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This unit introduces Reception students to foundational dance concepts through rhythmic movement, partnership work, and cultural exploration. Beginning with basic beat recognition and progressing to expressive storytelling, students develop both physical coordination and cultural awareness whilst building confidence in creative expression. The unit uniquely combines traditional circle dance with African cultural dance, providing rich opportunities for inclusive learning and cross-curricular connections.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Moving to Beats of 8
30 min

Big Question:

How can we move together in time with music and count to 8?

Key Objectives:

  • • Discover how to move and keep time to beats of 8
  • • Work with others to move to beats of 8 in a circle formation

Lesson 2

Partner Work and Circle Dance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move together with a partner and follow different roles in a circle dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • Work collaboratively with a partner and perform movements to counts of 8
  • • Use correct handhold technique for the promenade position

Lesson 3

Circassian Circle Promenade
54 min

Big Question:

How can we work together as partners to create beautiful dance movements?

Key Objectives:

  • • To perform as part of a group in a Circassian circle dance
  • • To work confidently with a partner in dance sequences

Lesson 4

African Animal Dance Movements
30 min

Big Question:

How can we move like African animals and keep in time with the music?

Key Objectives:

  • • To clap and move to beats of 8 consistently
  • • To copy and repeat 4 different African animal movements

Lesson 5

African Animal Dance Moves
30 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell stories about different animals through dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • Remember and recall four dance actions from the previous week
  • • Explore and create two new animal-inspired dance movements

Lesson 6

African Dance Performance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell a story about life in Africa through dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • Perform six animal actions as a group with coordination and rhythm
  • • Incorporate changes of direction and pathway through sowing and harvesting motifs