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Lesson 5 - Contact Movement & Group Dance

Snake Movement Storytelling

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Year 4

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Dance

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we create expressive dance movements while staying safely connected as a group?

Learning Objectives

Work collaboratively in small groups to create contact movements safely and sensibly
Develop physical contact work that creates large, dynamic group movements
Maintain focus and control when performing contact choreography with others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe contact work techniques in group formations
Students will create and perform original contact movements as part of a group sequence
Students will show sustained focus and awareness when working in physical contact with others

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Positioned where all students can hear clearly, with volume control accessible to teacher

Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with speakers

Music Tracks

3-4 tracks

Prepare playlist with tracks of different intensities for warm-up and main activities

Alternative: Instrumental music, varied tempo pieces

Cones

8-10

Mark performance areas and group boundaries around the hall perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, spots

Key Vocabulary

Contact work

Dance movements performed whilst maintaining physical contact with other dancers

Focus

Where a dancer directs their gaze and attention during performance

Wiggly line

A formation where dancers join hands and create a snake-like line pattern

Unison

When all dancers move at exactly the same time

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into sequences

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic dance movements and travelling steps
Working in groups and following instructions
Understanding of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Contact work techniques with awareness of others
Creating group movements that flow as one unit
Performance skills including focus and facial expression

Next Steps

Advanced contact improvisation techniques
Creating longer choreographic sequences
Leading and teaching others dance movements

Milestone Indicators

Maintains safe contact throughout all movements

Shows awareness of how actions affect group movement

Demonstrates appropriate performance focus and expression

Key Teaching Points

Safety is paramount in all contact work - movements must be slow and controlled
Group unity is essential - everyone must move as one connected unit
Trust and cooperation are fundamental to successful contact work
Performance skills enhance the impact of contact choreography
Contact work adds variety and interest to group dance pieces
Individual actions affect the entire group in contact movements
Different levels and connections create visual interest in choreography

Common Misconceptions

Contact work means rough or forceful contact - emphasise gentle, controlled touch
Faster movements look more impressive - stress that slow, coordinated movements are more challenging and effective
Contact work is only about holding hands - show variety of safe connection points
Individual creativity is more important than group unity - emphasise collective responsibility
Performance skills are only needed for the final show - integrate throughout all practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent changes between different contact activities, clear movement boundaries, regular check-ins for focus

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified contact patterns initially, support from confident peers

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, advance warning of contact activities, option to observe before participating

visual impairment

Verbal descriptions of contact positions, tactile guidance for hand placement, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, clear hand signals for timing, vibrating speaker for music feel

physical disability

Adapted contact positions using available mobility, seated versions of contact work, modified group roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with dance terminology, verbal reflection and peer feedback skills

Maths

Counting beats and timing in group choreography, spatial awareness and geometric patterns in formations

Science

Understanding balance and centre of gravity in contact work, forces and motion in group movements

PSHE

Trust and cooperation in physical contact situations, respect for personal boundaries, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate between groups during practice, clear view of all students during contact work

Observation Focus

Monitor safe contact techniques, group cooperation, and individual comfort levels with physical contact

Intervention Points

Step in if contact work becomes unsafe, support groups struggling with cooperation, assist with choreographic transitions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate contact work with appropriate students, emphasise safety and control, show performance quality expectations

Verbal Cues

•'Move slowly and safely'
•'Stay connected to your group'
•'Think about how your actions affect others'
•'Show me your performance focus'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear floor space, suitable for contact work and group movements

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate for sitting and floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check music volume is appropriate
•Ensure no loose clothing or jewelry that could cause injury during contact work
•Verify adequate space between groups during activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Inappropriate contact or rough handling during contact work
•Collisions during scrambled groups activity
•Falls during level changes in choreography

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries about appropriate contact established before activities
•Emphasis on slow, controlled movements throughout
•Adequate supervision during all contact work
•Progressive introduction of contact techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during contact work
•Monitor fatigue levels during extended choreography
•Watch for students who may be uncomfortable with contact work

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe contact observed, provide alternative activities for students uncomfortable with contact work