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Lesson 3 - Pairs Choreography - Mirror Image and Levels

Storytelling Through Movement: World War 2 Dance Narratives

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Year 6

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use mirror image and changes in level to bring World War 2 stories to life through dance?

Learning Objectives

To develop creative pairs choreography using poems as inspiration
To incorporate mirror image, changes in level and direction into dance sequences
To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in dance partnerships

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 16-32 count pairs section incorporating their poems
Students will successfully use mirror image techniques with a partner
Students will combine individual, travelling and pairs sections into a complete dance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Test volume levels - clear enough for instruction but not overwhelming

Alternative: Portable speaker with device, recorded music

World War II Themed Music

Multiple tracks

Have tracks ready to play, know start/stop points

Alternative: American Patrol, Dam Busters, wartime era music

Poems

1 per student

Ensure all students have access to their written work from previous lessons

Alternative: Printed copies if students forgot originals

Markers

8-12

Mark performance area and safe boundaries

Alternative: Spots, bean bags for area definition

Key Vocabulary

Mirror Image

One dancer leads whilst the other copies their movements exactly, as if looking in a mirror

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into sequences

Levels

The height at which movements are performed - high, middle, or low

Count

The beat or timing used to structure dance movements

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated or developed

Synchronisation

Performing movements at exactly the same time as your partner

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of basic dance movements and travelling
Experience with individual motifs and travelling sections
Knowledge of World War 2 themes and historical context
Basic partner work and following simple instructions

Current Skills

Mirror image technique with precise timing
Creative interpretation of poetry through movement
Choreographic composition using multiple devices
Partner communication and collaboration skills

Next Steps

Advanced partner lifts and contact work
Complex group choreography and formations
Performance quality and audience engagement
Creative composition using multiple stimuli

Milestone Indicators

Students can maintain perfect mirror image for 8+ counts

Movements clearly reflect the chosen poem's content

Smooth transitions between levels and directions

Confident performance of complete dance sequence

Key Teaching Points

Mirror image must be exact - left becomes right, movements perfectly synchronized
Creative interpretation should connect clearly to poem content and meaning
All three technical requirements (mirror, levels, direction) must be meaningfully included
Partnership skills are as important as dance technique
Complete dance should tell a coherent story from individual through to pairs work
Performance energy and commitment enhance the storytelling aspect
Feedback should be specific, positive, and connected to learning objectives

Common Misconceptions

Mirror image means copying the same side (not true - must be true mirror reflection)
Level changes can be random additions (should enhance narrative meaning)
Choreography is just linking movements together (must serve creative interpretation)
Partner work means one person leads throughout (should involve shared creative responsibility)
Technical requirements are separate from creative content (should be integrated meaningfully)
Performance is about perfect technique (expression and storytelling equally important)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice segments with regular feedback, clear role definitions in partnerships, movement breaks between sitting activities

dyspraxia

Simplified choreographic patterns, additional practice time, buddy support system, focus on creative expression over technical precision

autism spectrum

Clear structure and predictable progression, visual schedules for lesson phases, quiet reflection spaces available

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for mirror image work, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations prominent, vibration cues for music, clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted movements for different mobility levels, seated or supported versions of activities, focus on achievable elements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry analysis, creative interpretation, vocabulary development, speaking and listening skills

Art

Creative expression, composition principles, translating visual imagery into physical form

History

World War 2 context, historical empathy, understanding of wartime experiences and emotions

Music

Rhythm and timing, responding to musical mood and style, performance skills

PSHE

Collaboration skills, empathy, communication, confidence building, respect for others' creativity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during practice, central position for demonstrations, close proximity during partner allocation

Observation Focus

Watch for genuine collaboration, creative risk-taking, and inclusion of technical requirements

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships become unbalanced, provide support for struggling creative interpretation, ensure all students included

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technical elements, show both good and improved versions, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your mirror image accuracy!'
•'Where's your level change?'
•'I can see your poem's story in that movement!'
•'Count together - 1, 2, 3, 4!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 15m clear space, suitable for 30 students in pairs

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Poems stored safely when not in use
•Any boundary markers stable and low-profile

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during travelling sections
•Falls during level changes or directional movements
•Overexertion during sustained creative work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spatial awareness emphasised
•Progressive introduction of technical elements
•Regular breaks and cool-down period included
•Partner support system for challenging movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pairs during practice
•Circulate during exploration phase to monitor collaboration
•Monitor energy levels and provide breaks as needed

Emergency Procedures

Standard first aid procedures, clear access routes maintained, know location of nearest trained first aider