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Lesson 3 - Formation and Narrative Expression

Conflict & Character Narratives

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Year 6

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Dance

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1h 11min

Big Question

How can formations and movement dynamics tell a powerful story without words?

Learning 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
Use formation to communicate relationships and tension between characters

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate precise formation work that enhances storytelling
Students will perform with appropriate dynamics and facial expression to convey character
Students will collaborate effectively to create a cohesive narrative dance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear audio throughout hall, test volume levels

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers

Clips

1 set

Cue up specific scenes: gang movement sequences and confrontation scenes

Alternative: Online streaming access, downloaded clips

Era Posters

8-10

Place around room perimeter at child height for clear visibility

Alternative: Laminated cards, digital displays

Worksheets

1 per group (5-6 sheets)

Include formation diagrams and reflection prompts

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablets for digital planning

Markers

Create clear group working areas and performance space boundaries

Alternative: Tape marks, chalk marks on floor

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The arrangement and positioning of dancers in space to create visual patterns and communicate meaning

Narrative

The story or sequence of events being told through dance movement

Dynamics

The quality of movement including speed, force, and energy used to convey meaning

Tension

The feeling of conflict or opposition between characters or groups, shown through body language and spacing

Floor Pattern

The pathway traced by dancers as they move across the floor space

Gang Identity

The unique characteristics and movements that define each group's personality

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of levels (high, middle, low) in dance
Experience working in groups and following simple formations
Knowledge of body actions: jump, fall, travel, stillness, gesture, turn

Current Skills

Advanced formation work to communicate narrative
Use of dynamics and facial expression to convey character
Collaborative choreography with tension and relationships

Next Steps

Complex narrative choreography with multiple scene changes
Advanced partner and group interaction techniques
Performance skills with costume and props

Milestone Indicators

Formations clearly enhance the storytelling rather than just looking decorative

Movement quality shows distinct character differences between groups

Groups can maintain formations while moving dynamically

Key Teaching Points

Formations are storytelling tools, not just decorative arrangements
Space between groups communicates relationships and tension
Body language and facial expression remain important even in formation work
Collaborative decision-making strengthens group choreography
Professional dance can inspire and inform student creativity
Technical precision supports artistic expression
Performance confidence grows through structured practice and positive feedback

Common Misconceptions

Formations are just about making pretty shapes - correct by emphasising narrative purpose
Only the movements matter, not where you stand - show how spacing affects meaning
Gang conflict means being actually aggressive - emphasise controlled, theatrical expression
Formation work is too difficult for primary students - provide scaffolded progression
Dance is only about individual expression - demonstrate power of group storytelling
Professional dancers' work is too advanced to learn from - break down accessible elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries for group work areas, opportunities for movement throughout, explicit behaviour expectations for group work

dyspraxia

Simplified formation patterns, additional practice time, peer support within groups, alternative demonstration methods, celebration of effort over precision

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, preparation for performance showcase

visual impairment

Use tactile formation markers, verbal description of formation shapes, buddy system for spatial orientation, clear verbal cues for all movement

hearing impairment

Visual formation cards, clear demonstration of all movements, sign language for key terms if applicable, visual signals for timing

physical disability

Adapted formations that include wheelchair users, modified movements focusing on upper body or possible range, alternative roles such as director or narrator

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Narrative structure, character development, storytelling techniques, descriptive language for movement qualities

Art

Visual composition, use of space and form, symbolic representation through positioning

History

1950s American culture, social tensions, musical theatre development

PSHE

Conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership skills, respect for different perspectives

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate actively during group work, central position for demonstrations, side position during performances for clear viewing

Observation Focus

Formation precision, narrative connection, group collaboration, safety during complex movements

Intervention Points

Step in if formations become unsafe, if groups struggle with decision-making, if role-play becomes too aggressive

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate formation examples, break down complex movements into teachable chunks, model positive peer feedback language

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your gang attitude through your formation!'
•'How does this formation help tell your story?'
•'Keep your formations strong while you move!'
•'What does your body language tell the audience?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, additional areas for group work, performance space marked clearly

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface essential for complex movement and formation changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all formation posters securely attached to walls
•Ensure music system cables don't create trip hazards
•Planning sheets and pencils managed safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during formation changes
•Falls during backwards travelling movements
•Overexcitement during gang role-play leading to actual conflict
•Trips during complex floor patterns

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each group's working area
•Emphasis on controlled movement throughout
•Teacher monitoring of gang role-play to ensure it remains dramatic not aggressive
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex formations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during formation practice
•Monitor closely during backwards travelling sequences
•Circulate during group work to catch potential conflicts early
•Extra attention during performance showcase for audience safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid access clear, incident reporting procedures known