This unit challenges Year 6 students to master technical dance vocabulary - tension, extension, dynamics - whilst exploring two culturally distinct forms: the traditional Māori Haka and contemporary street dance. Students develop both physical prowess and cultural sensitivity as they learn to tell stories through powerful, intentional movement. The dual-focus structure allows students to experience how different dance traditions use the body to convey meaning, emotion and narrative.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Actions and Dynamics in Dance
1h 10min

Big Question:

How can we use tension, extension and dynamics to create powerful and expressive dance movements?

Key Objectives:

  • Use tension and extension to control body movements and perfect the technique of stag leap and rebound jump
  • Develop a simple sequence using actions and dynamics to create expressive dance phrases

Lesson 2

Partner Lifts & Space
52 min

Big Question:

How can we safely use physical contact and spatial design to create powerful dance performances that tell stories?

Key Objectives:

  • To explore and apply contact relationships including partner lifts in dance
  • To develop movement phrases incorporating at least two relationships and spatial elements

Lesson 3

Hakka Movement and Expression
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to create powerful, intimidating movements that tell a story of strength and tradition?

Key Objectives:

  • To remember and perform a simple phrase incorporating at least 3 actions
  • To use expression and power in dance movement

Lesson 4

Haka Dynamics and Performance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use powerful dynamics and formations to create an intimidating and culturally respectful Haka performance?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop a dance using an increased range of actions and dynamics appropriate for the Haka
  • To identify and apply appropriate dynamics and group formations for effective Haka performance

Lesson 5

Street Dance Freezes
1h

Big Question:

How can we use freeze frames and dynamic transitions to tell a story through street dance?

Key Objectives:

  • To perform basic street dance skills with accuracy and control
  • To develop a short sequence including street dance freeze frames and transitions

Lesson 6

Street Dance Performance
1h 3min

Big Question:

How can we use relationships and dynamics to create an exciting street dance performance that tells a story?

Key Objectives:

  • Develop a street dance using relationships in dance to perform Top Rock and Slide Step confidently with a partner
  • Work as part of a pair to compose a street dance performance incorporating multiple relationships