Storytelling Through Movement: World War 2 Dance Narratives
Dance
•Year 6
•6 Lessons
This unit enables Year 6 students to explore the profound human experiences of World War 2 through expressive dance and choreographic techniques. By combining historical understanding with physical storytelling, students develop both their technical dance skills and their capacity to communicate complex emotions and narratives through movement. The cross-curricular approach deepens historical empathy whilst building sophisticated choreographic abilities appropriate for upper Key Stage 2.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we use our bodies to tell the powerful stories of World War 2 through dance and movement?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop a 48-64 count motif based on World War 2 themes
- • To translate historical knowledge into creative movement and expression
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we transform static wartime actions into powerful travelling dance movements that tell the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To creatively change static actions into travelling movements with purpose and expression
- • To demonstrate use of different levels, pathways and directions when travelling
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use mirror image and changes in level to bring World War 2 stories to life through dance?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop creative pairs choreography using poems as inspiration
- • To incorporate mirror image, changes in level and direction into dance sequences
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we use random elements to create meaningful dance that tells the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To work collaboratively in groups demonstrating effective cooperation skills
- • To apply chance choreography techniques creatively to develop dance sequences
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we use choreographic devices and cooperation skills to create a powerful performance that tells the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To work collaboratively in groups, demonstrating excellent cooperation skills and providing constructive peer feedback
- • To use chance choreography sheets effectively to complete our group dance sections
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we evaluate and improve our World War 2 dance performances using technical language and feedback?
Key Objectives:
- • To evaluate dance performances using technical vocabulary and criteria
- • To provide constructive feedback to peers using dance terminology