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This unit transforms Reception students into circus performers, using the magical world of the circus as inspiration for creative movement and storytelling through dance. The focus is on developing imagination, physical expression, and confidence whilst building fundamental dance skills through character exploration and partner collaboration. Through progressive activities, students journey from individual character work to collaborative performances, celebrating creativity and self-expression.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Circus Character Movements and Actions
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell exciting circus stories through movement?

Key Objectives:

  • • To move safely in space taking care of ourselves and others
  • • To use a mind map to create simple circus character movements

Lesson 2

Circus Poetry Movement
1h 1min

Big Question:

How can poems inspire our bodies to tell circus stories through movement?

Key Objectives:

  • • Listen carefully to poetry and respond with creative movement
  • • Use body to express theme-related shapes, movements and feelings

Lesson 3

Circus Travelling with Levels
30 min

Big Question:

How can we travel like circus performers using different heights to tell our story?

Key Objectives:

  • • To be creative in our use of travelling movements inspired by circus motifs
  • • To show use of different levels (high, medium, low) in our travelling movements

Lesson 4

Partner Work and Picture-Based Movement Creation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together with a partner to create circus-inspired dance movements from pictures?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work well in pairs showing good listening and cooperation
  • • To use circus pictures as inspiration for creative and imaginative dance actions

Lesson 5

Creating Partner Shapes and Movements
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together to bring circus pictures to life through dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work collaboratively in pairs showing good listening and communication skills
  • • To use visual stimuli to create imaginative and creative dance movements

Lesson 6

Performance Review and Improvement
45 min

Big Question:

How can we make our circus performance the best it can be?

Key Objectives:

  • • To understand what makes a good performance
  • • To give useful feedback to our partner using dance vocabulary