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Lesson 1 - Heroic Dance Actions and Expression

Heroic Dance Narratives

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Year 5

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Dance

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Big Question

How can dancers use body language and facial expression to bring heroic characters to life through movement?

Learning Objectives

To watch professional work and describe how dance actions communicate the theme of heroes
To perform specific dance actions that effectively communicate heroic characteristics
To create original dance actions using movement prompts that express heroic themes

Key Outcomes

Students will analyse professional dance work to identify how movement communicates character
Students will demonstrate technical dance skills with appropriate expression and focus
Students will choreograph original movement sequences that clearly represent heroic themes

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound across entire space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with external speakers

Music Player

Have tracks ready for different activities - energetic for warm-up, dramatic for sequences

Alternative: Film soundtracks, classical music with strong rhythms

Video Resources

Test video quality and have backup ready

Alternative: Alternative professional dance videos showing character work

Cones

8-12

Mark boundaries and group areas clearly

Alternative: Spots, bean bags for space markers

Key Vocabulary

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings and character

Focus

Where your eyes look during dance to help tell the story

Levels

High, middle and low positions in space

Gesture

Movements of hands and arms to communicate meaning

Stature

How you hold your body to show strength and confidence

Chainé turn

A series of half turns travelling in a straight line

Spotting

Keeping your eyes fixed on one point while turning

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements and body awareness
Understanding of high, middle and low levels
Experience working in groups and following a leader

Current Skills

Analysing professional dance work for character portrayal
Performing specific dance techniques with expression
Creating choreography using movement prompts

Next Steps

Developing longer dance sequences with narrative structure
Using props and costumes to enhance character portrayal
Creating group choreography with contrasting dynamics

Milestone Indicators

Clear character expression through body language

Confident performance of technical dance elements

Original choreographic ideas that communicate themes effectively

Key Teaching Points

Character expression is as important as technical accuracy in dance
Focus and facial expression are powerful tools for communication
Professional dance analysis develops critical thinking and appreciation
Group choreography requires both creativity and collaboration skills
Heroes can be portrayed through posture, gesture and movement quality
Progressive skill building allows all students to achieve success
Performance opportunities celebrate learning and build confidence

Common Misconceptions

Dance is only about getting steps right - correct by emphasising character and expression equally
Heroes must be aggressive or violent - guide towards positive heroic qualities like courage, kindness, determination
Only confident students can perform well - provide supportive environment where all students can succeed
Professional dancers are too different to learn from - show connections between professional and student work
Choreography must be completely original - encourage building on learned techniques and themes
Movement must be perfect to be good - celebrate effort, creativity and progress over perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, opportunities for leadership roles, fidget tools available during video watching

dyspraxia

Simplified movement sequences, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, peer support during complex combinations

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual timetable, quiet space available for breaks, sensory considerations for music volume, predictable routine with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Audio description of video content, tactile guidance for movement shapes, verbal description of spatial arrangements, buddy system for travelling movements

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all instructions, written cue cards for key vocabulary, vibration or visual signals for music changes, sign language interpreter if available

physical disability

Seated or supported versions of movements, focus on upper body expression, adapted equipment for reaching different levels, wheelchair-accessible choreography

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through dance terminology, descriptive language for character analysis, storytelling through movement

Art

Visual interpretation of character through body shape and line, understanding how artists portray heroes in different media

History

Exploration of historical heroes and their characteristics, understanding different cultural interpretations of heroism

Music

Responding to rhythmic and melodic elements in heroic music, understanding how composers create heroic themes

PSHE

Exploring positive character traits, understanding different types of courage and heroism in everyday life

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position near video equipment during analysis section

Observation Focus

Watch for character expression, technical accuracy, group collaboration and creative development

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with technique, group dynamics becoming exclusive, or interpretations becoming inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with full character commitment, show both basic and advanced versions, use students as examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Hold that proud posture!'
•'Show me your heroic focus!'
•'Make it bigger for your audience!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles, with viewing area for video work

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for turning and travelling movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Video equipment securely positioned away from movement area
•Music system cables safely routed or wireless
•Markers/cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements
•Loss of balance during turns and level changes
•Overexertion during energetic sequences
•Inappropriate movement interpretations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for individual and group work spaces
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Adequate rest periods between high-energy activities
•Teacher modelling of appropriate movement interpretations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during travelling movements
•Monitor group work for inclusion and appropriate behaviour
•Check individual students during technical skill practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, follow school protocols