Global Dance Exploration Worksheet

Unit 1: Exploring Global Dance Traditions

Name:

Date:

Students exploring global dance traditions

🌍 Part 1: Global Dance Forms

Key Vocabulary: dance form · tradition · culture · storytelling · heritage · expression · rhythm · costume

1. Name the country or culture each dance tradition comes from. Write your answers in the blanks.

a) Kapa haka comes from: _______________________

b) Hula comes from: _______________________

c) Bharatanatyam comes from: _______________________

d) West African Dance comes from: _______________________

2. Match each dance to its most important feature. Draw a line from the dance to its description.

Kapa haka

Hula

Bharatanatyam

West African Dance

Uses energetic movements and drumming rhythms

Uses intricate hand gestures called mudras

Includes group singing, dance, and chanting

Tells stories through hand movements and rhythm

3. Which of the following are examples of things that make each dance tradition unique? Tick ALL that apply.

Special costumes and clothing

Music and instruments

Hand gestures and body movements

Stories and cultural meanings

The same steps used in every country

4. After watching the video clips, which dance tradition did you find most interesting? Circle your choice.

Māori Kapa haka

Hula (Hawai'i)

Bharatanatyam (India)

West African Dance

Another dance: _______________________

✏️ Part 2: Cultural Meaning and Storytelling

5. Dance is a way of telling stories without words. Describe what you think one of the dances you watched was trying to communicate or express.

I think _______________________ (dance name) was telling the story of:

6. Why do you think it is important for cultures to pass down their traditional dances to younger generations? Write 2–3 sentences.

7. Fill in the blanks using the words from the Key Vocabulary box above.

a) Kapa haka is part of Māori _______________________ and _______________________.

b) Bharatanatyam uses hand gestures as a form of _______________________ to share stories.

c) Every dance tradition has its own _______________________, music, and style of movement.

💃 Part 3: Movement Activity and Reflection

8. During your group movement activity, which dance styles did your group try to recreate? Describe one movement you practised.

We tried movements inspired by: _______________________

One movement we practised was:

9. In the box below, draw a simple sketch of a dancer from one of the traditions you explored today. Add a label showing which tradition it is and one feature (e.g., costume, gesture, or prop).

10. Reflection: How does learning about global dance traditions help us understand and respect other cultures? Share your thoughts in 2–3 sentences.

11. Home Connection 🏠: Talk with your whānau or family about any dance or movement traditions from your own culture. Write the name of the dance or tradition below (if you find one!).

A dance or movement tradition from my culture or family is: _______________________

One thing I learned about it: _______________________