Prepare Your Drama Students For A Breakdancing Performance

Directing your drama students in a rendition of a 1980s breakdancing video can be both educational and fun. Students may laugh at the absurdity of some of the moves that were popular back in the day and the music styles and clothing that were included in video shoots. Prepare an outline that will help you and your class get ready for the impending production.

Decide What Is Needed To Get The Project Started

Just like any other theatrical performance that you have overseen your students in, you will need to compile a list of materials that will be used to make the production a success. During the instructional portion of the show, physical props won't necessarily be needed. A sound system and music, however, should be implemented throughout each practice session.

If the drama classroom has a PA sound system installed in it and you are going to connect an external component to play music on, have each piece of equipment tested. The stereo and audio speakers are the integral parts of the system that need to be working properly so that your students can clearly hear the beats and words in the music that is played and so they find their rhythm.

If you are going to have one or more students sing along to the music as other students dance, invest in a couple of wireless microphones. Wireless pieces will allow your student the freedom to dance along to the music without needing to worry about tripping over cords or being restricted to a specific portion of the stage. 

Provide Visuals During Practice Sessions

The best way for your students to acquire a feel of what breakdancing involves is by demonstrating some moves. If you are not well-versed in breakdancing, it can be a learning experience for yourself as well.

Purchase some videos that pertain to breakdancing or ask a live group of experienced performers to spend some time in your class so that they can dance for your students and assist each pupil with learning the basics associated with executing some of the moves.

Don't expect your class to master complicated moves, such as head or backspins. Instead, stick to some fairly basic dance moves that will be easy to grasp. During the live sessions, play some audio recordings over the sound system so that your students can get used to the type of music that will be played during a live performance. 


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