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Lesson 3 - Reactive Battle Movements

Ancient Greece Through Movement: Gods, Warriors and Olympic Ceremony

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Year 5

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To create movement sequences using improvisation with reactive elements
To develop partner choreography skills showing battle interactions
To perform movements with control, balance, and appropriate dynamics

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 3-action battle sequence showing reactions between warriors
Students will demonstrate technical control in slow-motion movements
Students will evaluate and improve their own and others' performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Rhythm Instruments

Position near teaching area for easy access during warm-up

Alternative: Wooden spoon and saucepan, or phone app with drum sounds

Pictures of Greek Warriors

7 large images

Display around the room or have ready to show during introduction

Alternative: Tablet/laptop with digital images, or simple line drawings

Music Player

Test volume and have dramatic Greek-style music ready

Alternative: Phone, tablet, or laptop with speakers

Markers Cones

8-12

Mark out performance areas and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or masking tape marks

Key Vocabulary

Reactive movement

Movement that responds to and interacts with a partner's actions

Improvisation

Creating movement spontaneously without pre-planned choreography

Dynamics

The energy, force, and flow qualities in movement

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging movement sequences

Exaggerated movement

Making movements bigger and clearer than normal for dramatic effect

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of Greek history and culture
Experience with simple movement sequences
Ability to work cooperatively in pairs

Current Skills

Creating reactive improvised movements
Partner choreography and timing
Slow-motion control and exaggeration

Next Steps

Complex battle formations and group choreography
Integration of music and rhythm
Performance skills and audience awareness

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates clear action-reaction partnerships

Maintains character and historical context

Shows improvement from peer feedback

Key Teaching Points

Maintain slow motion throughout for safety and dramatic effect
Emphasise that all weapons are imaginary - no props needed
Focus on action-reaction relationships between partners
Encourage big, exaggerated movements for clear storytelling
Build historical context throughout to enrich the experience
Use specific observation language for peer assessment
Connect learning to broader themes of cooperation and strategy

Common Misconceptions

That faster movements look more impressive than controlled slow motion
That battles were about individual heroes rather than partnerships
That dance is separate from historical learning and storytelling
That improvisation means random movement without planning
That peer feedback should focus on problems rather than strengths first

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use clear boundaries for pair spaces, provide movement breaks within longer sections, give specific focused tasks

dyspraxia

Simplify sequences to 2 actions, provide extra practice time, use peer buddy for support and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual timetable for lesson sections, offer quiet reflection space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of images, provide tactile experiences of 'armour weight', ensure partner provides verbal cues for timing

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for drum commands, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sightlines for demonstrations

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated performance, use upper body battle movements only, provide alternative ways to show reactions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Storytelling through movement, vocabulary development, peer assessment and feedback skills

Art

Understanding Greek art depicting warriors, observational skills from historical images

History

Ancient Greek civilization, Battle of Marathon 490 BC, warrior culture and military tactics

Music

Responding to percussion rhythms, understanding how music enhances drama and storytelling

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulating during pair work, corner position for performances

Observation Focus

Watch for authentic character portrayal, partner cooperation, and technical improvement

Intervention Points

Step in if pairs struggling with timing, if safety concerns arise, or if feedback becomes unconstructive

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate: In full character as Greek warrior, with exaggerated clear movements, showing both correct and incorrect examples for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Remember slow motion for drama!'
•'Watch your partner - you're telling one story together!'
•'Make it bigger so the back row can see your story!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear area, preferably larger hall or gymnasium

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check drum/percussion instrument is secure and won't cause injury
•Ensure music volume is appropriate and won't damage hearing
•Images displayed safely without sharp edges or unstable mountings

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between enthusiastic warriors
•Loss of balance during slow motion movements
•Overexertion during battle sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
•Constant reminder that weapons are imaginary only
•Emphasis on controlled slow motion throughout
•No physical contact rules strictly enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs simultaneously during practice
•Move between groups during development phase
•Monitor energy levels and emotional responses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid and support