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Lesson 7 - Rock 'n' Roll Dance Techniques

Chance to Choreography Exploration

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Year 5

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Dance

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1h 14min

Big Question

How can we use dynamic movement and timing to create exciting partner dance performances?

Learning Objectives

To copy and repeat Rock 'n' Roll actions with quality and control
To work with a partner, maintaining timing with each other and the music
To adapt and refine dance elements in performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate Rock 'n' Roll dance techniques with improved control
Students will perform synchronised partner work maintaining musical timing
Students will provide constructive feedback using dance terminology

Equipment & Resources Required

Track

1 playlist

Test audio levels before lesson, ensure clear beat audible

Alternative: Upbeat 1950s rock music, Bill Haley tracks

Video Resources

5 demonstration videos

Queue up Hand Jive and three Spin videos, test screen visibility

Alternative: Live teacher demonstration if videos unavailable

Beats Audio

1 track

Have ready for immediate start of lesson

Alternative: Any gentle, rhythmic warm-up music

Tunnel Systems

1 speaker system

Position centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker if hall system unavailable

Cones

8-12 cones

Mark performance area boundaries clearly

Alternative: Spots or visual boundary markers

Key Vocabulary

Rock 'n' Roll

A high-energy dance style featuring jumps, spins, and bouncy movements

Hand Jive

A sequence of hand and arm movements performed to rock music

Dynamics

The energy and force used in movement - can be sharp, smooth, bouncy, or controlled

Spin

A turning movement where dancers rotate while maintaining partner connection

Synchronisation

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner or the music

Heel-toe Movement

A travelling step alternating between heel and toe contact with the floor

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dance movements and spatial awareness
Experience of moving to music and counting beats
Understanding of partner work cooperation

Current Skills

Rock 'n' Roll specific movements including jumps, spins and hand jive
Partner spinning techniques with hand holds
Dynamic movement quality and bounce

Next Steps

Complex partner lifts and advanced spinning variations
Choreographing longer dance sequences
Performance skills and stage presence

Milestone Indicators

Maintains consistent timing throughout partner work

Demonstrates clear Rock 'n' Roll style characteristics

Shows smooth transitions between different movement types

Key Teaching Points

Maintain bouncy Rock 'n' Roll dynamics throughout all movements
Secure but comfortable hand holds are essential for safe spinning
Partner cooperation and communication are as important as individual technique
Timing with music requires active listening and counting
Performance quality comes from confidence and commitment to the style
Clear starting and finishing positions frame the dance effectively
Use of space, levels, and directions creates visual interest

Common Misconceptions

Rock 'n' Roll dancing is just wild, uncontrolled movement - emphasise technique and control
Faster spinning is always better - focus on control and safety
Only girls can be expressive in dance - encourage all students to show personality
Partner work means one person leads - emphasise mutual cooperation
Mistakes mean failure - celebrate learning and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break instruction into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplify hand holds, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller components

autism spectrum

Provide clear sequence cards, offer sensory breaks, allow practice time before partnering

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance for hand holds, use bright coloured markers for spatial reference

hearing impairment

Use visual cues and demonstrations, vibrotactile speakers if available, emphasise visual rhythm patterns

physical disability

Adapt spins for seated dancers, modify travelling to rolling movements, focus on upper body expression

Cross-Curricular Links

History

1950s Rock 'n' Roll era, social dance culture, evolution of popular music and dance

Music

Beat, rhythm, tempo, musical structure and phrasing, responding to different musical styles

PSHE

Partnership skills, cooperation, building confidence, performing in front of others, giving and receiving feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instruction, circulating between pairs during practice

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, timing accuracy, safe spinning technique, performance quality

Intervention Points

Step in if spinning becomes uncontrolled, partners not cooperating, or timing significantly off

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use student volunteers for partner work, exaggerate Rock 'n' Roll characteristics, show both correct and corrected versions of techniques

Verbal Cues

•'Bounce in your body!'
•'Stay connected with your partner!'
•'Feel the beat!'
•'Control those spins!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space for partner work and travelling movements

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface suitable for spinning movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Cables secured to prevent tripping hazards
•Volume at appropriate level to prevent hearing damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Dizziness from spinning movements
•Collisions during partner work
•Overexertion during energetic sequences
•Injuries from uncontrolled spinning

Risk Mitigation

•Teach controlled spinning with secure hand holds
•Ensure adequate space between pairs at all times
•Monitor for signs of dizziness and provide rest breaks
•Emphasise partner communication and mutual responsibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all pairs during spinning work
•Circulate actively during partner practice time
•Monitor energy levels and provide breaks as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route planned