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Lesson 2 - Partner Lifts & Space

Cultural & Contemporary Expression

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Year 6

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Dance

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52 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To explore and apply contact relationships including partner lifts in dance
To develop movement phrases incorporating at least two relationships and spatial elements
To demonstrate trust, communication and cooperation when performing with a partner

Key Outcomes

Students will safely perform a partner lift with proper technique and support
Students will create a movement phrase combining actions, dynamics, relationships and spatial design
Students will evaluate and provide constructive feedback on dance performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout dance space

Alternative: Portable speaker with phone/tablet

Cones

8-12

Available for marking spatial designs and boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers, masking tape

Cards

1 set per pair

From previous lesson, green cards for actions, red for dynamics

Alternative: Written list on whiteboard

Score Sheets

1 per student

Include criteria for actions, dynamics, relationships, spatial design

Alternative: Simple observation checklist on whiteboard

Mats

4-6

For students who need extra confidence during lifting practice

Alternative: Soft surface area

Key Vocabulary

Duet

A dance performed by two people working together as partners

Contact work

Dance technique where dancers maintain physical connection through touch

Partner lift

One dancer supporting and lifting another dancer safely off the ground

Spatial design

The intentional use of space, levels, and pathways to create visual patterns in dance

Body tension

Controlled muscle engagement that helps maintain balance and support during lifts

Base

The partner who provides support and stability during lifting or contact work

Pendulum motion

A swinging movement used to generate momentum for lifting

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dance actions and dynamics vocabulary
Understanding of personal space and general space
Experience working with a partner in simple contact work
Ability to remember and perform short movement sequences

Current Skills

Safe partner lifting techniques with proper body mechanics
Creating movement phrases combining multiple dance elements
Using spatial design intentionally to enhance choreography
Developing trust and communication with dance partners

Next Steps

Advanced partnering including weight sharing and counterbalance
Group choreography with multiple relationships simultaneously
Using levels and pathways to create complex spatial designs
Developing personal choreographic style and artistic voice

Milestone Indicators

Consistent safe lifting technique with proper alignment

Seamless integration of relationships within movement phrases

Clear spatial awareness and intentional use of space

Confident performance showing artistic expression

Key Teaching Points

Safety is paramount in all partner lifting - technique before artistry always
Trust and communication are essential skills that transfer beyond dance
Spatial design enhances storytelling and creates visual interest for audiences
Every partnership will be different - celebrate unique solutions and interpretations
Partner work requires courage and vulnerability - acknowledge and support this
Smooth transitions are as important as the lift itself for artistic impact
Body tension and core engagement help both partners in successful lifting

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bigger students must always be the lifter - technique matters more than size
Believing lifts must be high to be impressive - control and artistry are more important
Assuming only 'strong' students can perform lifts - proper technique enables success for all
Focusing only on the lift while ignoring integration with the overall phrase
Thinking spatial design is just 'moving around' rather than purposeful choreographic choice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes between observation and activity, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Extra time for coordination development, simplified movement patterns, additional demonstration and practice time for technique

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if overwhelmed, predictable partner pairings

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all movements and spatial arrangements, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for spatial navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards available, visual signals for start/stop and timing

physical disability

Alternative roles in partner work such as coaching or spatial design, adapted contact work without lifting, wheelchair-accessible movement variations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Dance vocabulary development, describing movement and spatial concepts, peer assessment feedback using specific terminology

Maths

Counting beats and rhythm patterns, spatial geometry through formation changes, measuring angles and pathways in spatial design

Science

Forces and momentum in lifting, gravity and balance, body systems responding to physical activity, physics of pendulum motion

Art

Spatial design and visual composition, artistic expression through movement, understanding form and structure in creative work

PSHE

Trust building and communication, supporting others through challenges, celebrating diversity in creative expression, personal safety awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously during partner work to supervise all pairs, position for clear demonstration visibility during instruction

Observation Focus

Safety technique during all lifts, quality of partner communication, integration of lifts into artistic phrases, spatial awareness and design

Intervention Points

Immediate correction of unsafe lifting technique, support for pairs struggling with coordination, encouragement for nervous or hesitant students

Demonstration Notes

Use confident partner or teaching assistant for lift demonstrations, show incorrect technique followed by correct technique for clear contrast, repeat demonstrations as needed for understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees, lifter!'
•'Strong body, lifted partner!'
•'Feel the pendulum rhythm together'
•'Trust your partner and communicate clearly'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large clear space minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles, appropriate ceiling height for lifting

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface suitable for dance and lifting activities, no trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed safely around perimeter, not in movement pathways
•Optional mats checked for stability and appropriate placement
•Music system positioned to avoid cables in movement space

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during partner lifts
•Collision between pairs during practice
•Strain injuries from incorrect lifting technique
•Emotional distress from trust challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Extensive technique instruction before attempting lifts
•Clear spacing between pairs during practice
•Progressive skill building from positioning to pendulum to lifting
•Continuous supervision and immediate technique correction
•Allow students to opt for alternative activities if not comfortable

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all pairs during lifting practice
•Move continuously between pairs providing individual guidance
•Monitor for fatigue or loss of technique focus
•Watch for appropriate partner matching and communication

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate cessation of activity, first aid knowledge for potential strain or fall injuries, clear communication with school office if required