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Lesson 8 - Anti-Bullying Stories Through Dance

Dance as Communication & Advocacy

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Year 6

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Dance

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1h 16min

Big Question

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

Track

1 track

Test sound system before lesson, ensure volume allows for verbal instruction

Alternative: Instrumental music with clear beats, or percussion instruments

Beats Audio

1 track

Should have clear, steady beat for timing warm-up activities

Alternative: Metronome app, drum beats, or counting aloud

Cones

8-12

Mark corners and boundaries of performance space

Alternative: Coloured bibs, chalk marks, or masking tape

Sun Markers

1 set

For recording key vocabulary and dance terminology

Alternative: Flip chart, tablet for displaying, or pre-made cards

Key Vocabulary

Canon

A compositional device where movements are performed by different dancers at different times, creating a ripple effect

Unison

All dancers performing the same movements at exactly the same time

Formation

The arrangement and positioning of dancers in space

Dynamics

The quality of movement including force, speed, and energy levels

Composition

The process of creating and structuring a dance piece

Narrative

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

Clear character differentiation through movement quality

Effective use of group formations to support storytelling

Sustained concentration during 24-count sequences

Constructive peer feedback using dance terminology

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