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Lesson 3 - Character & Level Formation

Heroic Dance Narratives

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Year 5

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Dance

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1h 15min

Big Question

How can dancers use levels and formations to tell powerful stories about heroic characters?

Learning Objectives

To perform clear shapes and create interesting dance actions using levels and formations as a team
To demonstrate control when moving at different levels within group formations
To develop varied dance movements that communicate character through level changes

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform group formations using multiple levels effectively
Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between high, middle, and low levels
Students will choreograph movement phrases that tell a story through formation changes

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers

Era Posters

8-10 different formations

Place around room walls at eye level

Alternative: Hand-drawn formation diagrams, digital displays

Science Videos

1 video resource

Cued to relevant sections showing hero character

Alternative: Alternative professional dance video showing character work

Score Sheets

1 per group (6-8 sheets)

Available for groups to reference during activity

Alternative: Digital formation guide, teacher demonstration

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The arranged shape or pattern that dancers create when positioned together as a group

Levels

The height at which dance movements are performed - high (standing/jumping), middle (crouched), low (kneeling/lying)

Character

The personality or role that dancers portray through their movement, expression, and energy

Transition

The smooth movement or change from one position, level, or formation to another

Travelling phrase

A sequence of movements that takes dancers from one location or formation to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of high, middle, and low levels
Experience with simple group formations
Familiarity with travelling movements in dance

Current Skills

Creating varied formations using levels strategically
Developing character through level changes
Coordinating group movement with formation transitions

Next Steps

Advanced group choreography with complex timing
Storytelling through extended dance sequences
Leading choreographic processes independently

Milestone Indicators

Students choose appropriate levels for character representation

Groups coordinate formation changes smoothly

Movement quality shows clear character intention

Key Teaching Points

Levels can communicate character status and development in storytelling
Formations create visual impact and help tell stories through spatial relationships
Group coordination requires clear communication and patience with learning process
Character intention should be maintained throughout all technical elements
Smooth transitions between levels and formations require practice and control
Creative choreography develops when technical skills are secure
Performance sharing builds confidence and appreciation for different creative approaches

Common Misconceptions

That only high levels can represent heroes - heroes can use all levels effectively for different parts of their story
That formations are just pretty shapes - formations serve storytelling and character development purposes
That everyone must move identically - unity can be achieved while allowing for individual adaptation
That complexity always makes better dance - simple, clear movement with strong character intention is more effective
That mistakes in performance ruin everything - adaptation and continuation show professional performance skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries for working areas, use movement constructively within tasks

dyspraxia

Allow additional practice time for coordination, break complex movements into smaller parts, provide patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedule, allow processing time for complex instructions, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of formations, provide physical guidance for positioning, use contrasting floor markers if helpful

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for music start/stop, written formation cards available

physical disability

Adapt level changes to individual ability, wheelchair users can participate in arm movements and formations, modify travelling as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with dance terminology, descriptive language for movement quality

Maths

Geometry in formation shapes, counting group members, spatial relationships in formations

Art

Visual composition through formations, understanding of levels and space in creative work

Drama

Character development, performance skills, storytelling through movement

Music

Rhythm and timing in movement, responding to musical cues and structure

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, supporting others, building confidence through performance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position for clear view of all working areas during performances

Observation Focus

Watch for formation accuracy, level changes, group cooperation, and character development

Intervention Points

Step in if groups struggling with formation accuracy, safety concerns during travelling, or breakdown in group cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All techniques slowly first, then at performance speed. Use students as models for formations. Show character intention clearly through posture and focus

Verbal Cues

•'Strong hero posture!'
•'Make those level changes clear!'
•'Show me your character through movement!'
•'Formations need to be precise!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space for group formations and travelling movements

Surface Check

Clean, dry floor suitable for floor-based movements and level changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Formation posters securely attached to walls at appropriate height
•Music system positioned safely out of movement area
•Video equipment stable and cables secured

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling phrases between formations
•Falls during level changes, particularly low level movements
•Overcrowding in formation areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each group's working area
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups during activities
•Progressive introduction of level changes from simple to complex
•Floor inspection before floor-based movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during formation work
•Move between groups during choreography creation
•Monitor travelling phrases for safe pathways

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if collision or fall occurs, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed