Victorian Circus: Movement, Character and Social Commentary
•Year 5
•Dance
•Position where all students can hear clearly, test volume before lesson
Alternative: Portable bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers
Have different tempo tracks ready for various activities
Alternative: Classical circus marches, upbeat instrumental music
Mark boundaries and group work areas around the hall perimeter
Alternative: Hoops, bean bags, tape marks
For recording circus character vocabulary and movement ideas
Alternative: Large paper and marker pens, flipchart
A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed
Showing emotion and character through facial expressions and body language
Smooth, continuous movement that connects different actions together
When dancers perform the same movement but start at different times
When all dancers perform movements at exactly the same time
The master of ceremonies who introduces circus acts and entertains the audience
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Descriptive vocabulary development, performance poetry links, narrative structure in choreography
Counting beats and timing, geometric shapes in balance positions, spatial patterns in group formations
Character design and costume concepts, colour and visual impact in performance, artistic expression through movement
Victorian era and 19th century entertainment, social history of circus performers, historical context of 1850s society
Rhythm and timing in performance, musical interpretation, circus march characteristics and tempo
Confidence building, teamwork and cooperation, empathy through character exploration, celebrating individual strengths
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during individual/group work, corner position for overview during performances
Character representation clarity, group cooperation, performance confidence, safety awareness
Step in when students need character development support, groups need structure guidance, or safety concerns arise
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, maintain circus atmosphere throughout, show both good examples and common errors for clarity
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for dance/movement activities
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, follow school procedures
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