Lesson 5 - Contact Movement & Group Dance
Snake Movement Storytelling
•Year 4
•Dance
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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
Positioned where all students can hear clearly, with volume control accessible to teacher
Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with speakers
Prepare playlist with tracks of different intensities for warm-up and main activities
Alternative: Instrumental music, varied tempo pieces
Mark performance areas and group boundaries around the hall perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags, spots
Key Vocabulary
Dance movements performed whilst maintaining physical contact with other dancers
Where a dancer directs their gaze and attention during performance
A formation where dancers join hands and create a snake-like line pattern
When all dancers move at exactly the same time
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
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