Conflict & Character Narratives
Dance
•Year 6
•6 Lessons
This unit challenges Year 6 students to create sophisticated narrative dances exploring themes of rivalry, conflict and resolution through the lens of gang culture and opposition. Using drama-inspired techniques, students develop advanced composition skills including contrast, formations and partner contact work, whilst building confidence in expressive performance. The unit culminates in polished group performances that integrate movement, self-created soundscapes and theatrical expression.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we use dance movements and gestures to tell stories about different characters and themes?
Key Objectives:
- • To describe how dance actions communicate the theme of gangs through movement and gesture
- • To perform specific dance actions that effectively communicate character and mood
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can contrast and group devices help us tell stories of rivalry and opposition through movement?
Key Objectives:
- • To understand and apply the concept of contrast in dance
- • To explore and use group devices (canon, contrast, variation) effectively
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can formations and movement dynamics tell a powerful story without words?
Key Objectives:
- • Perform clear shapes and actions as part of a team to communicate a narrative
- • Create varied dance movements in a group to communicate a narrative
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we create our own sounds to enhance dance performance and tell a story through movement?
Key Objectives:
- • To copy and perform a live aural setting pattern using claps, stamps and slaps
- • To create and perform their own live aural setting with accompanying movements
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we use dynamic attacking movements to tell a story of conflict and resolution through dance?
Key Objectives:
- • To copy and perform attacking movements with control and precision
- • To develop movement sequences that create contact with a partner
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we use facial expression, dynamics and focus to bring our gang dance stories to life?
Key Objectives:
- • Use facial expression, dynamics and focus to show performance qualities and communicate character and narrative in gang dance
- • Work effectively with others to improve movement quality and create cohesive group performances