North Carolina K–6 dance standards

North Carolina writes its own dance standards. They are published as North Carolina Standard Course of Study — Dance / Theatre Arts / Visual Arts (2024), adopted 2024 and are not a version of a national framework. 99 of 140 are matched to a national standard.

384 rows: Dance 140, Theatre 132, Visual Arts 112 (art = the three non-music 2024 arts disciplines; Music is its own subject). Re-acquired from NCDPI's combined K-12 discipline Google Docs (export?format=txt). Per-discipline code completeness 140/140, 132/132, 112/112 and 384/384 verbatim vs NC's documents; Dance 140 == CSP's independent Dance count. Rows carry a DECLARED discipline prefix DA./TH./VA. (§9) + NC's 1.CN.1.1 code so the shared code shape does not collide under importKey. HS proficiency tiers excluded. Re-run extract-nc-arts.py after any re-fetch.

Framework: North Carolina Standard Course of Study — Dance / Theatre Arts / Visual Arts (2024)
Adopted: 2024
Source last checked: July 26, 2026

Read the official document

140 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

DA.K.CN.1.1K
Identify dance in global communities.
DA.K.CN.1.2K
Identify how dance is used in school and in daily life.
DA.K.CN.1.3K
Identify anatomical challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.K.CN.2.1K
Identify the various roles of individuals in creating dance.
DA.K.CN.2.2K
Identify innovations and technological tools used to create and present dance.
DA.K.CR.1.1K
Generate spontaneous movement in response to verbal cues.
DA.K.CR.1.2K
Create a movement for the beginning, middle, and end of a dance.
DA.K.CR.1.3K
Depict a dance movement by drawing a picture or using a symbol.
DA.K.CR.2.1K
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the size of the movements.
DA.K.CR.2.2K
Explain the difference between original and copied dance movements or works.
DA.K.PR.1.1K
Improve dance skills by incorporating feedback from instructors.
DA.K.PR.1.2K
Demonstrate basic motor skills with body awareness.
DA.K.PR.1.3K
Demonstrate focus with guidance when dancing with others.
DA.K.PR.2.1K
Compare topics or themes for improvisation or informal performance from a given list.
DA.K.PR.2.2K
Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors when performing and observing informal
DA.K.PR.2.3K
Demonstrate how using a simple prop as part of a dance can impact performance.
DA.K.RE.1.1K
Describe movements that exemplify an element of dance with guidance.
DA.K.RE.1.2K
Describe the emotions evoked by dance movements.
DA.K.RE.2.1K
Describe personal preference for movements.
DA.K.RE.2.2K
Provide positive feedback for self and others with guidance.
DA.1.CN.1.11
Explain how dance can reflect culture, values, and ideas.
DA.1.CN.1.21
Identify cross-curricular connections between dance and other arts disciplines.
DA.1.CN.1.31
Identify psychological challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.1.CN.2.11
Identify the various roles of individuals in the creation and production of dance.
DA.1.CN.2.21
Describe how innovations and technology are used to create and present dance.
DA.1.CR.1.11
Generate spontaneous movement in response to visual cues.
DA.1.CR.1.21
Create movement as a group for the beginning, middle, and end of a dance.
DA.1.CR.1.31
Depict shapes in dance by drawing a picture or using a symbol.
DA.1.CR.2.11
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the body shapes.
DA.1.CR.2.21
Explain how and when to credit others when using their ideas in dance.
DA.1.PR.1.11
Improve dance skills by incorporating feedback from instructors and peers.
DA.1.PR.1.21
Sequence basic motor skills with body awareness.
DA.1.PR.1.31
Demonstrate focus when dancing with others.
DA.1.PR.2.11
Compare topics or themes for improvisation or informal performance with support.
DA.1.PR.2.21
Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors when performing and observing informal
DA.1.PR.2.31
Compare the use of props from given options to enhance a dance.
DA.1.RE.1.11
Describe movements that exemplify an element of dance.
DA.1.RE.1.21
Describe the emotions evoked by choreographic works.
DA.1.RE.2.11
Describe preferences in observing various dance styles, forms, or genres.
DA.1.RE.2.21
Provide positive feedback for self and others.
DA.2.CN.1.12
Describe how American dance reflects the heritage, customs, and traditions of people in
DA.2.CN.1.22
Identify cross-curricular connections between dance and other content areas.
DA.2.CN.1.32
Identify strategies to address anatomical challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.2.CN.2.12
Compare the roles of various individuals responsible for the creation and production
DA.2.CN.2.22
Explain why innovative technologies are used in dance.
DA.2.CR.1.12
Generate spontaneous movement in response to musical cues.
DA.2.CR.1.22
Create short dance sequences with simple patterns.
DA.2.CR.1.32
Depict spatial levels in a variety of dance movements by drawing a picture or using symbols.
DA.2.CR.2.12
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the levels of the movements.
DA.2.CR.2.22
Explain how to share dance fairly.
DA.2.PR.1.12
Improve dance skills by applying feedback from instructors, peers, and self.
DA.2.PR.1.22
Demonstrate complex motor skills with body awareness.
DA.2.PR.1.32
Demonstrate focus with guidance when dancing for and with others.
DA.2.PR.2.12
Compare topics or themes for improvisation or informal performance.
DA.2.PR.2.22
Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors when performing and observing formal and
DA.2.PR.2.32
Enhance a performance using simple props.
DA.2.RE.1.12
Describe dance sequences that exemplify two or more elements of dance with guidance.
DA.2.RE.1.22
Explain possible meanings of various dance movements or choreographic works.
DA.2.RE.2.12
Explain preferences in performing various dance styles, forms, or genres.
DA.2.RE.2.22
Identify positive feedback and areas for improvement for self and others with guidance.
DA.3.CN.1.13
Describe dance forms found in the local community or region.
DA.3.CN.1.23
Compare dance elements with elements from other arts disciplines.
DA.3.CN.1.33
Identify strategies to address psychological challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.3.CN.2.13
Identify dance careers and organizations in the local community or region.
DA.3.CN.2.23
Describe how innovations and technology used in the creation and presentation of dance have developed over time.
DA.3.CR.1.13
Improvise movement based on one dance element.
DA.3.CR.1.23
Combine simple dance sequences to create dance phrases.
DA.3.CR.1.33
Depict directions or spatial pathways in a dance phrase by drawing a picture, map, or symbol.
DA.3.CR.2.13
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the directions or pathways of the movements.
DA.3.CR.2.23
Identify dances that can be used by everyone fairly.
DA.3.PR.1.13
Improve choreography and dance skills by applying formal or informal feedback.
DA.3.PR.1.23
Demonstrate foundational dance skills with coordination of multiple body parts.
DA.3.PR.1.33
Demonstrate focus when dancing for and with others.
DA.3.PR.2.13
Identify criteria for the selection of a theme, topic, or music for a small group
DA.3.PR.2.23
Identify the expected safe and respectful behaviors for various dance settings and
DA.3.PR.2.33
Enhance performance by incorporating a single production element.
DA.3.RE.1.13
Describe dance sequences that exemplify two or more elements of dance.
DA.3.RE.1.23
Infer meaning from dance, citing evidence.
DA.3.RE.2.13
Explain preferences in observing various dance styles, forms, or genres.
DA.3.RE.2.23
Identify positive feedback and areas for improvement for self and others.
DA.4.CN.1.14
Describe styles and dancers who have influenced, or been influenced by, the customs and traditions of indigenous and other cultural groups in North Carolina.
DA.4.CN.1.24
Compare dance concepts with concepts from other content areas.
DA.4.CN.1.34
Demonstrate ways to address anatomical and psychological challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.4.CN.2.14
Describe dance careers and organizations in North Carolina.
DA.4.CN.2.24
Compare how dance has changed and remained the same with advances in technology, digital media, and other innovations.
DA.4.CR.1.14
Improvise movement based on multiple dance elements.
DA.4.CR.1.24
Create dance phrases incorporating abstraction of everyday movement to fulfill a given choreographic form.
DA.4.CR.1.34
Depict the spatial relationships between two or more dancers in a dance phrase by drawing a picture or using symbols.
DA.4.CR.2.14
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the spatial relationships between dancers.
DA.4.CR.2.24
Identify how to responsibly use resources for online access of dance and musical accompaniment.
DA.4.PR.1.14
Set personal goals for improving dance performance based on instructor and peer feedback.
DA.4.PR.1.24
Demonstrate technical skills with stamina and coordination.
DA.4.PR.1.34
Demonstrate focus when performing short dance phrases.
DA.4.PR.2.14
Compare themes, topics, or music choices for a small group performance with support.
DA.4.PR.2.24
Explain how safe and respectful behavior varies based on the dance setting and cultural context.
DA.4.PR.2.34
Compare a variety of production elements that strengthen the artistic intent and audience experience.
DA.4.RE.1.14
Describe dance phrases that exemplify multiple elements of dance.
DA.4.RE.1.24
Compare a personal interpretation of a dance with the interpretation of peers.
DA.4.RE.2.14
Contrast personal preferences for performing and viewing dance with those of peers.
DA.4.RE.2.24
Evaluate dances using established criteria to provide feedback for self and others.
DA.5.CN.1.15
Describe styles and dancers who have influenced, or been influenced by, the customs and
DA.5.CN.1.25
Compare dance skills and processes with those of other arts disciplines.
DA.5.CN.1.35
Apply strategies to address anatomical and psychological challenges encountered by dancers.
DA.5.CN.2.15
Identify the characteristics and behaviors of dancers that connect to college, career, and post-secondary skills.
DA.5.CN.2.25
Give examples of choreographic works or artists that were innovative for their time.
DA.5.CR.1.15
Improvise movement to fulfill a simple movement score using one or more dance elements.
DA.5.CR.1.25
Create short dances using basic choreographic forms that communicate abstract ideas.
DA.5.CR.1.35
Depict the movement qualities in a dance phrase by drawing a picture, writing, or using symbols.
DA.5.CR.2.15
Adapt a dance sequence by changing the movement qualities.
DA.5.CR.2.25
Cite artists correctly when using or adapting their original dance or musical accompaniment.
DA.5.PR.1.15
Integrate personal goals and instructor and peer feedback to improve dance performance.
DA.5.PR.1.25
Demonstrate technical skills with muscular strength, flexibility, stamina, and coordination.
DA.5.PR.1.35
Demonstrate focus when performing extended dance phrases.
DA.5.PR.2.15
Compare themes, topics, and music choices for a whole class dance performance.
DA.5.PR.2.25
Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors when performing and observing dance within the appropriate cultural context.
DA.5.PR.2.35
Select production elements that strengthen the artistic intent and audience experience.
DA.5.RE.1.15
Identify the elements of dance observed in a choreographic work.
DA.5.RE.1.25
Describe alternative meanings that could be interpreted from the same choreographic work.
DA.5.RE.2.15
Identify aspects of a dance that align and contrast with personal preference.
DA.5.RE.2.25
Generate criteria to provide feedback for self and others.
DA.6.CN.1.16
Explain how dance expresses and reflects the values of civilizations around the world.
DA.6.CN.1.26
Explain how skills and concepts from other content areas inform the development of ideas in dance.
DA.6.CN.1.36
Name anatomical alignment concerns and psychological stressors encountered by dancers.
DA.6.CN.2.16
Identify the dance skills, characteristics, and behaviors that contribute to success in dance-related careers.
DA.6.CN.2.26
Identify the uses of digital media in a variety of dance performances.
DA.6.CR.1.16
Improvise movement using multiple dance elements in response to musical or verbal cues.
DA.6.CR.1.26
Create a short dance or dance sequence using abstracted movement that has a beginning, middle, and end.
DA.6.CR.1.36
Plan an original dance sequence using pictures or symbols, writing, or media technology.
DA.6.CR.2.16
Adapt a dance phrase by changing the tempo of movement.
DA.6.CR.2.26
Describe how fair use, copyright, public domain, open source, and creative commons affect the ability of dancers to produce dance, including musical accompaniment.
DA.6.PR.1.16
Analyze how self-assessment, instructor feedback, and peer feedback is used to refine dance performance.
DA.6.PR.1.26
Demonstrate technical skills with muscular strength, alignment, flexibility, stamina, and coordination.
DA.6.PR.1.36
Demonstrate clarity of movement and movement qualities with guidance.
DA.6.PR.2.16
Compare themes, topics, or music choices for a group performance.
DA.6.PR.2.26
Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors for various cultural contexts as a dance class participant, performer, and observer with guidance.
DA.6.PR.2.36
Identify a variety of production elements in various situations, using production terminology.
DA.6.RE.1.16
Identify the elements of dance observed in various genres of dance.
DA.6.RE.1.26
Identify multiple meanings for choreographic works, citing evidence.
DA.6.RE.2.16
Explain how personal preferences for dance develop with increased exposure.
DA.6.RE.2.26
Identify strengths and areas for improvement based on established criteria when viewing dance performance and choreography.

North Carolina K–6 dance standards

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