (1450) to the present.
7.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
7.C.1.3 Explain how to promote health, physical safety, and reduced
risk of injury through dance.
7.C.1.4 Identify dance and dance-related careers.
 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

North Carolina Essential Standards

Eighth Grade Dance
Note on Numbering/Strands:
CP-Creation and Performance, DM- Dance Movement Skills, R-Responding, C-Connecting

Creation and Performance (CP)

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

8.CP.1 Use choreographic principles, 8.CP.1.1 Use a variety of approaches, such as musical, literary, or
structures, and processes to visual forms, to choreograph dances.
create dances that communicate 8.CP.1.2 Create dances that fulfill aesthetic criteria including:
ideas, experiences, feelings, and beginning, development of an idea, resolution, and end; use
images. of variety in the elements of dance; artistic form; and
communication of the intent of the choreographer.
8.CP.1.3 Organize dance sequences into simple dances that
communicate ideas, experiences, feeling, images, or stories.
8.CP.1.4 Use reflection and discussion to revise choreography.

8.CP.2 Understand how to use 8.CP.2.1 Use safe and respectful behaviors as a dance class
performance values (kinesthetic participant.
awareness, concentration, focus, 8.CP.2.2 Integrate the use of clarity, concentration, and focus while
and etiquette) to enhance dance dancing.
performance. 8.CP.2.3 Integrate self-assessment, teacher feedback, and peer
feedback in the process of refining dance performance.

Dance Movement Skills

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

8.DM.1 Understand how to use 8.DM.1.1 Apply anatomical concepts to movements that are vertical,
movement skills in dance. off-vertical, and on one leg with balance, agility, endurance,
and ease of movement.
8.DM.1.2 Apply combinations of time, space, weight, and flow in
dance.
8.DM.1.3 Execute technical skills in dance.

8.DM.1.4 Integrate breath support to facilitate and clarify movement.

 North Carolina Essential Standards
K-8 Dance

Responding

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

8.R.1 Use a variety of thinking skills 8.R.1.1 Use accurate terminology to describe the major movement
to analyze and evaluate dance. ideas, elements, and choreographic structures of dance.
8.R.1.2 Use multiple perspectives and criteria in evaluating dances.

Connecting

Essential Standard Clarifying Objectives

8.C.1 Understand cultural, historical, 8.C.1.1 Understand the role of dance in North Carolina and the
and interdisciplinary United States in relation to history and geography.
connections with dance. 8.C.1.2 Exemplify connections between dance and concepts in other
curricular areas.
8.C.1.3 Design personal strategies to improve health and well-being
through dance.
8.C.1.4 Explain the implications of career pathways and economic
considerations when selecting careers in dance.