WWII Dance Storytelling
Dance
•Year 7
•6 Lessons
This unit uses World War II as a powerful historical lens to develop expressive dance skills and emotional literacy. Students explore how movement, space, and choreographic devices can communicate complex stories and emotions from one of history's most significant periods. Through progressive exploration of dance elements and creative techniques, students develop both technical skill and the ability to translate historical understanding into compelling physical performance.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we use dance to tell the stories and capture the emotions of World War II?
Key Objectives:
- • To develop knowledge of World War II through movement and dance
- • To create a 48-64 count dance motif based on historical themes
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we transform simple actions into dynamic travelling sequences that tell the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To turn 3-4 actions into a travelling section using changes in level, pathway and direction
- • To demonstrate creative use of space and dynamics in movement
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can we use poetry as inspiration to create expressive dance movements that tell a story through our bodies?
Key Objectives:
- • To creatively interpret World War 2 poetry through dance movement using mirror image technique
- • To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills during partner choreography
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can we use random selection to create powerful dance sequences that tell the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To work collaboratively in groups showing excellent cooperation and communication skills
- • To use chance choreography as a creative tool for dance composition
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can we use chance choreography techniques to create a powerful group performance that tells the story of World War 2?
Key Objectives:
- • To demonstrate effective cooperation skills while working in groups and provide constructive peer feedback
- • To complete group choreography using chance choreography sheets and performance structure
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we use feedback and self-reflection to transform our dancing from practice to performance excellence?
Key Objectives:
- • To understand and demonstrate what makes a high-quality dance performance
- • To provide constructive, specific feedback to peers using dance vocabulary