Structured Dance Exploration
•Year 1
•Dance
•Create 4-6 small 'stage' areas around the space, each marked with cones
Alternative: Spots, hoops, or chalk to mark stage areas
One card per group showing their assigned formation clearly
Alternative: Laminated pictures or drawn diagrams
Positioned centrally for all groups to hear clearly
Alternative: Tablet with speaker, or clapping for rhythm
For teacher to signal transitions and gather attention
Alternative: Bell or tambourine for signals
A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed
The arrangement or pattern that dancers make on the performance area
When dancers are in the performance area and visible to the audience
When dancers are waiting at the side, not yet performing
How dancers move from 'off stage' to 'on stage' into their formation
When dancers perform the same movement but at different times
When all dancers perform the same movement at exactly the same time
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Following complex instructions, using descriptive language for entrances, vocabulary development with performance terms
Counting group members, recognising geometric shapes in formations, spatial positioning and coordinates
Creating patterns and shapes with bodies, understanding composition and spatial arrangement
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence, respecting others' performances and celebrating differences
Move around space to observe all groups, central position during whole-class instruction
Watch for cooperation, spatial awareness, formation accuracy, and performance confidence
Step in if groups struggling with cooperation, safety concerns, or lack of understanding
Use clear, exaggerated movements for formation shapes, demonstrate on/off stage concepts physically
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, ability to create 4-6 separate 'stage' areas
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed
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