This unit empowers Year 3 students to explore dance as a universal language for cultural storytelling. Through progressive development of individual, partner, and group choreography skills, students discover how movement can communicate meaning across cultures. The unit uniquely combines technical dance elements (levels, pathways, canon) with creative expression rooted in global cultural awareness, building both physical literacy and cultural understanding.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

World Dance Motif Map
1h 6min

Big Question:

How can we use our knowledge of different cultures to create expressive dance movements that tell stories from around the world?

Key Objectives:

  • • To share what we know about dance styles from different countries
  • • To creatively use mind map words to help us move in different ways

Lesson 2

Travelling Movements and Pathways
1h

Big Question:

How can we transform our static dance movements into exciting travels that tell stories through different levels and pathways?

Key Objectives:

  • • To creatively adapt static motif actions into travelling movements using different body parts
  • • To demonstrate changes in level and pathway whilst maintaining control and timing

Lesson 3

Mirror & Level Dance Pairs
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use pictures and mirror movements to create meaningful dance with a partner?

Key Objectives:

  • • To communicate effectively with a partner through movement
  • • To translate visual images into creative dance actions

Lesson 4

Group Canon & Formation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together to transform words into expressive movement?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work collaboratively in groups demonstrating effective cooperation skills
  • • To translate poetry into creative and imaginative dance movements

Lesson 5

Canon and Formation Performance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use canon and formation changes to create a powerful group performance that tells our story?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work collaboratively in groups showing excellent cooperation skills and provide constructive peer feedback
  • • To use poetry as stimulus for creative and imaginative dance movements that express meaning

Lesson 6

Performance Review & Improve
1h

Big Question:

How can we use feedback and technical language to improve our dance performances?

Key Objectives:

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