Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes, dynamics, and choreography presented in the show "Dance Moms." They will analyze dance styles, discuss the impact of competition, and explore character development within the series.

Materials and Prep

• Access to episodes of "Dance Moms" (streaming or DVD)
• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Comfortable space for watching and discussing
• Optional: A device for looking up dance styles or terms online

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to watch at least one episode of "Dance Moms" to familiarize yourself with the content. Consider which aspects of the show you find most interesting—dance, drama, or character relationships.

Activities

• Episode Analysis:

  Watch a selected episode and take notes on key moments. Focus on the choreography, the dancers' performances, and any significant interactions between the mothers and the dance instructors. After watching, discuss what stood out to you and why.

• Character Mapping:

  Create a character map for the main dancers and their mothers. Include their relationships, motivations, and any conflicts that arise. This will help visualize the complex dynamics within the show.

• Dance Style Exploration:

  Choose one dance style featured in the episode (e.g., ballet, contemporary, jazz) and research its history and characteristics. Present your findings to the class, explaining how this style was represented in the episode.

• Debate the Drama:

  Hold a friendly debate on whether the competitive nature of dance portrayed in "Dance Moms" is beneficial or harmful for young dancers. Prepare arguments for both sides and discuss your thoughts.

Talking Points

• "What do you think motivates the mothers in 'Dance Moms'? Is it their passion for dance or something else?"
• "How does competition affect the dancers? Do you think it pushes them to be better or creates too much pressure?"
• "Can you identify different dance styles in the show? How do they contribute to the overall performance?"
• "What are some positive and negative aspects of the relationships between the mothers and the dance instructors?"
• "How do you feel about the portrayal of young dancers in reality TV? Is it fair or exaggerated?"