Victorian Life Through Creative Dance and Choreography
Dance
•Year 6
•6 Lessons
This unit uses Victorian history as a rich stimulus for developing sophisticated choreographic skills in Year 6 students. By blending historical knowledge with dance composition techniques, students explore how movement can communicate stories, emotions, and social contexts from the past. The progressive introduction of chance choreography methods challenges students to think creatively whilst developing collaboration, evaluation, and performance skills essential for upper Key Stage 2.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we bring Victorian history to life through dance and movement?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop a collaborative 48-64 count Victorian-themed motif
- • To translate historical knowledge into creative movement and actions
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we transform static Victorian character actions into dynamic travelling movements that tell a story?
Key Objectives:
- • To creatively change static actions into travelling movements
- • To demonstrate different levels, pathways and directions when travelling
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use poetry to inspire movement and create meaningful dance partnerships?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop a 16-32 count partner section using Victorian poetry as stimulus
- • To incorporate mirror image techniques with changes in level and direction
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we use random elements and historical themes to create meaningful dance sequences that tell stories of Victorian life?
Key Objectives:
- • To work collaboratively in small groups demonstrating excellent cooperation skills
- • To use chance choreography techniques creatively to develop dance sequences
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we use chance choreography and collaborative skills to create a powerful Victorian-themed dance performance?
Key Objectives:
- • To work effectively in groups showing excellent cooperation skills and provide constructive peer feedback
- • To use chance choreography techniques to create original movement sequences
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we use evaluation skills to improve our performance and help others develop their dance abilities?
Key Objectives:
- • To understand the key elements that make a high-quality dance performance
- • To give constructive feedback using appropriate dance vocabulary and technical language