Lesson 4 - Group Poses & Transitions
Chance to Choreography Exploration
•Year 5
•Dance
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we create powerful group poses that tell a story and flow smoothly together like frames in a film?
Learning Objectives
- To link poses with smooth, choreographed transitions
- To create group poses that demonstrate connection and artistic expression
- To develop movements that flow smoothly within collaborative choreography
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform three distinct group poses with 4-count holds
- Students will create personalised transition movements between poses
- Students will demonstrate collaborative choreography skills in groups of four
Equipment & Resources Required
Test audio system before lesson begins
Alternative: Any music with clear beats and pauses
Position for even sound distribution across hall
Alternative: Portable speaker with good volume
Key Vocabulary
A moment frozen in time, like a photograph
A still position created by multiple people working together
Movement that connects one pose to another
Different heights in dance - high, medium, low
The planned sequence of movements in a dance
Physical connection between dancers
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of levels (high, medium, low)
- Ability to hold individual balances and poses
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Creating group poses with physical connection
- Linking movements with smooth transitions
- Working collaboratively in choreographic process
Next Steps
- Creating longer dance sequences with narrative themes
- Incorporating props and music interpretation
- Developing performance skills and artistic expression
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Group poses must show physical connection between all members
- Poses should be held with complete stillness for exactly 4 counts
- Transitions should be safe, controlled movements that connect poses logically
- Use of different levels (high, medium, low) makes poses more interesting
- Each group member may use different transitions while maintaining timing
- Quality and control are more important than complex movements
- Dance terminology should be used in all feedback and discussion
Common Misconceptions
- That all group members must do identical movements (they can have individual transitions)
- That complex moves are better (simple, well-executed moves are preferable)
- That poses don't need to be held still (snapshot concept requires stillness)
- That feedback should focus on personal preferences rather than technical elements
- That transitions should be rushed (smooth, controlled movement is key)
- That physical contact in group poses is inappropriate (appropriate connection is essential)
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Extra support for pose positioning, simplified transitions, additional practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetable, quiet practice space available, predictable routine
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapt poses to wheelchair/seated positions, modify transitions to suit mobility, use upper body focus
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Creating narrative through movement sequences, understanding structure in storytelling
Maths
Counting beats and timing, understanding geometric shapes and levels, spatial relationships
Art
Understanding composition, visual balance, and artistic expression through body positioning
Drama
Use of space, character expression through body position, performance skills
PSHE
Cooperation, communication skills, building confidence through performance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move freely between groups during creation phase, central position for demonstrations and instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for creativity in pose construction, group cooperation, safe movement practices, and understanding of snapshot theme
Intervention Points
Step in if groups struggling with pose stability, unsafe transitions, or lack of cooperation
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with a group of students to show realistic expectations, exaggerate stillness in poses, show variety of transition options
Verbal Cues
- •'Freeze like a photograph!'
- •'Connect with your group!'
- •'Smooth transitions like flowing water!'
- •'Show me different levels!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum hall space 15m x 12m, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Ensure floor is clean, dry, and free from any objects that could cause slips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check audio equipment is positioned safely away from movement areas
- •Ensure cables are tucked away or covered
- •Test volume levels to avoid startling students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during group transitions
- •Falls during pose creation or transitions
- •Inappropriate physical contact during group poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries for group working spaces
- •Demonstrate appropriate ways to make physical connection
- •Monitor all rolling and sliding movements closely
- •Ensure adequate spacing between groups during transitions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during creation phase
- •Move between groups during practice to check stability of poses
- •Monitor closely during transition movements
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply first aid if trained, contact office if serious injury