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Lesson 1 - Rio Carnival Dance - Technical Control and Rhythm

Brazilian Carnival: Authentic Samba Performance and Cultural Expression

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Year 6

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we move like excellent carnival dancers while working together to create our own Samba school?

Learning Objectives

To create group movements selecting and applying choreography into a carnival routine
To use bodies to perform technical movements with control and rhythm
To work effectively in Samba school groups to devise creative dance sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will perform carnival movements with technical control and clear rhythm
Students will create and perform original Samba school introductory sequences
Students will evaluate and improve performances using specific dance criteria

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear sound coverage across dance space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, phone with amplification

Samba/Carnival Music Playlist

Test volume levels and have backup ready

Alternative: YouTube carnival playlist, Spotify Brazilian music

Drum

Use for rhythm instruction and tempo control

Alternative: Tambourine, rhythm sticks, clapping

Coloured Scarves

30 (optional)

Stored safely when not in use to avoid tripping

Alternative: Streamers, fabric strips, pom-poms

Video Device

Pre-load Rio Carnival video clips for context

Alternative: Laptop, tablet, interactive whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Samba

A Brazilian dance style with quick, rhythmical movements and strong beat

Carnival

A festival celebration with music, dancing, and colourful costumes

Samba School

Groups of dancers who perform together in carnival parades

Canon

Dance movements performed one after another, like a round in music

Unison

All dancers performing the same movement at exactly the same time

Technical Control

Precise, controlled body movements that look polished and skilled

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dance movements and rhythm following
Simple group work and cooperation skills
Understanding of performance and audience awareness

Current Skills

Technical carnival movement control
Creative choreography development
Group performance and evaluation skills

Next Steps

Complex carnival routines with costume integration
Advanced Samba techniques and formations
Student-led choreography and teaching

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rhythm maintenance throughout sequences

Clear creative interpretation of Samba school themes

Effective peer feedback and performance improvement

Key Teaching Points

Rhythm is the foundation - everything connects to the beat
Carnival spirit means high energy with controlled technique
Group identity (Samba schools) creates purpose and collaboration
Creative interpretation should connect clearly to chosen themes
Feedback focuses on specific dance elements, not general comments
Technical control means precise movements, not wild energy
Cultural respect for Brazilian carnival traditions throughout

Common Misconceptions

Carnival dancing is just wild movement - emphasise controlled technique
All movements must be synchronised - introduce canon as deliberate choice
Louder music means better dancing - focus on internal rhythm connection
Complex movements are always better - stress clarity over complexity
Feedback should only mention problems - teach positive observation skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear movement boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement, varied activity types, leadership opportunities within groups

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, breakdown of complex sequences, supportive group placement

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable group formations

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for positioning, strong rhythmic audio cues, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual rhythm demonstrations, vibration for beat awareness, clear visual signals for instructions, written/pictorial group names

physical disability

Seated carnival movements, upper body focus, adaptive rhythm instruments, modified group formations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, description skills, creative writing about carnival experiences

Art

Costume design, colour symbolism in carnival, visual arts in Brazilian culture

Geography

Brazil location, Rio de Janeiro, South American culture and carnival traditions

History

Origins of carnival, cultural development and significance of Samba

Music

Rhythm, beat, tempo, Brazilian musical styles and cultural traditions

PSHE

Teamwork, cultural appreciation, confidence building, peer support and constructive feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during whole-class activities, circulate during group work for support and assessment

Observation Focus

Watch for rhythm accuracy, group cooperation, creative expression, and technical control development

Intervention Points

Step in if groups struggle with collaboration, provide technical support for dance concepts, ensure inclusive participation

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate with full carnival energy and technical accuracy, involve students in demonstrations to build confidence

Verbal Cues

•'Feel the rhythm in your whole body!'
•'Show me your carnival spirit!'
•'Work together like a real Samba school!'
•'Control those movements - precision and energy!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 12m clear space, suitable for energetic movement and group formations

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for carnival footwork, check for any wet areas or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Test music system volume levels to prevent hearing damage
•Ensure any props (scarves/ribbons) are stored safely when not in use
•Check video display equipment is secure and cables managed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during energetic carnival movement
•Overexertion during high-energy dance sections
•Trips or falls during group formations
•Emotional upset from performance pressure or peer feedback

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Progressive building of energy levels with proper warm-up
•Positive feedback culture established early
•Teacher monitoring of group dynamics and inclusion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during simultaneous work
•Monitor high-energy sections closely for overexertion
•Circulate during group work to ensure positive collaboration
•Watch for signs of fatigue or stress during performance sections

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure other students are safely seated away from incident area