Lesson 6 - Wild Animal Choreography
Expressive Animal Dance
•Year 3
•Dance
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How can we create and perform a complete dance story that brings wild animals and humans together through movement?
Learning Objectives
- To combine choreographed sequences from previous lessons into a cohesive final performance
- To demonstrate expression and creativity whilst maintaining character throughout the dance
- To work collaboratively in groups to create and perform a complete dance narrative
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a complete dance sequence showing wild animals and humans meeting in the forest
- Students will demonstrate sustained characterisation through movement and expression
- Students will evaluate and improve group performances through peer feedback
Equipment & Resources Required
Test volume levels before lesson begins
Alternative: Portable speaker with phone/tablet connection
Have multiple tracks ready for different groups if needed
Alternative: Nature sounds, tribal music, or dramatic instrumental pieces
Mark clear performance space visible to all students
Alternative: Masking tape to mark performance area boundaries
Prepare simple evaluation criteria if using written feedback
Alternative: Simple verbal feedback prompts on whiteboard
Key Vocabulary
The art of designing and arranging dance movements and sequences
Showing feelings, emotions and character through movement and facial expressions
Smooth, continuous movement that connects one action to the next without stopping
Moving and behaving exactly as your character would
A series of movements performed in a specific order
Presenting your dance to an audience with full commitment and energy
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students have created individual wild animal movement sequences
- Students have developed human character movements for walking through forest
- Students understand basic concepts of expression and characterisation
- Students have practised working with partners in previous lessons
Current Skills
- Combining multiple sequences into one cohesive performance
- Maintaining character consistency throughout extended dance
- Creating collaborative choreography for group meeting scenes
- Performing with sustained expression and flow
Next Steps
- Creating original dance narratives from scratch
- Working with larger groups and more complex formations
- Developing advanced choreographic techniques and transitions
- Leading and teaching dance sequences to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sustained characterisation is more important than perfect technique
- Group collaboration and creative decision-making develop independence
- Flow between movements creates professional-looking performances
- Expression and emotion make dance meaningful and engaging
- Constructive feedback helps everyone improve and builds confidence
- Performance skills include commitment, energy and audience awareness
- Dance tells stories through movement, not words
Common Misconceptions
- That dance is only about technical skill rather than expression and creativity
- That there is only one 'right' way to perform their story
- That making mistakes during performance means they have failed
- That they need to copy other groups' ideas instead of developing their own
- That dance is not 'proper' PE because it doesn't involve running or sports equipment
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break performance into smaller sections, provide movement breaks during planning discussions, use clear visual and verbal cues
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement sequences, allow extra rehearsal time, focus on expression over precise technical execution
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, allow extra processing time for group decisions, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Provide detailed verbal descriptions of story structure, use tactile markers for performance space, pair with sighted partner for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for transitions, demonstrate all movements clearly, provide written story structure overview
physical disability
- Adapt character movements to student's range of motion, allow seated or supported versions, focus on expression over mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Storytelling structure, narrative development, character description and emotional vocabulary
Art
Creative expression, interpretation of themes, visual storytelling concepts
Music
Responding to rhythm and mood, interpreting music through movement
PSHE
Teamwork, cooperation, giving and receiving feedback, building confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups during rehearsal, position at side during performances for clear view
Observation Focus
Watch for sustained characterisation, group coordination, and safe movement execution
Intervention Points
Support groups struggling with story structure, help with timing issues, ensure all students participate fully
Demonstration Notes
Be prepared to demonstrate character transformations, story structure, and meeting reactions as needed throughout lesson
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay in character!'
- •'Show me that emotion in your whole body!'
- •'Remember your story structure!'
- •'Flow from one part to the next!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 10m clear space for group performances, larger if possible
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface essential for dance movements and character work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music volume at appropriate level to protect hearing
- •Performance area boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions
- •No loose equipment or obstacles in movement areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during group movement and meeting sequences
- •Falls during character movements or dramatic reactions
- •Overexertion during energetic performance work
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spatial boundaries established for each group
- •Controlled meeting movements practised before performance
- •Regular reminders about awareness of others in space
- •Gradual build-up from individual to group movement work
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups during simultaneous rehearsal
- •Monitor performance area during individual group performances
- •Check groups maintain safe meeting movements throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if collision or fall occurs, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid and support