Lesson 5 - Partner Contact & Attacks
Conflict & Character Narratives
•Year 6
•Dance
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How can we use dynamic attacking movements to tell a story of conflict and resolution through dance?
Learning Objectives
- To copy and perform attacking movements with control and precision
- To develop movement sequences that create contact with a partner
- To explore the use of dynamics to communicate conflict and attack through dance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate attacking movements inspired by West Side Story with sharp, strong dynamics
- Students will create partner contact phrases showing conflict between opposing gangs
- Students will perform developed sequences with appropriate use of space and dynamics
Equipment & Resources Required
Position where all students can hear clearly
Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker
Cue up appropriate tracks for attacking movements
Alternative: Any dramatic, rhythmic music suitable for conflict themes
Prepare video clip 0:37-1:36 for demonstration
Alternative: Images of contemporary dance showing conflict
Mark performance areas and safe boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags or spots
Key Vocabulary
Sharp, aggressive dance actions that suggest conflict or battle
Dance movements where partners interact through touch, resistance or shared weight
The quality of movement including speed, force, flow and weight
One dancer copies exactly what another dancer is doing as if looking in a mirror
A sequence of movements that has a clear beginning, middle and end
The two rival gangs from West Side Story musical
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dance movements and travelling steps
- Understanding of dynamics in movement
- Experience working cooperatively with partners
- Previous West Side Story dance sequences
Current Skills
- Attacking movements with strong dynamics
- Partner contact work and mirroring
- Creating conflict through movement
- Developing sequences with others
Next Steps
- Combining contact work with group choreography
- Advanced partner lifts and contact improvisation
- Creating complete dance narratives with beginning, middle and end
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sharp, strong dynamics are essential for attacking movements to be effective
- Safety must be maintained even when creating illusion of conflict
- Partner work requires constant communication and mutual respect
- Movements should look dangerous but be completely safe
- Connection to West Side Story story and characters enhances meaning
- Performance quality improves with commitment to character and enlarged movements
- Professional dance examples provide inspiration and standards to aspire to
Common Misconceptions
- That aggressive movements mean actual aggression - emphasise this is dance performance
- That partner contact work means students should actually touch - stress illusion over contact
- That attacking movements should be rushed - teach control and precision
- That only boys can be effective at attacking movements - ensure all students engage fully
- That dance fighting isn't 'real' dance - connect to professional contemporary dance examples
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- High-energy content suits needs, clear boundaries and expectations, regular change of activity
dyspraxia
- Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, supportive partner pairings
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet space available, predictable partner pairings
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of video content, partner guidance for spatial awareness, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, written instructions displayed, vibrations to feel music rhythm
physical disability
- Seated attacking movements using arms and upper body, adapted partner work focusing on possible movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Narrative structure and conflict in literature, vocabulary development around dynamics and movement
History
1950s America and social tensions reflected in West Side Story
Music
Rhythm and musical theatre, listening to West Side Story soundtrack
PSHE
Managing conflict appropriately, cooperation and teamwork skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all partnerships, mobile to provide individual support
Observation Focus
Partner safety and cooperation, quality of attacking dynamics, engagement with conflict theme
Intervention Points
Step in if actual aggression develops, support partnerships struggling with cooperation, enhance movement quality through individual coaching
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear contrasts between sharp/smooth dynamics, safe partner positioning, professional dance examples from video
Verbal Cues
- •'Sharp and strong like a real attack!'
- •'Stay safe but make it look dangerous!'
- •'React to your partner's movements!'
- •'Big movements for your audience!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall space minimum 10m x 15m, clear of obstacles and furniture
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clean and dry, suitable for dynamic movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music system positioned safely away from movement area
- •Video screen/projector at safe viewing distance
- •Any boundary markers placed securely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between partners during attacking movements
- •Actual contact during 'fighting' sequences
- •Overexertion during dynamic movement
- •Inappropriate aggressive behaviour rather than controlled dance
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for partner work
- •Emphasis on illusion of contact rather than actual contact
- •Progressive building of intensity
- •Constant monitoring of emotional tone and behaviour
- •Clear distinction between dance performance and real aggression
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all partner work clearly
- •Monitor emotional temperature of room
- •Intervene immediately if movements become actually aggressive
- •Ensure adequate space maintained between pairs
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any aggression occurs, first aid available for any dynamic movement injuries