🎵

Lesson 6 - African Dance Performance

Rhythm & Cultural Storytelling

•

Reception

•

Dance

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

Perform six animal actions as a group with coordination and rhythm
Incorporate changes of direction and pathway through sowing and harvesting motifs
Use gestures to create an expressive starting position for dance performance

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently perform a complete African-themed dance sequence
Students will demonstrate understanding of gesture and its role in dance expression
Students will work collaboratively in small groups to create coordinated performances

Equipment & Resources Required

African Celebration Music

1 track

Cued to start from beginning, volume appropriate for space

Alternative: Any African-inspired music with clear 8-beat structure

Music Player

1 set

Positioned centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers

Markers Cones

12-15

Mark three circle positions in hall space

Alternative: Masking tape, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Gesture

Using the motion of arms, hands and body to express thoughts, feelings or communicate signals

Starting position

The special pose or stance dancers use to begin their performance

Phrase

A section of dance movements that go together, like a sentence in movement

Motif

A short pattern of movements that can be repeated or developed

Pathway

The route or direction dancers move through space

Expression

Showing feelings and emotions through facial expressions and body movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic animal movements from previous lessons
Understanding of counting in beats of 8
Experience with Circassian circle dance
Familiarity with Ampe traditional African game

Current Skills

Coordinated group performance of animal sequences
Expressive gesture work for dance openings
Smooth transitions between dance sections
Directional changes within circle formations

Next Steps

Creating original animal movements
Developing more complex gesture vocabulary
Leading group performances independently
Exploring other cultural dance traditions

Milestone Indicators

Maintains rhythm throughout complete sequence

Shows clear distinction between different dance sections

Demonstrates confident use of gesture and expression

Works cooperatively to achieve group goals

Key Teaching Points

Gestures should be large and clear enough for an audience to understand the meaning
Timing is crucial - help students feel the 8-beat patterns in their bodies
Each animal should have distinct characteristics that students can identify and demonstrate
The sowing and harvesting motif tells a story about African life and should show appropriate emotions
Performance quality comes from confidence and expression, not just accurate movement
Circle formations require spatial awareness and cooperation from all students
Cultural respect and appreciation should be woven throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

All African dances are the same - explain diversity across the continent
Gestures are just random movements - emphasise meaning and communication
Dance is only about moving fast - show importance of controlled, expressive movement
Animals should look cartoonish - encourage realistic observation of animal characteristics
Performance is about being perfect - emphasise expression and enjoyment over perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear structure and expectations, use movement to channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences, provide extra practice time, use clear demonstrations and verbal cues, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide visual sequence cards, establish clear routines, offer quiet space if overstimulated, use consistent language

visual impairment

Use tactile cues and physical guidance, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, ensure good lighting

hearing impairment

Use visual cues and demonstrations, provide written sequence cards, use vibration or visual beat markers

physical disability

Adapt movements for wheelchair users, allow seated versions of all activities, focus on upper body expression

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting beats in groups of 4 and 8, understanding patterns and sequences in dance structure

Science

Animal characteristics and behaviours, understanding how different animals move and why

Geography

Learning about Africa - location, landscape, climate, and how these influence daily life and culture

PSHE

Cultural appreciation and respect, working cooperatively, building confidence through performance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between circles to provide individual guidance, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for rhythm accuracy, expression quality, group cooperation, and cultural understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if students lose sequence, provide extra support for complex transitions, encourage shy performers

Demonstration Notes

Use full-body demonstrations with clear intention, exaggerate movements for visibility, maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Hold that beautiful gesture!'
•'Count with me - 1, 2, 3, 4!'
•'Show me your African animal!'
•'Feel the rhythm in your body!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 10m with clear floor area

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip floor suitable for dance movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Circle markers placed to avoid tripping hazards
•Adequate ventilation for physical activity

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during circle movements
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movement
•Trips or falls during directional changes
•Overexertion during extended sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each circle
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness
•Appropriate warm-up and cool-down included

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all three circles simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels throughout lesson
•Watch for students needing movement breaks

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed