|
|
|
STEP Aerobics
STEP Aerobics is a highly choreographed aerobic dance form that requires music and a base (STEP, platform, sidewalk. etc.). Participants follows an instructor as they call out various moves. The instructors usually use an “add-on” method, where first the MOVES practiced individually, then strung together to form 32-48 count BLOCK that can be danced along to the beat of the music.
Today STEP Aerobics is still very popular in certain areas where the activity has survived. It takes a bit of skill to teach STEP aerobics, so this exercise form has disappeared from many gyms, schools and sports clubs. Still, many physical education teachers are teaching their students this rewarding activity, and in the gyms where there are instructors who have a following, the STEP classes are full of STEP enthusiasts. Ask them why they do step, and you are certain to get an answer that includes the word FUN, whether you ask a 20 or 80-year old!
Today STEP Aerobics is still very popular in certain areas where the activity has survived. It takes a bit of skill to teach STEP aerobics, so this exercise form has disappeared from many gyms, schools and sports clubs. Still, many physical education teachers are teaching their students this rewarding activity, and in the gyms where there are instructors who have a following, the STEP classes are full of STEP enthusiasts. Ask them why they do step, and you are certain to get an answer that includes the word FUN, whether you ask a 20 or 80-year old!
History of step (I don't think teachers will use; would be better as a blog post "STEP Revival"
STEP aerobics has an interesting origin. When aerobics instructor Gin Miller in the late 1980s was nursing an injured knee back to health, her physical therapist had her use a platform to step up and down to strengthen the knee joint. Gin quickly got bored and started making up different ways to step up and down, creating the first STEP steps. Her innovation was embraced by the fitness industry and 30+ years later enthusiasts are still stepping all over the world.
From Gin Miller’s website:
"In the late 80's, Atlanta’s own Gin Miller created the Step Training fitness phenomenon. Gin's innovation, concepts and creativity laid the foundation for a new era of exercise, earning her the worldwide reputation as a preeminent fitness program creator and exercise professional. Best known as the driving force behind STEP Reebok, Gin is a cherished and beloved leader in her field."
From Gin Miller’s website:
"In the late 80's, Atlanta’s own Gin Miller created the Step Training fitness phenomenon. Gin's innovation, concepts and creativity laid the foundation for a new era of exercise, earning her the worldwide reputation as a preeminent fitness program creator and exercise professional. Best known as the driving force behind STEP Reebok, Gin is a cherished and beloved leader in her field."
Guidelines for teaching STEP
EXAMPLE LEARNING TASKS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
How to Use our STEP videos
- Learning basic vocabulary: The “words” are the individual moves (such as a “Basic”, “Turn-step”, or “Corner Knee”) and more complex combinations consisting of several base-moves.
- Putting together sentences: Students follows the instructor string as they string together multiple MOVES to form 32-48 count BLOCKS.
- Becoming fluent: This is a fun and challenging process, as every class offers new combos to practice. The best part is that you get the same benefits regardless of skill level. As long as you are trying to move with the instructor and the class it will be Complex, Vigorous and Social.
We will be providing everything you need to learn to become an advanced stepper. Routines have been sequenced progressively and organized in the color scheme of the rainbow. Each color has 3-4 levels of new MOVES and BLOCKS to practice and master before moving on. We already have 2 of 7 colors (Red and Orange), each with 3-4 levels of MOVES and BLOCKS ready.
step routine - Red
This first “language” is the choreography of Suzanne White, STEP instructor of 20+ years. The moves in her blocks have been shared at group exercise conferences, and many should be familiar to people who have stepped before.
Associated resources (learning tasks)
step routine - orange
Associated resources (learning tasks)
