Montana K–6 dance standards

Montana writes its own dance standards. They are published as Montana Content Standards for the Arts (2016), adopted 2016 and are not a version of a national framework. 76 of 77 are matched to a national standard.

Framework: Montana Content Standards for the Arts (2016)
Adopted: 2016
Source last checked: July 25, 2026

Read the official document

77 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

DA.K.1K
respond in movement to a variety of sounds
DA.K.2K
explore dances with beginning, middle, and end
DA.K.3K
use improvised movement to change dance sequences
DA.K.4K
explore different movement qualities
DA.K.5K
coordinate dance movements with other dancers
DA.K.6K
identify production elements of a dance for and with others
DA.K.7K
identify a movement that repeats in a dance
DA.K.8K
observe movement and describe it
DA.K.9K
identify criteria to describe movement in dance
DA.K.10K
identify an emotion expressed in a dance
DA.K.11K
replicate movement in dances.
DA.1.11
experiment with movement inspired by a variety of sounds
DA.1.21
improvise a dance with beginning, middle, and end
DA.1.31
apply changes to movement in dance sequences
DA.1.41
identify movement qualities using simple dance vocabulary
DA.1.51
demonstrate a range of movements while coordinating with other dancers
DA.1.61
use production elements in a dance for and with others
DA.1.71
identify a movement that repeats in a dance to make a pattern
DA.1.81
discuss selected movements from a dance using dance vocabulary
DA.1.91
use criteria to identify and demonstrate movements in dance
DA.1.101
identify the movements in a dance that relate to a familiar experience
DA.1.111
demonstrate and describe movements in dances.
DA.2.12
explore movement inspired by a variety of sources
DA.2.22
create a dance sequence with a beginning, middle, and end
DA.2.32
make choices to change movement in a dance sequence
DA.2.42
correlate movement to music
DA.2.52
coordinate body movements and alignment with other dancers
DA.2.62
integrate basic production elements to perform a dance sequence for and with others
DA.2.72
identify movements in a dance that develop a pattern
DA.2.82
identify meaning and intent from the movement in a dance
DA.2.92
use criteria to describe dance movements from a specific genre
DA.2.102
create and perform a dance that expresses personal meaning
DA.2.112
discuss dances and the relationship between the types of movement and the dancers.
DA.3.13
experiment with movement using a variety of sources
DA.3.23
identify movement patterns and sequences
DA.3.33
describe differences in movement changes in dance sequences
DA.3.43
choose specific movements to express intent in a dance sequence
DA.3.53
identify technical dance skills that coordinate with other dancers
DA.3.63
create production elements for a dance performance
DA.3.73
discuss a movement pattern that creates a dance sequence
DA.3.83
explain how specific movements relate to the main idea of a dance
DA.3.93
use criteria to identify characteristic movements in dances from a variety of genres
DA.3.103
create movement based on an event or issue
DA.3.113
explain what the movements of a dance may communicate about culture.
DA.4.14
use elements of dance to create a series of movements
DA.4.24
plan a dance sequence with a variety of movement patterns and structures
DA.4.34
revise and explain choices made in movement changes within dance sequences
DA.4.44
demonstrate shapes and expand the range of movements in a dance sequence
DA.4.54
demonstrate technical dance skills that coordinate with other dancers
DA.4.64
use a variety of production elements to create a formal dance performance space
DA.4.74
compare movement patterns within a genre or style
DA.4.84
identify intent of a dance by relating the movements, ideas, and context using dance vocabulary
DA.4.94
discuss and demonstrate the movement characteristics of a dance
DA.4.104
explain how the main idea of a dance is similar to or different from personal experience
DA.4.114
describe how specific movements of a dance relate to culture and time period.
DA.5.15
use elements of dance to create a movement series
DA.5.25
create a dance sequence that communicates an idea
DA.5.35
revise and explain choices made to refine movement changes in dance sequences
DA.5.45
perform dance sequences using a variety of rhythms
DA.5.55
execute a series of dance sequences using technical dance skills
DA.5.65
collaborate to adapt dance to performance venues
DA.5.75
analyze characteristics of diverse dance genres and styles
DA.5.85
explain how movement can communicate meaning and intent in a dance using dance vocabulary
DA.5.95
use criteria to compare characteristic movements in dances from a variety of genres and styles
DA.5.105
analyze dances with contrasting themes
DA.5.115
describe how specific movements or qualities of a dance communicate the ideas and perspectives of culture.
DA.6.16
create an original dance
DA.6.26
create an original dance that communicates an idea
DA.6.36
revise movements in dance sequences based on artistic criteria
DA.6.46
present dance sequences from a variety of genres and styles
DA.6.56
execute and coordinate technical dance skills in performance
DA.6.66
collaborate with others to design and execute a dance production
DA.6.76
explain how the elements of dance are used to communicate intent in a variety of genres or styles
DA.6.86
explain relationships among the elements of dance that support intent
DA.6.96
use criteria to determine what makes an effective performance
DA.6.106
create a movement sequence of two contrasting ideas
DA.6.116
analyze how dances from a variety of cultures and time periods reveal ideas and perspectives.

Montana K–6 dance standards

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