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This unit uses Ancient Greek history and mythology as a rich stimulus for expressive dance, blending character work, partner choreography, and ceremonial performance. Students explore how movement quality and body language can convey power, emotion, and narrative, whilst developing compositional skills that culminate in a collaborative Olympic opening ceremony performance. The cross-curricular approach deepens historical understanding whilst building confidence in creative expression and performance.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Greek Gods Movement and Character
1h

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to bring the powerful Greek gods to life through dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • To create and perform character-based movements inspired by Greek gods
  • • To use expressive vocabulary to enhance movement quality and dynamics

Lesson 2

Greek God Partner Sequences and Compositional Principles
1h

Big Question:

How can we work with a partner to create expressive Greek god dances that tell a story through movement and music?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work with a partner to extend Greek god sequences using expressive vocabulary and compositional principles
  • • To interpret and respond to music whilst maintaining character throughout performance

Lesson 3

Reactive Battle Movements
45 min

Big Question:

How can we create authentic Greek warrior movements that react to battle situations?

Key Objectives:

  • • To create movement sequences using improvisation with reactive elements
  • • To develop partner choreography skills showing battle interactions

Lesson 4

Ancient Olympic Ceremonial Dance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use dance to bring the ancient Olympic Games to life and show the relationship between trainers and athletes?

Key Objectives:

  • • Develop complex interacting movements showing relationships between characters
  • • Create ceremonial sequences that demonstrate different Olympic events

Lesson 5

Opening Ceremony Performance
1h

Big Question:

How can we create a powerful opening ceremony performance that captures the spirit and emotions of Olympic athletes?

Key Objectives:

  • • To perform a structured dance routine with accurate timing and rhythm
  • • To demonstrate stage presence and sustain character throughout performance

Lesson 6

Opening Ceremony Choreography and Performance
1h

Big Question:

How can we perform like excellent dancers and athletes representing our country in an opening ceremony?

Key Objectives:

  • • To complete and perform a Greek-inspired opening ceremony dance routine
  • • To demonstrate stage presence, timing, rhythm and sustained character as Olympic athletes