Historical Storytelling Through Movement and Choreography
Dance
•Year 5
•5 Lessons
This unit uses World War 2 as a powerful context for developing advanced choreographic skills and emotional expression through dance. Students explore how movement can communicate historical narratives, emotions and personal responses to significant events, making meaningful connections between history and creative expression. The unit balances technical dance development with sensitivity to historical content, fostering empathy and deeper understanding through embodied learning.
Lessons in This Unit
5 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can dance movements tell the story of historical events and help us understand the past?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop a 48-64 count motif demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
- • To create imaginative actions based on World War 2 themed vocabulary
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we transform static wartime actions into creative travelling movements that tell a story?
Key Objectives:
- • To creatively change static actions into travelling movements
- • To demonstrate different levels, pathways and directions when travelling
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use poetry and movement to tell the story of World War 2 through dance?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop creative movement inspired by World War 2 poetry
- • To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in pairs
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we use chance choreography to create powerful dance sequences that tell the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To work effectively in groups of 4 using chance choreography techniques
- • To demonstrate creative use of canon, unison, mirror image, and formation changes
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we work collaboratively to create and refine a meaningful dance performance that tells the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To work collaboratively in groups, demonstrating excellent cooperation skills and providing constructive peer feedback
- • To complete our chance choreography section using choreographic devices including canon and formation changes