Dance steps

Step 1: Make it

What is it?

Use count-controlled loops and a sequence to help create a dance routine project on your BBC micro:bit. You can use the project alone or with friends.

These two videos show you what you'll make and how to code it:

How it works

• The program starts when you press button A.
• Arrows appear on the micro:bit’s LED display, which tell you how to dance – step left then right, put your hands up in the air, then point down to the floor.
• If you are using the project in a group, everyone should press button A on their micro:bits at the same time, so that you start the dance routine at the same time and remain in sync.
• After showing each image, the program pauses for a second (1000 milliseconds) before showing the next image. The pause helps everyone to keep in time.
• The sequence of dance moves repeats four times then stops. The sequence is kept going using a count-controlled loop. Count-controlled loops repeat instructions a set number of times.
• Using loops to keep things happening is an important idea in computer programming. This is also called iteration. 
• When the routine is finished, the micro:bit’s LED display is cleared.

What you need

• micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)
• MakeCode editor
• battery pack (recommended)
• LED planning sheet (optional)

Step 2: Code it

1# Imports go at the top
2from microbit import *
3
4
5while True:
6    if button_a.is_pressed():
7        for i in range(4):  
8            display.show(Image('00900:'
9                       '09000:'
10                       '99999:'
11                       '09000:'
12                       '00900'))
13            sleep(1000)
14            display.show(Image('00900:'
15                       '00090:'
16                       '99999:'
17                       '00090:'
18                       '00900'))
19            sleep(1000)
20            display.show(Image('00900:'
21                       '09990:'
22                       '90909:'
23                       '00900:'
24                       '00900'))
25            sleep(1000)
26            display.show(Image('00900:'
27                       '00900:'
28                       '90909:'
29                       '09990:'
30                       '00900'))
31            sleep(1000)
32    display.clear()
33

Step 3: Improve it

• Make instructions for other dance sequences to appear when you use other inputs such as pressing button B or shaking the micro:bit.
• Change the length of the pauses to make the program run in time with your favourite song.
• Use this project alongside the step counter project to monitor how well you dance.