Victorian Circus: Movement, Character and Social Commentary
Dance
•Year 5
•6 Lessons
This unit uses the historical context of 1850s circus life to explore complex themes of social inequality, prejudice and transformation through expressive dance. Students develop characterisation skills whilst examining how Victorian society marginalised circus performers, creating meaningful connections between movement vocabulary and historical understanding. The cross-curricular approach deepens both artistic expression and empathy, culminating in collaborative performance that tells powerful stories of outsiders and acceptance.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can movement tell the story of social inequality and transformation in Victorian society?
Key Objectives:
- • To explore the social divide and prejudices that existed in 19th century society through expressive movement
- • To develop creative movement sequences that represent character transformation
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can movement and expression help us understand the prejudices faced by circus performers in 1850s society?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop character movements that reflect 19th Century social attitudes towards 'outcasts'
- • To create and perform movement motifs with clear changes in level and speed
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use movement and expression to bring 19th century circus characters to life?
Key Objectives:
- • Create expressive movements that represent different circus performers from the 1850s
- • Explore the role of a ringmaster through movement and character work
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we use movement, character and timing to create a captivating circus performance that tells a story?
Key Objectives:
- • To create and perform character-specific movements representing different circus performers
- • To combine individual motifs into a cohesive group performance using canon and unison
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can props and apparatus transform our circus performance and help us embody different characters?
Key Objectives:
- • To consolidate circus performance skills using props and apparatus to extend characterisation
- • To incorporate changes of level and speed into circus sequences
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we bring our circus characters to life through dance performance and help others improve their artistic expression?
Key Objectives:
- • To finalise and perform circus dance routines with clear characterisation and stage presence
- • To evaluate peer performances using specific dance criteria including timing, rhythm and emotional expression