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Lesson 3 - Mirror Image Interpretation

WWII Dance Storytelling

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Year 7

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Dance

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1h 17min

Big Question

How can we use poetry as inspiration to create expressive dance movements that tell a story through our bodies?

Learning 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
To incorporate mirror image, level changes, and directional changes into a cohesive dance sequence

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 16-32 count pairs dance section inspired by their World War 2 poetry
Students will demonstrate accurate mirror image technique with a partner
Students will perform their complete dance sequence combining individual motifs, travelling sections, and pairs work

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position centrally for clear audio throughout hall

Alternative: Portable speaker with phone/tablet connection

American Patrol Music Track

1 audio file

Cued and ready to play for warm-up section

Alternative: Any upbeat World War 2 era music for warm-up activities

The Dam Busters Music Track

1 audio file

Cued and ready for final performance section

Alternative: Any atmospheric World War 2 film music for performance

Poems

1 per student

Students should have copies accessible during skill development

Alternative: Teacher-provided war poetry extracts if homework not completed

Sun Markers

8-10 cones

Mark clear performance spaces for pairs work

Alternative: Chalk marks or tape to define performance areas

Key Vocabulary

Mirror image

Performing exact opposite movements to your partner, as if looking in a mirror

Stimulus

The inspiration or starting point for creating dance movement, in this case poetry

Choreography

The art of designing and arranging dance movements into a sequence

Poetry interpretation

Translating the meaning, mood, and imagery of poetry into physical movement

Spatial awareness

Understanding your position in space relative to your partner and the room

Count structure

The rhythmic framework that organises dance movements, typically in groups of 8

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of levels, pathways and directions in dance from previous lessons
Individual motif creation and performance from week 1
Travelling section development from week 2
Written World War 2 poetry completed as homework

Current Skills

Mirror image technique and spatial awareness
Creative interpretation of literary stimulus
Partner collaboration and communication
Seamless transition between dance sections

Next Steps

Group choreography incorporating multiple pairs
Advanced compositional skills including canon and unison
Performance skills including projection and expression
Critical evaluation of own and others' creative work

Milestone Indicators

Accurate mirror image with precise timing

Clear connection between poetry content and movement choices

Smooth integration of individual and pairs sections

Confident performance with appropriate expression

Key Teaching Points

Mirror image means exact opposite movements - demonstrate clearly with emphasis on spatial relationships
Creative interpretation should connect genuinely to poetry content but doesn't need to be literal representation
Partnership communication is essential - encourage verbal and non-verbal dialogue during creation
Level changes must be dramatic enough for audience to clearly observe the variation
Direction changes should involve actual travel through space, not just facing different ways
Performance quality transforms technique into artistic expression - encourage commitment and storytelling
Feedback should be specific and constructive, using appropriate dance vocabulary to build learning

Common Misconceptions

Mirror image confusion - students often copy instead of reflecting movements; correct by emphasising 'opposite sides'
Poetry interpretation too literal - encourage abstract emotional responses rather than acting out specific events
Level changes too subtle - demonstrate that changes should be clearly visible from high to medium to low positions
Losing partnership connection - remind students that mirror work requires constant visual and spatial awareness of partner
Performance versus practice - help students understand difference between rehearsal mode and full performance commitment
Creative work has 'wrong' answers - reassure students that multiple interpretations of poetry are valid and valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break choreography into shorter sections, provide regular movement breaks, use partner support for focus, allow different expression of creativity if sitting difficult

dyspraxia

Simplify mirror patterns initially, provide additional practice time, use verbal cues alongside visual, break down complex movements into smaller components

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer visual schedule of lesson sections, allow processing time for creative tasks, provide quiet space if needed for overwhelm

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of mirror movements, physical guidance for positioning, partner with sighted student for support, describe spatial relationships clearly

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations for all instructions, provide written poetry if audio not accessible, use visual cues for music timing, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt mirror work for seated position, modify level changes to achievable range, adjust spatial requirements, provide alternative movement vocabulary

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry analysis and interpretation, creative writing themes, understanding historical context through literature, expressive communication through alternative medium

Art

Visual interpretation of themes, composition and structure in creative work, artistic expression and communication

History

World War 2 context and themes, understanding civilian and military experiences, exploring emotional impact of historical events

PSHE

Collaboration and teamwork skills, building confidence through performance, empathy and understanding different perspectives, emotional literacy through creative expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during partner work to observe all pairs, position centrally during whole-group discussions and demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for mirror technique accuracy, safe execution of level and direction changes, quality of partnership communication and creative risk-taking

Intervention Points

Step in if mirror technique is incorrect, partnerships are struggling with communication, movements become unsafe, or students show distress with war content

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for mirror technique, emphasise slow pace for teaching, demonstrate with confident student volunteer when possible, show artistic expression as well as technical accuracy

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite arms - if they go right, you go left!'
•'Show me those level changes - high, medium, low!'
•'Travel through space together while staying connected!'
•'Let your poetry inspire your movement choices!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall space 15m x 20m with clear floor free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for arm extensions

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip dance floor or hall surface, free from any water, dust, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from movement area with secure cable management
•Volume levels appropriate - audible but not damaging to hearing
•Emergency stop accessible on music system

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during travelling sequences
•Falls during level changes or direction changes
•Overexertion during sustained choreographic work
•Emotional distress from war poetry content

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
•Emphasis on controlled movement during level changes
•Regular monitoring of student energy levels and hydration needs
•Sensitive handling of war themes with support available for affected students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during mirror work for safety and accuracy
•Monitor high-activity areas during travelling sequences
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration during challenging choreographic work
•Be alert to emotional responses during poetry sharing

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students continue safely under instruction