Lesson 6 - Sequences, Relationships and Performance
Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures
•Year 2
•Dance
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How can we move like champion dancers to tell the story of explorers meeting jungle animals?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate and perform sequences with extended movements showing relationships
- To create movements that represent the meeting between explorer and animal
- To perform sequences in both unison and canon with flowing movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform their explorer and animal sequences with champion-level movement quality
- Students will demonstrate clear relationships between their explorer and animal characters
- Students will show understanding of unison and canon through their performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound coverage of whole space
Alternative: Tablet/phone with speaker
Have different tracks ready for exploration and performance
Alternative: Instrumental adventure music, nature sounds
Mark performance areas around the room perimeter
Alternative: Imaginary spaces, cones
Key Vocabulary
A series of movements performed in order to tell a story
When dancers perform the same movements at exactly the same time
When dancers perform the same movements but starting at different times
When movements connect smoothly without stopping
Using your face and body to show feelings and character
How two characters connect or interact with each other
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic explorer and animal movements from previous lessons
- Understanding of character representation through movement
- Experience working with a partner
- Knowledge of different levels and speeds in movement
Current Skills
- Consolidating and extending movement sequences
- Creating movements showing relationships between characters
- Performing in unison and canon
- Developing flow and expression in movement
Next Steps
- Creating longer, more complex dance narratives
- Advanced performance skills and stage presence
- Choreographing group pieces with multiple characters
- Understanding formal dance structures
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Champion dancers stay in character throughout their performance
- Flow means movements connect smoothly without stopping like water flowing
- Unison is together, canon is like an echo with one following the other
- Relationships between characters can be shown through movement and expression
- Big, clear movements help the audience understand your story
- Working cooperatively with your partner makes both dancers better
- Expression in face and body brings characters to life
Common Misconceptions
- That dance is only about perfect technique - emphasise story-telling and expression
- That all movements must be exactly the same - encourage individual interpretation within character
- That mistakes ruin performance - focus on staying in character and continuing
- That only some children can be 'good' at dance - celebrate all efforts and creativity
- That dance is not 'real' exercise - highlight the physical skills and fitness involved
- That boys can't enjoy dance - emphasise adventure, character, and story elements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments, clear role definition in pairs, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, extra practice time, buddy support, focus on effort over precision
autism spectrum
- Clear sequence structure with visual supports, predictable routine, option for calmer character choices
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile guidance for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual cues and demonstrations, vibrating speaker for music feeling, visual timing signals for unison/canon
physical disability
- Seated or supported versions of movements, adapted animal choices, modified sequences to suit abilities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Story-telling through movement, character development, narrative structure, descriptive vocabulary
Art
Creative expression, use of body as artistic medium, visual storytelling
Geography
Exploring different environments (jungle), understanding of exploration and discovery
Music
Rhythm and timing, response to musical stimulus, performance in time with music
PSHE
Cooperation, confidence building, celebrating achievements, positive relationships
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space during practice to observe all pairs, centre position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Character clarity, flow between movements, partner cooperation, safety
Intervention Points
Step in if pairs struggling with cooperation or timing, if movements becoming unsafe
Demonstration Notes
Use yourself and confident students for demonstrations, exaggerate movements for visibility, emphasise character commitment
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay in character!'
- •'Make it flow!'
- •'Big, brave movements!'
- •'Show me the relationship!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for partner work and performances
Surface Check
Non-slip surface suitable for dance movement, clear of obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music volume at appropriate level
- •Performance space clearly marked
- •Adequate space between performing pairs
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during travelling movements
- •Inappropriate partner contact during sequences
- •Over-excitement during performances
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each pair
- •Emphasis on personal space and appropriate contact
- •Calm, controlled atmosphere maintained throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all pairs during practice
- •Monitor partner interactions for safety and appropriateness
- •Ensure adequate spacing during performances
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any issues, provide appropriate support or first aid