Group Choreography Learning Objectives
Section I - History and Evolution of Group Choreography
Methods Chp 1, 4, 6, Review with Foundations Chp 14 & 15
Sub-objectives:
- Describe the origins and development of group choreography exercise from its inception in the early 80’s and describe the different models (including but not limited to Step, Hi-lo Cardio, Kickbox, Athletic Cardio, Zumba).
- Explain the benefits of group choreography exercise classes as they relate to overall benefits of physical activity and exercise.
Section II – Class Structure and Content of Group Choreography
Methods Chp 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, Review with Foundations Chp 14
Objective I: Planning and Design
Sub-objectives:
- Using the ADDIE model, describe components of a group choreography exercise class and what to include in each component.
- Describe methods for evaluating and monitoring intensity of each group choreography class component.
- Describe the use of the following elements in designing each component of a group choreography class: phrasing, rhythm, space, directions, plane and lever variations, transitions, pattern breakdown, flow, variety, balance and safety.
- Discuss the methods by which class components can be altered for varied populations.
- Discuss appropriate class design based on current research in principles of conditioning, anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology.
- Discuss how to design class components where balance – both between muscle groups and between fitness components – is an integral component.
- Describe and demonstrate the base patterns for: step, hi-lo, athletic, kickboxing style classes with variations that include arm lines.
- Discuss methods of evaluating the effectiveness of class components and class design.
Objective I: Risk Management and Safety Guidelines
Methods Chp 4, Review with Foundations Chp 2 & 3
Sub-objectives:
- Describe and apply evidence-based research principles as they apply to repetitive impact movements, monitoring intensity, and music tempo (i.e., speed).
- Explain potential legal risks of implementing contraindicated movements and ineffective exercises within the group choreography exercise class.
- Indicate safety guidelines to consider when designing each class component of the group choreography exercise class.
- Utilize current research to identify appropriate design of group choreography class components (e.g., duration, intensity, mode, etc. of warm up, cooldown, etc.).
- Review appropriate application of pre-screening tools (PAR-Q+, informed consent, etc.).
- Review the scope of practice of the group choreography exercise leader and discuss the implications of working outside of that scope.
Section III – Leadership and Communication
Objective I: Leadership
Sub-objectives:
- Demonstrate a level of interaction with participants that create a positive learning environment within the group choreography exercise class.
- Evaluate participant technique and performance, providing feedback toward optimizing these elements.
- Explain the importance of ongoing observation of class participants, adapting as needed to respond to participant needs.
- Demonstrate how to create an enthusiastic, motivational environment within the group choreography exercise class.
Objective II: Teaching
Sub-objectives:
- Describe and implement various instructional techniques including: progression from simple to complex, pattern development techniques, variety of class formations, mirror imaging, and intensity progression (less to more, and vice versa).
- Utilize common exercise and base move terms used within the group choreography exercise class
- Identify instructional challenges specific to group choreography exercise classes and strategies for managing and minimizing these challenges.
Objective III: Cueing Strategies
Sub-objectives:
- Differentiate between verbal and nonverbal cueing techniques used within the group choreography exercise class.
- Differentiate between effective and ineffective verbal cueing (e.g., on proper technique, motivation, etc.).
- Differentiate between effective and ineffective visual cueing.
- Differentiate between effective and ineffective kinesthetic cueing.
- Explain the relationship between body language and its affect on class energy, enthusiasm, body alignment and group rapport.
Objective IV: Voice/Vocal Strategies
Sub-objectives:
- Explain the importance of vocal projection and intonation.
- Identify key safety tips for vocal safety.
- Identify key tips for vocal clarity and conciseness.
Section IV – Step Specific Class Structure and Content
Methods Chp 11
Sub-objectives:
- Describe and implement a variety of directional approaches from which step moves can begin or finish.
- Describe and implement a variety of base moves as well as arm patterns.
- Describe and implement basic principles of step-based group exercise class design such as space, balanced lead legs, transition and flow, movement planes, lever variations, variety and safety.
- Describe and demonstrate safe use of the step platform during each class component, including muscular conditioning and flexibility.
- Describe and apply evidence-based research principles as they apply to step height.
- Identify the movement plane and the leading leg for each chosen move to ensure multi-planar movements throughout the class.
Section V – Music and Movement Combinations
Methods Chp 4, Review with Foundations Chp 2
Objective I: Use of Music
Sub-objectives:
- List reasons for using music in the group choreography exercise setting (e.g., movement links, class flow, etc.).
- Define the following base elements of music: rhythm, beat, measure, tempo, phrase.
- Identify the 8 count and 32 count and how it affects program design and pattern development.
- Describe the benefits of designing choreography patterns based on 32 counts.
- Select music of appropriate tempo, mood, style and decibel level (volume) for various class components.
- Select music of appropriate tempo, mood, style and decibel level (volume) for various class types: athletic style, choreography building style, hi-lo, kickboxing, circuit, and cardio interval classes – including speed-based intervals and intervals in time to the beat.
- Identify and utilize safe microphone volumes.
- Identify the legalities of sourcing, purchasing and using music in the group choreography exercise class.
Objective II: Developing Movement Combinations
Sub-objectives:
Explain the various instructional techniques for group choreography exercise routines including: progression from simple to complex, types of choreography development (chorus/verse, add on, layering, repeated sequence, freestyle), variety of class formations, creating smooth transitions, use of modifications/variations for variety.
Demonstrate the use of basic principles of choreography design in developing routines such as: music, tempo, phrasing, rhythm, space, class formations, directions, plane and lever variations, use of modifications/variations for variety.
Describe the different types of choreography planning including: add-on choreography, chorus/verse choreography, pre-choreographed routines, freestyle, etc.
Section VI – Exercise Analysis
Methods Chp 3, Review with Foundations Chp 8
Objective I: Exercise Selection
Sub-objectives:
- Create safe, effective exercise variations and modifications implementing the SEAT acronym (from Foundations) and/or the progressive functional training continuum tool.
- Evaluate the effectiveness, applicability (functionality) and time efficiency of a given exercise.
- Explain the purpose of an exercise/movement in any given class component.
- Identify individual movement/misalignments within each class component and give corrective feedback to improve technique.
- Demonstrate safe use of equipment within each component of the group choreography exercise class.
- Compare proper and improper technique and posture; identify the injuries that could result.
Objective II: Proper Posture and Core Stabilization
Sub-objectives:
- State the importance of proper posture and neutral body alignment in all group choreography exercise activities.
- Describe the importance of core stabilization for maintaining neutral spine.
- List and describe the major muscle groups involved in core stabilization.
- Demonstrate core stabilization exercises appropriate for various participant levels.