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This unit uses the engaging context of Ancient Romans to develop Year 3 students' creative dance composition skills, progressing from individual motif creation to polished group performances. Through exploring historical themes, visual stimuli, and poetry, students learn to transform ideas into movement whilst developing technical vocabulary and choreographic devices. The Romans context provides rich opportunities for dramatic expression whilst teaching essential dance elements like levels, pathways, canon, and formation.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Romans Movement & Motifs
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of Ancient Romans through creative movement?

Key Objectives:

  • • To share knowledge about the Romans theme and create a themed mind map
  • • To creatively translate words and ideas into movement actions using different body parts, levels and pathways

Lesson 2

Levels & Pathways
45 min

Big Question:

How can we transform our static dance actions into exciting travelling movements that show different levels and pathways?

Key Objectives:

  • • To creatively adapt static motif actions into travelling movements
  • • To demonstrate clear changes in level and pathway whilst travelling

Lesson 3

Pairs Choreography
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use pictures and partner work to create meaningful dance sequences that tell a story?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work cooperatively in pairs to create a 16-count dance sequence using visual stimuli
  • • To demonstrate effective use of mirror image and changes in level in partner choreography

Lesson 4

Group Poetry Dance Development
45 min

Big Question:

How can we transform words and poetry into powerful group dance performances?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work well in groups showing good cooperation skills
  • • To use poetry as a stimulus for creative and imaginative dance actions

Lesson 5

Group Canon & Formation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use canon and formation changes to make our group dance performance more interesting and engaging?

Key Objectives:

  • • To demonstrate effective cooperation and communication skills when working in groups
  • • To use canon and formation changes creatively to enhance group dance sections

Lesson 6

Performance and Evaluation
45 min

Big Question:

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

Key Objectives:

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