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Lesson 6 - Space Dance Performance

Space Exploration Dance

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Year 4

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we create a memorable performance that tells the story of when astronauts and aliens meet in space?

Learning Objectives

To create and perform a complete space-themed dance sequence with a partner
To demonstrate stage presence, timing, and rhythm whilst sustaining character throughout
To evaluate and improve dance performances using constructive feedback

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a confident space dance showing clear character distinction
Students will demonstrate interconnected movements with their partner
Students will provide thoughtful feedback to improve others' performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position where all students can hear clearly

Alternative: Tablet with speakers, portable speaker

Themed Music

1 playlist

Prepare tracks with clear beginning and end points

Alternative: Instrumental music with steady beat

Cones

8-10

Mark performance area boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Score Sheets

1 per pair

Prepared with key observation points

Alternative: Simple feedback cards

Props

As available

Only if available and won't distract from movement quality

Alternative: Scarves, ribbons, space helmets

Key Vocabulary

Stage presence

Performing with confidence and engaging the audience with facial expressions and body language

Timing

Moving in time with the music and coordinating movements with your partner

Rhythm

The pattern of beats in music that dancers move to

Sustaining character

Staying in role as an astronaut or alien throughout the entire dance

Interconnecting movements

Movements that connect or link with your partner's movements

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner

Frozen position

A still, statue-like pose that shows clear meaning

Expression

Using your face, body, and energy to show feelings and emotions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students have learned basic astronaut and alien movement patterns
Students have practiced moving at different levels and speeds
Students have created individual movements for their chosen character
Students have worked on interconnecting sequences with partners

Current Skills

Creating a final concluding movement and frozen position
Performing complete dance sequence with stage presence
Evaluating and improving performance quality
Demonstrating character relationships through movement

Next Steps

Exploring different dance styles and genres
Creating longer, more complex dance narratives
Working in larger groups to create ensemble pieces

Milestone Indicators

Maintains character throughout entire performance

Demonstrates clear beginning, middle, and end in dance

Shows confident stage presence when performing

Key Teaching Points

Character commitment is more important than perfect technique
Stage presence means confident body language and facial expression
Interconnecting movements should show genuine reaction between partners
Creative endings must show clear relationship between astronaut and alien
Performance energy should be sustained from start to finish
Feedback should be specific, positive, and helpful for improvement
Every pair's creative choices should be celebrated and valued

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dance is only about perfect technique rather than expression and creativity
Believing that character work is less important than complex movements
Assuming all performances should look the same rather than celebrating creative differences
Focusing only on mistakes rather than recognising creative achievements
Not understanding that stage presence can be developed through practice and confidence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer movement breaks, celebrate high energy positively

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step breakdown, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, allow practice time, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by performance energy

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance for spatial awareness, use contrasting movements for character work

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, ensure student can see all demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on upper body or achievable movements, ensure inclusion in performance

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Storytelling through movement, expressing narrative through character, using descriptive language in feedback

Science

Understanding space, gravity effects on movement, exploring forces and motion through dance

Art

Creative expression through movement, understanding composition in performance space

PSHE

Cooperation, confidence building, constructive feedback, celebrating diversity in creative expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all performance areas and audience, move during performances to observe from different angles

Observation Focus

Character commitment, partnership cooperation, stage presence, movement quality, creative choices in endings

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggling with cooperation, if audience behaviour becomes disruptive, or if performers need confidence support

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Strong character work, stage presence, appropriate audience behaviour, and constructive feedback giving

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in character!'
•'Big, clear movements!'
•'Connect with your partner!'
•'Show us your story!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for performance area, additional space for audience seating

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance and lying down

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from performance area
•All cables secured to prevent tripping
•Performance area clearly marked with soft boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between enthusiastic performers
•Falls during character movements or final positions
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's performance area
•Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
•Adequate rest periods between high-energy sections
•Supervision of all final frozen positions for stability

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all performance areas simultaneously
•Monitor audience behaviour for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure rest of class remains calm and safe