Cultural & Contemporary Expression
Dance
•Year 6
•6 Lessons
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
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
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
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
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
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
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