Lesson 8 - Anti-Bullying Stories Through Dance
Dance as Communication & Advocacy
•Year 6
•Dance
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How can we use dance to tell powerful stories about standing up to bullying without using any words?
Learning Objectives
- To communicate an anti-bullying story through dance movements and composition
- To apply compositional principles including formations, canon and unison effectively
- To work collaboratively to create and perform a meaningful dance narrative
Key Outcomes
- Students will create a 24-count dance that clearly conveys an anti-bullying story
- Students will demonstrate understanding of dance composition through use of formations, canon and unison
- Students will provide constructive feedback using appropriate dance terminology
Equipment & Resources Required
Test sound system before lesson, ensure volume allows for verbal instruction
Alternative: Instrumental music with clear beats, or percussion instruments
Should have clear, steady beat for timing warm-up activities
Alternative: Metronome app, drum beats, or counting aloud
Mark corners and boundaries of performance space
Alternative: Coloured bibs, chalk marks, or masking tape
For recording key vocabulary and dance terminology
Alternative: Flip chart, tablet for displaying, or pre-made cards
Key Vocabulary
A compositional device where movements are performed by different dancers at different times, creating a ripple effect
All dancers performing the same movements at exactly the same time
The arrangement and positioning of dancers in space
The quality of movement including force, speed, and energy levels
The process of creating and structuring a dance piece
A story or sequence of events told through dance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dance movements including slide, kick, turn, jump, step, spin
- Understanding of the three characters: bully, victim, bystander
- Experience working in small groups for creative tasks
- Basic understanding of rhythm and timing in movement
Current Skills
- Using dance to communicate stories and emotions
- Applying compositional principles including formations, canon and unison
- Creating extended dance sequences of 24+ counts
- Using contrasting dynamics to represent different characters
Next Steps
- Developing more complex narrative structures in dance
- Advanced use of space and levels in choreography
- Integration of props and costume elements
- Performance skills including projection and audience engagement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise dance interpretation over literal mime throughout all activities
- Use contrasting dynamics as the primary tool for character differentiation
- Apply formations, canon, and unison strategically to support storytelling purposes
- Maintain sensitive and positive approach to anti-bullying themes with focus on empowerment
- Encourage specific feedback using appropriate dance terminology
- Build sequences progressively from simple partner work to complex group choreography
- Connect learning to broader social messages about standing up to bullying
Common Misconceptions
- Dance storytelling is the same as acting or mime - clarify the difference between dance movement and literal representation
- All characters should move the same way - emphasise the importance of contrasting dynamics for different roles
- Formations are just pretty patterns - explain how spatial arrangements support storytelling and character relationships
- Canon and unison are just technical tricks - demonstrate how these techniques convey meaning about cooperation and conflict
- Anti-bullying stories must focus on negative outcomes - encourage positive, empowering narratives with constructive resolutions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks and changes of activity, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement for focus and collaboration, offer leadership roles to channel energy
dyspraxia
- Break down complex movement sequences into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, focus on expressive quality over technical precision, offer supportive partnering arrangements
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine for activities, offer quiet observation options if participation feels overwhelming, use social stories to prepare for anti-bullying themes, maintain predictable lesson flow
visual impairment
- Use tactile guidance for formations, provide detailed verbal descriptions of demonstrations, ensure audio cues are clear and consistent, assign supportive partners for spatial orientation
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions and story prompts, ensure student can see teacher and peer demonstrations clearly, use vibrations or visual cues for timing
physical disability
- Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on upper body expression and arm movements, modify formations to be inclusive, provide alternative ways to participate in storytelling
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Narrative structure, character development, non-verbal communication, performance skills and audience awareness
Art
Composition principles, visual design through formation, expression of emotions through movement, creative interpretation
Drama
Storytelling techniques, use of space and levels, character portrayal, ensemble work and improvisation skills
Music
Rhythm and timing, listening skills, interpretation of musical dynamics, coordination with sound accompaniment
PSHE
Anti-bullying awareness, empathy development, understanding of bystander responsibility, positive relationship building
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between groups during creation time, position centrally during demonstrations and performances for optimal visibility
Observation Focus
Monitor use of compositional elements, quality of group collaboration, appropriate handling of sensitive themes, and performance confidence
Intervention Points
Step in if group dynamics become negative, provide additional support for struggling choreographers, clarify technical concepts as needed
Demonstration Notes
Be prepared to demonstrate contrasting dynamics clearly, show formation examples with student volunteers, model appropriate feedback language and sensitivity
Verbal Cues
- •'Use your whole body to show the character's feelings'
- •'Make your formations help tell the story'
- •'Remember - dance movements, not mime!'
- •'Show the positive change in your story'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 10m clear space, preferably larger hall for group movement and performance viewing
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement without shoes or with appropriate dance footwear
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
- •Volume levels appropriate for instruction and safety communication
- •Boundary markers secure and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during group movement and formation changes
- •Slips during dynamic movements
- •Emotional distress from anti-bullying themes
- •Inappropriate physical contact during group work
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing guidelines established
- •Gradual build-up of movement intensity
- •Sensitive handling of bullying themes with positive focus
- •Clear expectations for appropriate physical interaction
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all groups during creation and performance
- •Monitor group dynamics for emotional and physical safety
- •Be available for immediate support during sensitive discussions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if emotional distress observed, first aid available for physical injuries, clear evacuation routes maintained