Brazilian Carnival: Authentic Samba Performance and Cultural Expression
Dance
•Year 6
•6 Lessons
This unit immerses Year 6 students in Brazilian carnival culture through authentic Samba dance, combining technical skill development with cultural appreciation and creative expression. Students progress from learning fundamental rhythmic patterns to creating and performing their own Samba school choreography, developing both physical control and cultural understanding. The unit celebrates diversity and heritage whilst building confidence in performance, collaboration, and artistic interpretation.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we move like excellent carnival dancers while working together to create our own Samba school?
Key Objectives:
- • To create group movements selecting and applying choreography into a carnival routine
- • To use bodies to perform technical movements with control and rhythm
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we use our bodies to create rhythmic patterns that tell the story of a Samba school?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop group movements by selecting and applying choreography into a routine
- • To use bodies to perform technical movements with control and rhythm
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use our understanding of rhythm and cultural movement to create an authentic Samba performance that celebrates Brazilian heritage?
Key Objectives:
- • Learn fundamental Samba steps including the basic 'step-ball-change' technique
- • Create improvised movement patterns that reflect Brazilian Samba style and rhythm
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we create and perform authentic Samba choreography that celebrates Brazilian carnival culture?
Key Objectives:
- • To consolidate and extend Samba sequences using compositional principles
- • To perform Samba choreography with accuracy, fluency and high energy
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we combine still imagery with choreographed movement to create a spectacular carnival performance?
Key Objectives:
- • To rehearse and perform dance sequences with technical control and rhythm
- • To create collaborative still images representing Rio de Janeiro's skyline
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we perform like excellent dancers and celebrate our creative journey?
Key Objectives:
- • To perform carnival dance sequences with technical control and rhythmic accuracy
- • To demonstrate leadership skills and evaluate dance performances using specific criteria