Cross-Curricular Narrative Dance Unit | The PE Dept

Cross-Curricular Narrative Dance Unit | The PE Dept

This unit develops Year 4 students' ability to communicate stories and concepts through abstract movement rather than literal acting. By exploring diverse themes - from scientific concepts to superhero narratives - students build a sophisticated movement vocabulary whilst discovering that dance is a powerful language for expressing complex ideas. The cross-curricular connections make dance accessible and purposeful for all learners.

Lessons in This Unit

8 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Character Movement and Direction

Big Question:

How can changing levels and directions transform our movement to tell a story?

Key Objectives:

• To create movements in response to a character idea (spy)
• To use direction changes to develop and vary set material

Lesson 2

Action and Reaction in Dance

Big Question:

How can dancers use action and reaction to tell a story through movement?

Key Objectives:

• To choose actions which relate to the spy character and theme
• To remember and perform longer choreography sequences with a partner

Lesson 3

Matter Movement

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to show the invisible world of states of matter through dance?

Key Objectives:

• To consider formation and timing to represent the stimulus
• To understand the impact of dynamics on an action and use them when creating a phrase

Lesson 4

States of Matter Movement

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to show the scientific properties of solids, liquids and gases through movement and timing?

Key Objectives:

• To use canon to represent liquid flow and movement sequences
• To use contrasting dynamics to clearly represent different states of matter

Lesson 5

Superpowers Movement and Expression

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to represent the extraordinary powers of superheroes through dance?

Key Objectives:

• To remember and repeat dance actions with increasing accuracy and fluency
• To create imaginative dance ideas in response to superhero stimulus

Lesson 6

Superpowers Action

Big Question:

How can we use action and reaction to create compelling dance narratives that communicate superpowers?

Key Objectives:

• To use action and reaction to relay a dance idea effectively
• To work collaboratively with a partner to create phrase work relating to the stimulus

Lesson 7

Gesture & Movement Ideas

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell stories through dance instead of acting them out?

Key Objectives:

• To use gesture effectively in dance performance
• To use actions which represent an idea rather than literal acting

Lesson 8

Journey Through Movement

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of an incredible journey?

Key Objectives:

• To use gestures and movements to represent different places and ideas
• To explore and create different pathways in dance